A Guide to Rum Point, Cayman Islands

Among vacationers who’ve been coming to Grand Cayman forever, there’s a whole faction that essentially camps out at Rum Point all day every day, and you’ll understand why as soon as you see the place. Tucked away, super low-key, and graced with a ridiculously photogenic pier—its perfectly weathered planks cutting a striking figure against the tranquil, turquoise surroundings—this beach is the ultimate spot for settling into a lounger or hammock between water-sports outings. Rum Point’s namesake booze—which used to wash ashore by the barrel, according to legend—is available in all manner of cocktails here, of course. But order at least one mudslide at its spiritual birthplace: the beach’s beloved Wreck Bar.

The Caymans have lots to offer including blow holes, hanging with stingrays and the commercial 7-mile beach. But our favorite is Rum Point with hammocks and great fish & chips.

Rum Point, which got its name when a shipwreck beached barrels of rum on the shoreline, can be identified by the hammocks in the trees, the long beautiful pier, and a collection of colorful beach bars and restaurants. Of course the soft sands are perfect for sunbathing, but it is also great under your feet during an invigorating game of beach volleyball. Wander through the palm trees to find the ideal hammock to take in the views and even drift into a mid-afternoon snooze. As the day starts to wind down, stop by the Wreck Bar for a bite to eat and a refreshing drink—the mudslide was invented here.

The islands are filled with excitement and adventure, so it comes as no surprise that there are restaurants that offer more than your average dining experience. With boats, wildlife, and the ocean so close, the options for entertainment are nearly endless. If you are staying in Seven Mile Beach, Rum Point—on the opposite end of Grand Cayman—is a must-visit. The best way to get there is to make a reservation at Rum Point Club Restaurant and take their restaurant’s complimentary ferry across the bay.

One of the best places to take in the incredible views of the beach is in a hammock slung between two tall trees. Rum Point, on the North Sound of Grand Cayman, hosts whimsical striped hammocks that are connected to towering Casuarina trees. Grab a punch from the Wreck Bar and find refuge as you sway in the shady shoreline. After a dive off the coast of Brac Reef in Cayman Brac, find someone to share one of the tandem hammocks found on the beachfront of Brac Reef Beach Resort, open to the public year round.

Among vacationers who’ve been coming to Grand Cayman seemingly forever, there’s a whole faction that essentially camps out at Rum Point all day every day, and you’ll understand why as soon as you see the place. Out of the way, super low-key and graced with a ridiculously photogenic pier—its perfectly weathered planks cutting a striking figure against the tranquil, turquoise surroundings—this beach is the ultimate spot for settling into a lounger or hammock and chilling out for a while.

It’s hard to pick a favorite memory from my trip to the Cayman Islands. Maybe it was jumping in the water at Stingray City. Maybe it was diving the USS Kittiwake. Or maybe it was taking in this view at Rum Point. We spent the morning paddling along the shore, stopping to point out starfish and jump in the warm blue water, and then, around lunchtime, dragged our kayaks ashore at Rum Point. We headed over to the Wreck Bar and Grill (a must when in Cayman!) and ordered a basket of conch fritters to munch on while relaxing in a nearby hammock. The soft lull of the waves and rocking of the hammock coaxed us into a light nap, but soon the heat of the afternoon had us up and running back into the turquoise waters to cool off. We swam out to a shallow sandbar and continued to soak up the view before hopping back in our kayaks and setting off for our next adventure.