What is Seven Mile Beach like?

Seven Mile Beach runs along Grand Cayman's west coast between George Town and West Bay. It's a long crescent of soft sand with generally calm water, and it's where most of the island's resorts and condos are.

How do I access Seven Mile Beach?

Beaches in the Cayman Islands have public access paths along the stretch. Public Beach and Governor's Beach are popular, and Cemetery Beach at the north end is known for snorkeling.

What can you do at Seven Mile Beach?

Swimming and paddleboarding on calm days; Snorkeling at Cemetery Reef; Sunset watching (it faces west); Dining at Camana Bay, just inland.

How do I get to Seven Mile Beach?

Public buses run along West Bay Road, and taxis are widely available. Many visitors rent a car; remember Cayman drives on the left.

Grand Cayman Car Rental: Driving on the Left, Permits, Costs and Tips

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Updated November 1, 2026

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Short answer: if you're staying outside Seven Mile Beach or want to explore East End and Rum Point, a rental car is the easiest way around Grand Cayman. Traffic drives on the left, there are many roundabouts, and rental companies issue the temporary visitor driving permit you need with your valid home license. Book early in peak season (mid-December to April).

Do you need a car?

Staying in	Car needed?	Why
Seven Mile Beach	Optional	Walkable stretches, taxis and the bus cover the beach corridor
George Town	Optional	Taxis and buses; car useful for day trips
West Bay	Helpful	Spread out; fewer taxis waiting
East End / North Side	Yes	Distances are longer and public transport is limited

Not sure where to base yourself? See where to stay in Grand Cayman.

Driving rules visitors should know

Drive on the left; most rentals are right-hand-drive, though some are left-hand-drive.
Give way to traffic already on a roundabout (coming from the right).
You need a valid driver's license from home plus a visitor's permit, which the rental company issues for a fee. Minimum ages and young-driver fees are set by each rental company, so check the terms. Official information: Department of Vehicle and Drivers' Licensing.
Wear seatbelts and don't use a handheld phone while driving.

Where to pick up

Most agencies have desks or shuttles at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), so you can collect the car on arrival; our getting to the Cayman Islands guide covers the airport. Some hotels can arrange delivery.

Budgeting

Add the permit fee, taxes, optional insurance and fuel to the daily rate. Prices are often quoted in US dollars, but check, since the Cayman dollar is also used: see Cayman Islands currency. Before buying the counter's insurance, check whether your credit card or travel policy already covers rentals abroad.

Alternatives to renting

Taxis use set fares; confirm the fare before you get in.
Public minibuses run main routes along the west and east of the island.
Many tours include hotel pickup: see things to do in Grand Cayman.

FAQ

Can I use my US license in Grand Cayman?

Yes, together with the temporary visitor permit that the rental company issues.

Is it hard to drive on the left there?

Most visitors adjust within a day. Go slowly at roundabouts and take the first drive in daylight.

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