Sixtees Properties Sea Swim

Organized by the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association, which was incorporated in 1986, the event brings local swimmers together on the sand. Swimmers contest circular courses of either 400 or 800 meters, running straight into the gentle surf and returning to finish right on the beach. Every competitor is required to wear the official swim cap distributed on the sand before heading into the water, ensuring clear visibility across the bay. The 400-meter course is designed specifically as a stepping stone for young swimmers and newcomers trying open water for the very first time. To encourage fresh participants and preserve the spirit of discovery, anyone who has already completed a 400-meter race is barred from entering that distance again. Competitors tackle the full 800 meters as they navigate around the turn buoys.

Seven Mile Beach: coral sands and shallow offshore reefs

Seven Mile Beach is a vast crescent of fine coral sand curving gently along the western flank of Grand Cayman. Despite what the historic name suggests, the shoreline actually spans approximately six miles from end to end. That sweeping expanse faces ongoing annual erosion from seasonal waves and tides, which gradually alters the profile and length of the strand. Extreme weather has also left its mark, such as when Hurricane Helene in 2024 stripped significant sections of sand down to the underlying shelf. Just beyond the gentle surf break, small natural reefs and an artificial reef near the Marriott provide sheltered shallow grounds where snorkelers glide over coral formations.

Fort George: coral-rock ramparts along the George Town shore

The fortification was laid out on an oval foundation measuring 57 feet by 38 feet, engineered to withstand naval bombardments. Its defenders built the walls with an asymmetric defense, thickening the seaward masonry to five feet while keeping the landward side at two feet. Although the original blueprints called for eight artillery pieces, the outpost was mounted with only three guns when inspected in 1802. Decades later during World War II, lookouts climbed a tall silk cotton tree inside the fort's stone perimeter to scan the Caribbean Sea for German submarines.

North Sound: the barrier reef and Stingray City sandbars

At Stingray City, two shallow sandbars sit close to a natural channel that cuts straight through the offshore barrier reef. Stingrays first began congregating in these shallows decades ago when local fishermen regularly anchored to clean their day's catch in the clear water. Over time, the gentle rays learned that the hum of approaching boat engines meant an effortless meal awaited them. Today, swimmers can wade safely among the gliding creatures in just three feet of water, while scuba divers head to the adjacent deeper sandbar to view them from below.

Governor's Beach: family life and games on the sand

Back at Governor's Beach, the coastline buzzes with activity long after the morning race packs away its buoys and timing gear. Families spread their towels across the pale sand in the morning, taking advantage of the warm, tranquil Caribbean sea. As the afternoon progresses, casual ball games and beach sports take over the shoreline against the backdrop of the open water. It is a welcoming stretch of coast where a simple sprint swim effortlessly turns into a full day spent by the sea.