Diving & snorkeling: straight from shore, no boat needed
You don’t need to charter a boat to experience some of the best recreational diving in Cayman—just grab your gear and head to Don Fosters, Eden Rock or Sunset House, iconic shore diving spots right on the edge of South Sound.
- Sunset House: More than just a dive resort, this is a local hangout. Divers love the easy shore access and famous Mermaid statue just offshore. After a dive, grab a meal and enjoy one of the best sunset views on the island.
- Don Foster’s Dive Shop has been a staple of Cayman’s dive scene for decades. It offers easy shore access to incredible dive sites, expert guides, and a laid-back local vibe.
- Eden Rock & Devil’s Grotto: This is the spot if you want a close-up look at schools of fish swirling around you in tunnels and swim-throughs. Best time to go? Early morning, before the crowds roll in. Afterwards, grab a drink and food on the water.
Tip: Don Fosters and Sunset House offer dive guided tours and boat dives. Call in advance for night diving options.
Hidden beach pockets along South Sound Road
Drive along South Sound Road, and you’ll notice little beach access points tucked between oceanfront homes. Some of these tiny, hidden gems offer sandy spots perfect for a quiet dip or a picnic with a view. While South Sound’s beaches may be smaller and more secluded than the famous tourist spots, they offer an authentic Caymanian experience—peaceful, picturesque, and often just steps from the community.
Smith’s Barcadere (Smith Cove)
Just on the border of South Sound and George Town, Smith Cove is one of the most beloved beaches in Grand Cayman. With its crystal-clear water, shaded picnic areas, and small limestone coves, it’s a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing with friends.
Local tip: It’s a popular spot for wedding photos, so expect to see couples posing here in the late afternoons. Also, go early on weekends to beat the crowds.
Where to get your game on
South Sound is home to a number of sports recreational facilities. The Cayman Islands Tennis Club is where serious players and social hitters alike gather. It’s the island’s only private tennis club, but if you’re looking for lessons or tournaments, this is the place to be.
For squash lovers, South Sound Squash Club is a tight-knit community of players who love a good match and post-game socializing. It’s where you’ll find the best courts and some of the island’s top talent.
Even if you’re not a rugby player yourself, a match at Cayman Rugby Football Club is worth checking out. Located on South Sound Road, this is the home of rugby on the island, hosting everything from fierce local battles to international tournaments. The social scene is just as important as the sport itself, with post-match BBQs, beers, and plenty of banter.
Local tip: Clubs host regular social nights—great if you’re looking to meet fellow players over a cold drink after a match.
Don’t miss the annual Sevens tournament—it’s one of the best sporting events on the island with a festival-like vibe.
South Sound Boardwalk: the best walk with a view
If you’re looking for the perfect place for a morning run or an evening stroll, the South Sound Boardwalk is it. This 1,500-foot-long stretch hugs the coastline, giving you uninterrupted ocean views (and a front-row seat to some epic sunrises).
Joggers, dog walkers, and cyclists love it here, but it’s also a great place to just sit on one of the benches and watch the waves roll in.
Local tip: After your walk, head to Pure Art for a browse through their collection of local artwork and handcrafted souvenirs—it’s a hidden gem in the area.
Playgrounds & family fun
South Sound is family-friendly, with parks that make it easy for kids to burn off energy.
South Sound Community Center has open green space and shaded areas right in front of the beach, perfect for weekend picnics and birthday parties.
Another seafront oasis is located on South Church Street behind the site of the National Trust of the Cayman Islands. The playground here has climbing frames, an amphitheatre, gazebos and restroom facilities.
And let’s not forget the beaches—while Seven Mile Beach gets all the fame, the quiet sandy patches along South Sound are where locals sneak off for a peaceful beach day.
Paddleboarding & kayaking: calm waters await
Unlike the busier beaches up the coast, the waters in South Sound are ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. The mangrove channels around the area offer some of the most peaceful paddling on the island, with plenty of wildlife to spot along the way.
Local tip: Check the tides before you go—South Sound can get pretty shallow at low tide, making paddling more of a challenge.
Living in South Sound means having some of the island’s best recreation activities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re diving, playing sports, or just enjoying the natural beauty, this is where Cayman’s laid-back, active lifestyle shines.
