Fodor's Expert Review Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman's west coast is dominated by this famous beach—actually a 5½-mile expanse of powdery white sand overseeing lapis water stippled with a rainbow of parasails and kayaks. Free of litter and pesky peddlers, it's an unspoiled (though often crowded) environment. Most of the island's resorts, restaurants, and shopping centers sit along this strip. The public beach toward the north end offers chairs for rent (C$10 for the day, including a beverage), a playground, water toys aplenty, beach bars, restrooms, and showers. The best snorkeling is at either end, by the Marriott and Treasure Island, or off of Cemetery Beach to the north in West Bay. You can park at the hotels or the malls along West Bay Road, but a dedicated parking lot for day-trippers is at Public Beach. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling.