Beach Notes

The short step down to the ocean through a bank of loose centuries-old exquisite coral fossils is via a rustic hewn pathway. The beach here is rugged with delicately sculpted stones, beautiful conch shells, and gifts from mother nature as the waves lap the shore. 

At the water's edge is a narrow strip of protected ironshore limestone, colonized by sea urchins. Guests will want to wear pool shoes to walk or swim fins in the water for foot protection. The water is teeming with life which is simply not present near a sterile sandy beach. You will find all types of sea creatures sheltering in and around the shallow reef close to shore.

These conditions make for excellent snorkeling, which is highly recommended—equipment can be obtained at the Silver Thatch welcome centre, if you do not have your own. Please look closely at the photos to see the multi-colored shallows: white/light blue is sandy bottom, browns indicate corals, and darker colors indicate sea grasses or soft corals.

Old Man Bay is home to some of the best snorkeling on the entire island. Just about 300 yards east of Garden Cottages is Connally's Cove where local divemasters often come to snorkel. 

As there are few homes in the area, the marine life here is less skittish and many coral heads provide sanctuary for juvenile fish. Our guests often just put a pool noodle under their arms and float for hours in this area observing the fish in only 3-6 feet of water with little, if any, current. Further out from shore are two famous dive sites on the reef wall, marked by buoys for the more adventurous.

General Grand Cayman Beach Notes

All beaches in Grand Cayman are technically public since the Crown owns up to the high water mark.

The shoreline quality behind your property may vary slightly from the images on our website due to shifting tides and weather patterns. The next-door beach is also always available for your use.

Ocean Debris & Sargassum Seaweed

Beaches in Grand Cayman may also experience floating ocean debris and sargassum weed seasonally.

Sargassum is a generally harmless floating seaweed that has increased in frequency over the years during the summer. Our owners do make efforts to remove heavy sargassum and will have the beach raked prior to your arrival. 

Should sargassum weed be extremely heavy behind your property, we will reach out to the owner for alternative solutions which may include a partial refund or relocation.

We try our best to work around mother nature.

The 10% Guest Service Fee includes your Guest Services Membership.

Member Benefits

• Centralized on-island Guest Services & Welcome Center
• Unlimited use of Private Fitness Center (18+ yrs.)
• Business Center Access: computers, printer, scanner, & Fedex/DHL supplies
• Proprietary Guest benefit & discount card for savings at local businesses
• 10% advance booking discount for private charter
• Complimentary use of snorkel equipment
• Complimentary pack-n-plays, booster seats, & baby gates
• Referral to preferred vendors, guest services desk assistance
• Complimentary early check-in, if no check out on same day
• $1,500 of Accidental Villa Damage Protection
• Tandem kayaks available for discounted rental*

*Signed waiver required.