For most beach lovers, when it comes to the perfect “beach day,” nothing screams paradise more than having an entire beach to yourself. No loudspeakers competing with one another, no beach vendors battling for your attention, and definitely no crowded shorelines packed with umbrellas, towels, and coolers — it’s just you, the sound of the waves crashing and the sun on your skin. Nowadays, however, beaches like this are hard to find, especially since most of the best beaches in the world seem to be teeming with sun-worshippers who are on their own mission to catch some rays as far away from crowds as possible.
Nonetheless, secluded beach paradises are still out there for travelers who don’t mind a bit of journey. One of these under-the-radar destinations is Barefoot Beach in the Cayman Islands. Located in the village of Ally Land, on the eastern end of Grand Cayman, Barefoot Beach is known for its crystal clear water, fine white sands, and the surrounding cliffs that make the serene landscape all the more impressive. A true hidden gem, Barefoot Beach is everything beachgoers could dream of — and more.
Hitting up Barefoot Beach
Due to its remote location, Barefoot Beach is generally empty and incredibly quiet, even during the high season. However, this also makes it a little harder to find than most other beaches in Grand Cayman. In order to access the beach, you’ll need to drive there on your own and park up Queens Highway, near a sign that advertises the now-abandoned “Barefoot Gardens Villa” project. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi to take you directly to the entrance. From there, the downhill path is sandy and surrounded by trees before it opens up to the beach. As for entry fees, access to Barefoot Beach, like all other beaches in the Cayman Islands, is free of charge.
Once you’re by the water, you can choose to either lounge, take a quick stroll, or dive into a snorkeling session. As a matter of fact, Barefoot Beach is well-known for its prime snorkeling near the barrier reef, which is roughly 100 yards from the sand. At roughly four to eight feet deep, you can catch a glimpse of everything from turtles to snappers, bar jacks, yellow stingrays, blue tang, different species of angelfish, and more. Additionally, there have also been reports of sharks swimming near the beach — so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for them, too.
Lastly, although the water is relatively gentle, it’s recommended that visitors use floating devices as the swim itself can be incredibly tiring for those who aren’t used to it.
Other tips for your visit
If you’re not big into snorkeling or swimming, Barefoot Beach is still a great place to catch up on your book, enjoy a picnic near the water, or simply work on your tan. However, one of the most important things to keep in mind before heading out to Barefoot Beach is that there are no amenities for visitors. This means you’ll need to bring your own drinks and snacks, as well as any other items — think sunscreen, hats, your snorkel, and a towel — that you might need during your day out. And remember: always take everything you bring with you, especially trash or leftover food that can harm the local ecosystem if they’re left behind.
As for planning your visit, the best time to check out Barefoot Beach and all other surrounding beaches of Grand Cayman is between November and March, when there is little to no rainfall and the weather is both warm during the day and pleasant in the evenings.
