10 Best Places to Go Shopping in the Cayman Islands

Camana Bay is one of the most scenic spots to shop in Grand Cayman. Straddling a canal south of the resort-lined Seven-Mile Beach, the swanky open-air retail district boasts lovely waterfront views. Its sleek, modern buildings come slathered in vibrant hues to exude Caribbean charm while tall, swaying palms complete the island theme.

You’ll find numerous high-end retail outlets on Camana Bay's pedestrian-friendly streets, from banks to jewellers and sportswear stores. There’s a solid selection of cafés and restaurants to refuel, plus a buzzing Wednesday farmer’s market presenting locally sourced produce. Climb up the Observation Tower for sweeping views and a cool Caribbean breeze.

The Cayman Craft Market is your 1-stop shop for souvenir knickknacks and traditional woven thatch hats in George Town. A small selection of local artisans sells a broad range of handmade goods, from paintings to pottery and Caribbean jewellery to intricate artworks. Got something special in mind? Some vendors will create custom orders while you wait.

Most materials are locally sourced – think polished coconuts, Caribbean conch, and Caymanite gemstones. If you fancy an edible souvenir, there’s a tempting selection of local jams, pickles, and spices worth checking out. It’s a quick, easy walk from the port, making it popular with the cruise ship crowd.

West Shore Center is your go-to mall on Seven Mile Beach, a gorgeous sandy stretch that's home to many of the island’s top resorts. Known as the Pink Plaza among locals, this bright and cheery strip houses a handful of fashion retailers plus a cigar shop and a well-stocked liquor store (grab your requisite holiday rum here).

Underwater explorers will love Divers Supply, which boasts the island’s best selection of scuba and snorkelling gear (it’s reasonably priced, too). If you’re hungry, pop into Chicken! Chicken! for mouthwatering, Jamaican-style jerk poultry. Parking space is abundant, and the place stays open later than most.

Artifacts has earned a legendary reputation for its treasure trove of old-world goodies since opening in 1971. Top-selling antiques include porcelain tableware, precious silverware, and ocean-faring loot like maps, compasses, and telescopes – almost everything dates back 100 years or more.

For a distinctly Caribbean souvenir, Artifacts sells centuries-old Spanish coins salvaged from nearby shipwrecks and fashioned into jewellery. Staff have an in-depth knowledge of their impressive collection, and many pieces come with a certificate of authenticity. New items keep getting added all the time – it’s a hit among repeat visitors and curious newcomers.

The Cayman Islands National Museum Shop sells an impressive selection of local artisanal wares. If you’re in the market for Caymanite jewellery, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better collection than this. These gorgeous dolostone creations come at reasonable prices, too. And for the coffee connoisseur, there’s a small selection of aromatic slow-roasted beans.

Although you’ll need to pay entry to visit the gift shop, the museum itself is well worth the modest fee. Intriguing exhibits tell the island’s natural and cultural history through cute animatronics and interactive audio/visual displays. Allow 30-60 minutes to make the most of the cosy, 2-storey space.

Bayshore Mall is your best bet for luxury goods within the duty-free George Town shopping district. Despite the nation’s tax haven reputation, high import duties (plus elevated shipping costs) make luxury goods relatively expensive in the Caymans – unless you shop duty-free, that is.

Upmarket department store Kirk Freeport has its flagship branch here, selling luxe brands like Rolex, Swarovski, and Breitling. You’ll also find glitzy boutiques like Lladró and Lalique, plus top-end cosmetics from La Parfumerie. Of course, there’s a smorgasbord of tempting eateries and a fully-equipped day spa to recharge those retail batteries. Onsite parking is free for shoppers, and it’s within walking distance of the cruise port.

The Hamlin Stephenson Market is all about farm-fresh produce sourced straight from local providers. Located at the George Town Cricket Ground, this charming, Caribbean-style marketplace sells mountains of freshly picked fruit and veggies (exotic options include Malabar spinach, bitter melon, and breadfruit), plus authentic Caymanian spices, sauces, and pastries. There’s also a decent selection of handicrafts and a few potplant stalls for the green thumbs.

If you’re peckish, local vendors hawk hearty Caribbean cuisine from no-frills stalls. Wash down your meal with a tangy tropical juice or smoothie (the coconut water is superb). Saturday is the busiest day, but you’ll need to rock up early on any day to get the best-quality goods.

Guy Harvey’s Gallery & Shoppe is the brainchild of an esteemed artist and marine conservationist who sells an eclectic mix of ocean-themed works in this sprawling George Town store. The 4,000-square-metre shopfront showcases artworks across every imaginable medium, from paintings to sculptures and flip-flops to tablecloths.

You’ll need to spend big to snag an original piece, but the prints and photos are affordable enough for the Average Joe. Entry is free if you want to window shop in the theme park-style gallery-cum-store. Its life-sized shark attack dioramas and vibrant maritime murals make the quirky 2-storey store a pleasure to browse.

7 Mile Shops provides a casual retail experience within easy reach of your resort. You won’t find upmarket boutiques or designer goods here, but rather a handy selection of everyday essentials. Outlets include a pharmacy, a vitamin store, a wellness centre, a dive shop (in case you forgot some essential kit), and a furniture retailer.

A gym, tattoo parlour, and hair salon get you looking top-notch while the Bloom childcare centre can give you a much-needed break from the kids. There’s a decent selection of restaurants if you fancy eating outside your resort: XQ’S Pizza is among the best of the bunch.

Countryside Shopping Village is the main retail strip in Savannah, a small, non-touristic district about 10 minutes east of George Town. The laidback strip covers your everyday essentials (groceries, medicine, liquor, etc.), making it convenient for locals who don’t want to drive into the capital.

There’s a small selection of speciality stores, including an A.L. Thompson’s for hardware and a NAPA for auto parts. You’ll also find an array of no-frills eateries serving everything from American-style fast food to traditional Caribbean cuisine.