This is a beautiful and historic part of the island. On the way to the eastern districts, you’ll pass Pedro St. James Castle in Savannah, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Frank Sound, and the Wreck of the Ten Sail in Gun Bay. Residents in North Side and East End are said to be the friendliest in Cayman. Commuting to George Town from either area takes at least 40 minutes without traffic.
Dining options include Over the Edge in Old Man Bay, known for local seafood with a French twist (especially the catch of the day and shrimp in Chablis sauce!) The Caboose (formerly Kurt's Korner) offers local fayre such as grilled fish, stewed beef, and oxtail. The Italian Kitchen, by Foster’s supermarket in East End, serves basic Italian but is closed for lunch and takes no evening reservations. In East End, La Casita, Tukka East, and Eagle Rays (at Ocean Frontiers) are popular, while Vivine’s Kitchen, on the water, serves local dishes in Miss Vivine’s garden and is packed on Sundays. Finally, Kaibo and Rum Point offer both casual beach bars as well as fine dining establishments, with Kaibo Upstairs even boasting a two Michelin starred chef.
Activities include diving with Ocean Frontiers, walking the Mastic Trail (bring bug spray, water, and sturdy shoes), snorkelling off the North Coast (respect the marine park), exploring the Crystal Caves, beachcombing deserted beaches, kiteboarding, sailing, or renting a jetski from White Sand Sports at Wyndham Reef Resort.Forward planning is needed for errands: Chisholm's Grocery (Tel: (345) 947 9418) on North Side Road covers basics, but larger shops mean at least a trip to Countryside Shopping Village.
Despite it being a relatively quiet area, there is no shortage of things to do, such as walking the Mastic Trail to exploring the Crystal Caves to Bioluminescence Tours and all kinds of watersports, there are activities to suit all energy levels and interests.
Life on the north coast comes with trade-offs. Distance from Town preserves the old-time Cayman lifestyle but makes trips to Seven Mile Beach, the airport and other essentials less convenient. Onshore trade winds keep temperatures cool but they coat windows with salt and damage electronics. With few neighbours, the area offers dark skies for star gazing and a constant holiday atmosphere—almost every home has a sea view. Many houses belong to long-term visitors who have vacationed here for decades, while short-term guests stay at The Retreat, Island Houses, The Rum Point Club Residences, Kaibo Yacht Club Villas or The Pools of the Kai Condominiums. Residents from other districts often book Rum Point/Kaibo houses for staycations, especially on long weekends. Full-time locals are often retired, with few commuting the 50-minute drive into town; others work in nearby hospitality.
