Starfish Point in the Grand Cayman Islands is a secluded beach famous for its abundance of starfish and crystal-clear, shallow waters. This serene destination offers visitors the opportunity to observe starfish up close and enjoy a tranquil beach experience, making it a must-visit spot in Grand Cayman.
What is Starfish Point?
Starfish Point is a secluded beach located in Grand Cayman, renowned for its abundance of starfish. The water is quite shallow initially, gradually deepening to about 10 feet. While most starfish reside in the deeper areas, they occasionally move into the shallower waters.
In the past 5 to 10 years, Starfish Point has become a popular tourist destination. Many companies now offer boat tours to this spot, often in conjunction with their Stingray City tours.
Where is Starfish Point Located?
Starfish Point is situated on the north side of Grand Cayman, near Rum Point and Kaibo. The drive from Seven Mile Beach to Starfish Point takes approximately one hour, while it is about a 45-minute drive from George Town.
Visitors can reach Starfish Point either by car or by boat. For those interested in a boat tour, George’s Watersports offers a “4-stop stingray eco tour” that includes a visit to Starfish Point.
Can You Snorkel at Starfish Point?
Yes, you can snorkel at Starfish Point. Most of the starfish reside in the deeper drop-off area just beyond the beach, living on the sea floor atop the sea grass bottom.
By snorkeling over the edge, you’ll have a clear view of the starfish on the sea floor. Bringing your own snorkel equipment is recommended, as it allows you to see many more starfish compared to simply wading in the water. For more information on the best places to rent snorkel equipment in Grand Cayman, check out our detailed article.
However, be cautious of the heavy boat traffic at Starfish Point. It’s important to avoid spending too much time snorkeling in areas frequented by boats.
Additionally, note that there is no coral at Starfish Point, so there aren’t many fish to see. The primary purpose of snorkeling here is to observe the starfish on the sea floor. If you’re looking for a snorkeling experience with abundant coral and fish, refer to our article on the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman.
What to Expect at Starfish Point?
When you visit Starfish Point, you’ll encounter a secluded beach surrounded by shallow waters.
The shallow water, only 2 to 3 feet deep, allows you to walk through it easily. However, as you move towards the edges, you’ll find a drop-off where the depth increases to about 10 feet.
In the shallow area, you can typically spot 10 to 15 starfish. However, most starfish reside in the deeper waters beyond the drop-off, so snorkeling is necessary to see them.
In the distance, you’ll notice boats at Stingray City, located about a mile from Starfish Point.
Can You Hold the Starfish?
Yes, you can hold the starfish, but it’s crucial to keep them in the water at all times.
It is illegal to remove starfish from the water, even for photos. Taking them out repeatedly can harm or kill them.
There is a sign indicating that it is illegal to remove starfish from the water. When you’re done taking photos, gently place the starfish back on the sea floor instead of dropping them.
Can You Drive to Starfish Point?
Yes, you can drive to Starfish Point.
It’s about an hour’s drive from Seven Mile Beach and around 45 minutes from George Town to Starfish Point.
While driving is an option, most visitors opt to take a boat. Many tours to Stingray City include a stop at Starfish Point. For example, George’s Watersports offers a “4-stop stingray eco tour” that includes Starfish Point.
Is Starfish Point Worth Visiting?
Starfish Point is worth visiting if you’re already in the area or if you’re on a boat tour that includes multiple stops.
Starfish Point may not be worth visiting as a standalone attraction. It is interesting but after about 30 minutes, you might want to leave. Given the long drive, it’s best to visit if you’re planning to see other attractions along the way.
When is the Best Time to Visit Starfish Point?
The ideal time to visit Starfish Point is in the morning or around lunchtime. It’s also advisable to avoid visiting on weekends, as it tends to be busier with locals on Saturdays and Sundays.
Is There an Entrance Fee?
There is no entrance fee to visit Starfish Point. Entry is free. All beaches in the Cayman Islands have free access. The charges for tours to Starfish Point are for the boat ride and other stops included in the tour, not for entering the beach itself.
Is There Free Parking?
Yes, there is ample free parking available. After parking, a short walk of about 2 to 3 minutes is required to reach Starfish Point beach.
Conclusion
Starfish Point, a secluded beach in Grand Cayman, is renowned for its abundance of starfish and shallow waters. It’s best visited in the morning or around lunchtime to avoid weekend crowds. While there is no entrance fee and ample free parking, visitors can reach the beach by car or boat, with many tours including it as a stop.
Snorkeling is recommended to see starfish in deeper waters, but caution is advised due to boat traffic. Holding starfish is allowed as long as they remain in the water. Overall, Starfish Point is worth visiting as part of a larger tour or if you’re already in the area.
