Beachcomber Reef

Discover the Beachcomber Reef, one of the best snorkeling spots in Grand Cayman, located right off the beach at Seven Mile Beach. With easy beach access snorkeling, this reef offers incredible encounters with sea turtles, tropical fish, lobsters, and colorful coral heads — perfect for snorkelers of all experience levels.

1. The Large Coral Heads

• Swim straight out about 100 ft from the center of the property.
• Discover two massive coral heads about 3 ft high, home to Pablo the Puffer Fish and various small tropical fish.
• Dive down to 6 ft to peer under the coral for shy fish hiding from view.

2. The Low-Level Coral String

• Turn left, swimming parallel to the shore, where a low coral string about 1 ft high runs along the reef.
• Keep an eye out for sea turtles and squirrelfish along this path.

3. The Lobster Condo Coral Head

• After about 50 yards, turn right and swim straight to the vertical 200-yard marker buoy.
• Before reaching the buoy, explore the 30 x 30 ft coral head called the Lobster Condo, famous for its spiny lobsters — the highest recorded count is 23!
• In and around this coral head, you’ll find parrotfish, lionfish (hiding), and blue chromis.
• Important: This area is within a marine park, so harvesting lobsters is illegal.

4. The Outer Reef and Marker Buoy

• Swim all the way to the vertical marker buoy, the farthest point of Beachcomber Reef.
• This buoy marks a safety zone — boats and jet skis must stay outside, so never swim beyond it.
• The reef extends roughly the size of a football field, providing plenty of underwater exploration opportunities.
• Take a camera for amazing photos of unexpected marine life.

Snorkeling Back to Shore

As you return to the beach, watch for more sea turtles, hidden flounder in the sand, octopus holes marked by chewed conch shells, and ballyhoo just beneath the water’s surface.

• Afternoon snorkel tip: Just before sunset, larger fish pass through this area, making it one of the most active times for reef snorkeling.