Starfish Point is a small, sheltered beach on Grand Cayman's north side where large red cushion sea stars lie scattered across the sandy bottom in knee-deep water. You can wade out, look down and photograph them, which makes it a favourite with families and anyone who wants a calm wildlife stop after the sandbar. Most visitors reach it by boat on a combined trip that also includes Stingray City and a coral garden snorkel, while independent travellers can drive to the beach and walk in from the shore. The water is warm and clear, the bottom is sandy and the setting is quiet compared with the busy Seven Mile Beach strip. The sea stars are living animals, so the rule is look, do not lift them out of the water, and keep sunscreen off your hands before you touch anything.
The best way to enjoy Starfish Point is slowly. Walk in until the water reaches your knees, let the sand settle and look for the stars, which vary in colour from orange to deep red and often sit in clusters. They are fragile, and handling them or lifting them out of the water can harm them, so photograph them in place and leave them alone. Because the site is shallow, small children can splash safely, and the surrounding water is calm enough for a short snorkel if you bring a mask, though there is little reef here. Bring water shoes if you dislike soft sand and any grit or seagrass that drifts by.
Getting there matters. Boat trips from the North Sound combine the beach with Stingray City and a reef stop, which is the easiest and most popular option, with the sea stars usually the last of three stops. Driving yourself from Seven Mile Beach takes a good half hour or more, and the quiet roads on the north side are pleasant, with Rum Point nearby for lunch. Facilities at the beach itself are limited, so bring drinking water, shade and towels. Visit in the morning or on a weekday for fewer people, and remember that numbers of sea stars vary with the season and tides, so go with realistic expectations.
What to expect
The experience
A short wade in knee-deep water to see red cushion sea stars, usually the last stop on a combined boat trip with Stingray City and a reef snorkel.
Best time
Mornings and weekdays are calmer, and the clear, settled water of the dry season gives the best views of the sea stars.
How long
Allow thirty to forty minutes at the beach, or about three to four hours if you take the combined boat trip.
Tips
Look but do not lift the sea stars out of the water, wear reef-safe sunscreen and bring water, shade and a towel.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and wildlife lovers who want a calm, shallow stop with easy photographs.
- Families
- Excellent for children because the water is knee deep and gentle, with plenty of space to wade and look.
- Couples
- Combine it with a sandbar morning and lunch at Rum Point for a relaxed north-side day.
- Pair with
- Stingray City, a coral garden snorkel and a beach lunch at Rum Point.
- Time needed
- About an hour on land, or half a day as part of a boat trip.
Good questions
Can I touch the starfish at Starfish Point?+
Please do not lift them out of the water, since air exposure and handling can harm them. Looking and photographing them in place is the safe way to enjoy them.
How do I get to Starfish Point?+
Most visitors take a boat trip that also stops at Stingray City, and some drive to the north-side beach. Check current access and parking before you set out.
Is Starfish Point good for children?+
Yes, the water is shallow and calm, so it is one of the easiest wildlife stops on the island. Keep a close eye on little ones near the water as always.
Will I definitely see sea stars?+
Usually yes, but numbers vary with the season and tides. Go with patience and look carefully along the sandy bottom.
What should I bring?+
Reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, drinking water and sun protection, since there is little shade or shopping at the beach. Water shoes are useful for soft sand.
