Starfish Point

On the calm northern side of Grand Cayman, a shallow sandy shelf runs out from a casuarina-shaded beach, and red cushion sea stars gather there in numbers - large, thick-armed and vivid orange against pale sand in water rarely more than knee deep. It is one of the island's most photographed spots and one of the easiest, since seeing them requires nothing more than wading. The point sits near Rum Point, a long-standing beach hangout with a dock and shade, and the whole north shore is a calmer alternative to the developed Seven Mile Beach side.

What you actually see

• The sea stars - red cushion stars in shallow water off the point.
• The shaded beach - casuarina trees along the sand.
• Rum Point - the neighbouring beach with dock and swimming.
• The north sound - calm water for paddling and boat trips.

When to go

Calm months from November to May keep the water clear. Mornings are quiet; boat tours arrive through the middle of the day and the shallows get crowded. Star numbers vary day to day and season to season.

Honest expectations

Do not lift the sea stars out of the water - it kills them, and the population here has declined under pressure from exactly that. Guides who encourage holding them for photographs are the wrong guides. Numbers are lower than in past years, so arrive without a guaranteed expectation. Parking is limited and the access track is rough.

Nearby

Rum Point, the north sound sandbar and Stingray City by boat.