Taking a Trip to Hell, Grand Cayman

The town of Hell, Grand Cayman is one of the most popular pit stops on the island. Let me tell you, these people have mastered the art of creating a tourist attraction. They have taken the theme of Hell to the extreme!

Hell is a group of short, black limestone formations. Although visitors can’t walk on the rock formations, there are viewing platforms that allow you to get a closer look. So….basically people congregate to stare at a bunch of rocks.

Where is Hell, Grand Cayman?

The town is located in the West Bay neighborhood of Grand Cayman. It is about a 10-minute drive north of the famous Seven Mile Beach. It’s not far from the controversial Cayman Turtle Centre.

Why is This Area Called Hell?

When you ask the locals why this area is called Hell, you’ll get one of two answers. The first story states that a Brit was visited the area with some friends on a birding expedition. He raised his firearm and took aim at a bird. When he shot at the bird, he missed and muttered, “Oh, Hell!”. According to this legend, the area became known as Hell from this day on.

However, at the site of Hell, there’s a sign posted that tells another story.

The “Club Inferno,” opened in 1964, is the original and main gateway to this unusual site known as “Hell.” Located in this area is the largest and most visible portion of “Hell” which is ironically owned by a family named “McDoom.” This bizarre rock formation is said to be millions of years old. In spite of its volcanic appearance, they are actually natural rocks eaten away by algae and ravaged by the elements. The name Hell is said to have evolved a long time ago when an early British commissioner was touring the island. It is alleged that he arrived at this site, took one look, and exclaimed, “My God, this must be what Hell looks like!” The site then forever became known as Hell.

Regardless of how the area got its name, the name has stuck and the locals have taken the idea and ran with it. From the fiery red hell-themed post office where you can send postcards postmarked from “Hell” to a Satan impersonator asking “How the hell are you”?”.

Things to See and Do Here

Check out the rock formations

First off, you have to check out the rock formations. After all, that’s what this place is all about. The site is covered with really rad locking rocks that are made of limestone and dolomite. The rocks have been stripped of their calcium leaving them black in color.

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Take Cheesy Photos

Secondly, no trip to Hell would be complete without taking ridiculously cheesy photos. There are cut-outs where you can be the Devil himself. If you’re feeling a bit more angelic, there’s an angel cut out as well.

Pick up a Souvenir

Want to pick up a special gift for your mother-in-law? This is the perfect place! They sell postcards, t-shirts, magnets, and a ton of other Hell souvenirs.

Get Your Passport Stamped

Lastly, there’s probably no cooler souvenir than having your passport stamped in Hell! When in Rome…errrr Hell, right?

Whatever you do… don’t take the rocks!

I don’t really know what the penalty is but I’m sure it’s hellacious….see what I did there?

Is it worth the visit?

Honestly, I wouldn’t go out of my way to visit this super cheesy attraction. As I said, people literally just stand around looking at rocks here. Trust me, you’d have a better time spending the day snorkeling, sailing, or lounging on the beach.

That being said, if you are in the area and want to send your mother-in-law a postcard from Hell, you could easily get in and out of this place in less than half an hour.

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