The Biggest Cayman Island
The Cayman Islands are made up of three small Islands in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman (guess what, the biggest), Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. They are located approximately 200 miles west-northwest of Jamaica and 150 miles south of Cuba. On the west side the closest land is Cozumel island (about 350 miles away).
Grand Cayman may seem more like a rich and eccentric American metropolis than a slice of Caribbean paradise. In fact is the largest of the Cayman Islands and the most populated by tourists. But a visit to Grand Cayman is not without charm, in the form of beautiful and unspoiled beaches. In addition to the crowds of the famous Seven Mile Beach, there is really much to explore when you travel to Grand Cayman: a wonderful local flora and fauna and more beaches hidden from tourist pedestrian traffic.
The territory’s capital George Town is surrounded by traditional architecture and modern delicacies. Here you can enjoy duty free shopping or meet friendly vendors and native craftsmen who are always happy to help you find that unique gift. Either way, this is the right place for both global and local treasures.
What to see & what to do
If you are an avid diver, you're in the right place. Considered one of the best diving spots in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman offer ample opportunities to get closer to the colorful marine life of the region. By the way, also land lovers have great opportunities to discover great natural wonder: from Crystal Caves to the famous Mystic Trail and more.
Beaches
Colliers Public Beach
40 min by car from the cruise port. This beach is located on the eastern end of Grand Cayman, perfect if you are in search of solitude and peace. In terms of beach facilities, here there are 4 big cabana seatings with benches and picnic tables, 2 outdoor showers and a couple of empty bathrooms. Regarding the characteristics of the nature here, you can walk through 100 feet of seagrass and the bottom somewhere is rocky, so better to wear water shoes. Some grass turtles can be spotted, big stingrays and other small fishes. Finally there are some local food places around for lunchtime.
Rum Point
45 min by car from the cruise port. Located on the colorful north side of the island, "Rum Point" is famous for its island atmosphere, white sand beach and shallow crystal clear waters. It is the ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Hammocks on the beach, shady trees, picnic tables and delicious food attract visitors and locals seven days a week. It's located quite far from the cruise port, compared to the majority of other attractions. But if you are not new to the Island, Rum Point is well worth the day trip.
Seven Mile Beach
5 min by car from the cruise port. Seven Mile Beach is one of the many reasons why Cayman is considered the final destination. In fact it has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the region, the fourth best beach in the Caribbean and the twelfth of the best beaches in the world. That's why the area attracts travelers from all over the world. With sparkling waters and coral sands, this coastline is home to many of the most luxurious properties in the Caribbean. The wide promenade here is open to the public; everybody can walk the entire length of the coast. During the walk, you will come across restaurants in the resorts and numerous beach bars.
Smith's Barcadere
5 Min by car from the Cruise Port. Smith Barcadere is usually a more relaxed alternative to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, with full amenities and excellent snorkeling in a protected cove on South Sound. However, it is sometimes committed when cruise ships arrive at the nearby port.
Starfish Point
50 min car from the cruise port, close to Rum Point. As the name suggests, in this beach there are many starfish in the shallow water and you can touch/pick them up, but don’t take them out of the water.
Park & Landmarks
Barkers National Park
20 min by car from the cruise port. This is the first national park in the Cayman Islands and it combines sandy deserted beach with dense mangroves and an adjacent dry forest. It's a great experience to arrive by jeep or any ATVs. If you follow the sign for Pappagallo Restaurant you can reach the narrow beach. Here is a secluded but still famous spot for enjoy some rest in a peaceful place, riding horses or kitesurfing.
Cayman Crystal Caves
30 min by car from the cruise port. The caves are located in the northern part of the Island. They are immersed in a lush tropical greenery overflowing: a wide variety of plants and species of captivating wildlife, including foreign balsam trees, air plants, birds and bats. Experienced guides will accompany you here while sharing interesting facts about the remarkable process that is responsible for creating spectacular crystal structures of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as otherworldly formations. To venture yourself underground, wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park
30 min by car from the cruise port. Among the most peaceful destinations there is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which includes three main attractions: the Visitors Center, Floral Garden and Heritage Garden. This park is also home to the Grand Cayman blue iguana, listed as endangered specie. A two-acre lake serves as habitat for native birds and other rare species of wildlife. The flower garden is a magnificent multi-colored mosaic, with hundreds of different species of tropical and subtropical plants spread over 2.5 acres. The entrance is a splendid view of pink roses, green caladiums, Anderson Crepe Hibiscus and other exotic plants.
The Mastic Trail
30 Min by car from the Cruise Port. If you are a trail lover, you should definitely add the Mastic Trail to your list of things to do in Grand Cayman. This 200 year old gravel path winds through a swamp of native mangroves, wooded area of 2 million years, surrounded by some of the most colorful and rare plants of the island. The path of 2.3 miles (one way) is kept as flat hike for beginners by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands, although some recent travelers have stated that there is a section where the climbing is required and as such want wear appropriate footwear.
Snorkelling
Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef
10 min by car from Cruise Port. The USS Kittiwake was a submarine former US Navy who served for more than 50 years before being sunk off the famous Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman in 2011. This underwater spot is located right in front of Cemetery Beach. The shallow depths make it an ideal and popular site among all kind of scusa and freedivers, as well as snorkelers. Because the water is so clear, the submerged submarine is visible close to the surface. Furthermore people here can enjoy a various marine life with stingrays, barracudas, turtles and groupers.
Rum Point
45 min by car from the cruise port. Located on the colorful north side of the island, "Rum Point" is famous for its island atmosphere, white sand beach and shallow crystal clear waters. It is the ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. Hammocks on the beach, shady trees, picnic tables and delicious food attract visitors and locals seven days a week. It's located quite far from the cruise port, compared to the majority of other attractions. But if you are not new to the Island, Rum Point is well worth the day trip.
Smith's Barcadere
5 Min by car from the Cruise Port. Smith Barcadere is usually a more relaxed alternative to Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, with full amenities and excellent snorkeling in a protected cove on South Sound. However, it is sometimes committed when cruise ships arrive at the nearby port.
Animal Encounter
Cayman Turtle Center
15 min by car from the cruise port. This award-winning wildlife park offers its guests the chance to meet with some of the most amazing animals and ancient land. It's the most famous activity in the Island. Inside the Center, there are a variety of interactive activities available - including, tanks predators and swimming or snorkeling in a saltwater lagoon full of vibrant species of fish and green turtles. There is also a beach which allows female turtles to nest, like being in the wild. The Cayman Turtle Center is a perfect place for families to have fun and from where to bring really memorable moments.
Dolphin Cove Grand Cayman
15 min by car from the cruise port. Swimming and interactive with dolphins is a dream coming true. According to the program chosen, you can participate in kissing and hugging the animal, or enjoying belly rides and foot push! Other than this there are Specialists teaching interesting facts about these creatures. And explaining important tips regarding feeding, reproduction and nursing programs and how the Center takes care about their environment.
Horseback Riding in Barker National Park
20 min by car from the cruise port. Enjoy the ride in a secluded narrow beach in the northern part of the island. Here you are in the first national park of the Cayman Islands. The gravel roads to arrive here has dense mangroves and an adjacent dry forest. It's a great experience to arrive by jeep and anyway is suggested not to arrive in scooter due to the road condition.
Starfish Point
50 min car from the cruise port, close to Rum Point. As the name suggests, in this beach there are many starfish in the shallow water and you can touch/pick them up, but don’t take them out of the water.
Stingray City Grand Cayman
Have fun and interact with stingrays as they glide away from you! Stingray City is a series of shallow sandbars found in the North Sound of Grand Cayman. Here stingrays are present in abundance and guests can easily interact with the animals.
Family
Atlantis Submarine Grand Cayman
Located just off the cruise terminal. Feast your eyes on a wonderful underwater world, while still remaining comfortable in the dry by taking part in this exclusive cruise in a submarine, the Atlantis. After the short boat transfer from the ship, you will board the submarine and at a depth of about 20-30 meters you can start exploring the marine environment.
Cayman Turtle Center
15 min by car from the cruise port. This award-winning wildlife park offers its guests the chance to meet with some of the most amazing animals and ancient land. It's the most famous activity in the Island. Inside the Center, there are a variety of interactive activities available - including, tanks predators and swimming or snorkeling in a saltwater lagoon full of vibrant species of fish and green turtles. There is also a beach which allows female turtles to nest, like being in the wild. The Cayman Turtle Center is a perfect place for families to have fun and from where to bring really memorable moments.
Stingray City Grand Cayman
Have fun and interact with stingrays as they glide away from you! Stingray City is a series of shallow sandbars found in the North Sound of Grand Cayman. Here stingrays are present in abundance and guests can easily interact with the animals.
History & Culture
Cayman Islands National Museum
Cayman Islands National Museum. 3 minutes walk off the cruise port. Unique among the basic cultural institutions of the Cayman Islands Museum is housed in the historic Old Courts Building, dating back to 1830. The Museum is also responsible for the collection, research, conservation, care and interpretation of the Museum's collection of artefacts, which currently has 9,300 objects.
Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery
5 min by car from the cruise port. The distillery started back in 2008 with only one single column still, using local ingredients, and doing everything by hand. The tour here will take you for a behind-the-scenes look. Inside the custom-built 5000 square foot facility you’ll see a 1200 gallon Vendome copper pot still, the 30 foot tall Gun Bay Vodka tower, and an original Christian Carl pot. Finally you can enjoy the final product in the tasting room: Seven Fathoms Rum, Gun Bay Vodka, and Governor’s Reserve Rum.
Elmslie United Church
Walking few meter off the cruise terminal. Back in 1846, Rev. James Elmslie was sent to the Cayman Islands to establish the Presbyterian Church. Traveling all over the country by boat and by foot, several churches were founded. The Elmslie Church was built on the site of an ex Anglican Church which got destroyed by an hurricane. The building that we can visit today was completed in 1920's by the Captain and Architect Rayal Bodden.
Walking
George Town
The capital of Grand Cayman is surrounded by traditional architecture and modern treats. You can go for duty-free shopping selling signature expensive brands or walk around to meet native vendors and craftsmen always ready to find you the perfect souvenir. The Craft Market here is the best place to find local artisan gifts.
The Mastic Trail
30 Min by car from the Cruise Port. If you are a trail lover, you should definitely add the Mastic Trail to your list of things to do in Grand Cayman. This 200 year old gravel path winds through a swamp of native mangroves, wooded area of 2 million years, surrounded by some of the most colorful and rare plants of the island. The path of 2.3 miles (one way) is kept as flat hike for beginners by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands, although some recent travelers have stated that there is a section where the climbing is required and as such want wear appropriate footwear.
Shopping
Camana Bay
10 min by car form the cruise port. Cabana bay is located just a short walk from Seven Mile Beach. It's full of restaurants and shopping venues for clothes, books, souvenirs. Not really recommended for cruise passenger coming for a day visit. But if you are not new to this place and you already experienced walking through the downtown, this is a cool alternative.
George Town
The capital of Grand Cayman is surrounded by traditional architecture and modern treats. You can go for duty-free shopping selling signature expensive brands or walk around to meet native vendors and craftsmen always ready to find you the perfect souvenir. The Craft Market here is the best place to find local artisan gifts.
Best cruise deals: (Cruises are still suspended till 2021)
Carnival Cruise Line
Departing from: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, New Orleans, Mobile, Galveston, Charleston, Baltimore.
Royal Caribbean
Departing from: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa, Cape Liberty, Boston, San Juan.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Departing from New York, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, San Juan.
MSC Crociere
Departing from: Miami
Celebrity Cruises
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Boston San Juan.
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