Grand Cayman On Your Own

The 10 Top Things to do in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean. It's easy to get around, whether by taxi or by the inexpensive bus system on the island.

1. Take a trip to Stingray City. It's the number one tour people take when they come to Cayman.


2. Enjoy a day at the beach. Whether you're going to Seven Mile Beach, Rum Point, Smith's Cove or Cayman Kai, a day at the beach just says "Cayman Islands."


3. Exercise your shopping gene. George Town is a duty free port, so do your thing tax free.


4. Explore the undersea world of Grand Cayman. Scuba diving here is some of the best in the world.


5. Visit Queen Elizabeth Park. Take in the tranquility of the park; and getting there is half the fun.


6. Sample some island cuisine. On Grand Cayman, you're not starved for choice. If you feel adventurous, try a turtle steak.


7. Visit the Turtle Farm at Boatswain's Beach. It's Grand Cayman's version of a theme park.


8. Do some sea kayaking. Not only is it good exercise, but you'll experience a different side of Grand Cayman.


9. Take a hike. Whether you're a birder or just want some exercise, you'll enjoy a walk on the two-mile long Mastic trail.


10. Buy a Rum Cake. You could even get two--one to enjoy on the ship, and one to take home.

Getting Around

Orientation

Your ship will drop anchor off of George Town, which is on the west side of Grand Cayman, and you will transit to shore via your ship's tenders. All shore excursions commence from the George Town Cruise Ship dock, which is adjacent to downtown George Town.

Grand Cayman is comprised of five distinct districts:

George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands, and you'll come ashore at the George Town Cruise Ship dock in the harbor. It's located on the southwest part of the island. Downtown George Town is the primary commercial district, and many of the island's high-end shops and art galleries are located here.

Seven Mile Beach/West Bay Seven Mile Beach, also referred to as "SMB," is located just north of George Town. It's a five mile stretch of sand, hotels, resorts, restaurants and shopping centers, where most of the tourists visit and hang out when coming to Grand Cayman. SMB is a beautiful beach with great swimming and watersports activities. West Bay, located just north of Seven Mile Beach, is home to many scuba diving tour operators, as well as the small boats that launch off the eastern side of the peninsula to visit Stingray City. It's also home to Boatswain's Beach and the tourist trap of Hell.

Bodden Town/South Sound is located in the center section of the island. Here you'll find the Pedro St. James Historic Park, a beautiful Plantation House and one of the oldest structures on the island, plus a number of underwater sea caves.

East End is where serious divers go for some great dives. Not much is located here, but it's a beautiful place to visit.

North Side/Cayman Kai, located on the north side of the island, is home to Rum Point beach, which rivals Seven Mile Beach, but which is much less crowded and touristy. Rum Point is located at the tip of the land mass east of the North Sound, and just east of Stingray City.

Getting Around

Taxis

You'll find an abundance of taxis at the cruise ship dock in George Town, as well as at the hotels and resorts throughout the island. Taxi rates are fixed by the government; some of the taxis have meters, some don't. Rates are available from the taxi dispatcher at the curb in front of the cruise ship dock.

Bus Service

Privately-owned minibuses provide public transportation on Grand Cayman. Licensed minibuses are identified by blue license plates and can be flagged down with a wave of your hand. The bus terminal is located near the Public Library on Edward Street in downtown George Town.

Buses run from George Town to West Bay (CI$1.50 each way) every 15 minutes; to Bodden Town (CI$1.50 each way) every 30 minutes; and to East End and North Side (CI$2.00 each way) every hour. All buses must display the government-authorized fare table.

Color-coded logos on the front and rear of the buses identify the routes as follows:

• Yellow, Route 1: George Town through Seven Mile Beach to West Bay


• Lime green, Route 2: George Town through Seven Mile Beach to West Bay


• Blue, Route 3: George Town depot to Bodden Town


• Purple, Route 4: George Town depot to East End


• Red, Route 5: George Town depot to East End and North Side


• Dark green, Route 6: North Side to West Bay


• Dark green with white numbers, Route 7: inter-district service for George Town


• Orange, Route 8: George Town depot to Hutland in North Side

Bicycle & Scooter Rentals

Taking a bicycle or a scooter is a fun way to explore Grand Cayman. Remember, they drive on the left in the Cayman Islands. Bikes generally rent for $15/day, while scooters go for around $40/day. You'll have to make a deposit, and wear a helmet. Bike and scooter rentals can be made at the following companies:

• Cayman Cycle Rentals, at Coconut Place on Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 945-4021


• Treasure Island Resort, 269 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 949-7777


• Island Scooter Rental, on North Sound Road. Tel: (345) 949-2046


• Scooters & Wheels (345) 949-0064

Pedicab Service

Wheels Pedicab Services offers several tours of George Town and Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 916-7634

Shopping

Duty Free Shopping

The Cayman Islands is a duty-free destination, enabling you to save on such things as watches, china and crystal, perfumes and fine jewelry--including authentic treasure coin jewelry. A good suggestion is to make sure you know the prices in your home country before you buy these items in the Caymans. Prices on perfume, watches and select luxury items may be as much as 30% less expensive here.

What's Special on Grand Cayman

A growing interest in local art and crafts has led to the opening of art and craft galleries featuring local and Caribbean art. Other items of special interest include shell jewelry, thatch work, wood carvings, Caymanian-style birdhouses, crocheted items, pepper sauces, tropical fruit jams, honey, Caymanite (Cayman's semi-precious stone) jewelry and sculpture, and a unique selection of antique and treasure coin jewelry. You can also buy some mighty fine rum cake here--a Caymanian specialty!

To see the locations of the streets, malls and shops listed below, see our Grand Cayman Shopping map.

Here is a partial list of shops and markets on Grand Cayman:

Local Arts & Crafts

Cayman Craft Market
On the Waterfront, in Hog Sty Bay
Located by the sea in a festive, park-like setting just a short stroll from the cruise ship dock in George Town. The vendors offer locally made items of leather, thatch, wood, and shell as well as traditional Caymanian food. Open daily.

High End Goods and Duty Free Shopping

Bayshore Mall
South Church Street
Downtown George Town
This mall contains a collection of high end shops, where you'll find clothing boutiques and watch vendors.

Cardinal Avenue
Downtown George Town
Cardinal Avenue is downtown George Town's main shopping street, and is another Mecca for high-end goods, including clothing boutiques and watch stores. Here you'll find Caymania Duty Free, across from the Post Office, which specializes in fine jewelry and fragrances.

Duty Free Centre
Edward Street
Downtown George Town
The Duty Free Centre contains a selection of stores featuring jewelry, sunglasses, coin dealers and other shops.

Galleria Plaza
West Bay Road
Seven Mile Beach
This shopping mall, about half way up Seven Mile Beach from downtown George Town, contains a number of shops offering duty free goods and other, more pedestrian stores. If you're looking for a bookstore, visit the Book Nook, which has an outlet here.

Rum Cakes

Tortuga Rum Company
South Church Street
Downtown George Town
The rum cakes from Tortuga Rum Company, made daily in the Cayman Islands, are world famous for their quality, taste and potency. You can even sample the cakes before buying, and they'll ship it to your home so you don't have to lug it while on your vacation. They've also got a number of other locations on Grand Cayman.

Cigars

Cohiba Lounge & Cigar Emporium
Cayman Falls Plaza, West Bay Road
Seven Mile Beach
This lounge is owned and operated by an authorized Habanos S.A. dealer. Their walk-in humidor carries a wide range of Cuban cigars as well as cigars from Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic, all sold at duty free prices. They also operate a bar that carries an extensive range of fine cognacs, wines, rums and beers, also from Cuba. Opposite the Westin Hotel.

Cayman Cuisine

Given its geographic location and its long and close association with Jamaica, authentic Cayman Island food is derived primarily from West Indian and Jamaican cuisines. Typical Cayman delicacies include curry, jerk, stewed goat, ox tail, turtle, rice and beans and locally-caught seafood. Many Cayman restaurants use the term "Continental Caribbean Cuisine" to describe their unique blend of exotic recipes from throughout the region, the Americas, Asia and Europe, in turn creating a melding of traditional Cayman dishes with lavish modern creations from around the world.

Regional Specialties of the Cayman Islands Expect to find the following dishes in traditional Cayman cuisine:

• Fish served "Cayman Style": grouper, snapper, marlin or tuna, generally broiled or baked, topped with onion, pepper and tomato.


• Turtle: Turtle steaks can be found in many restaurants, supplied by island farms specializing in this local delicacy.


• Conch: Conch is also readily available and a favorite of locals.


• Rundown: fish cooked in coconut milk and served with breadfruit and cassava.


• Pepperpot: a thick stew made with potatoes and local greens, a local variant of the traditional British dish.

Restaurants

Recommended Restaurants in Grand Cayman

There are dozens of restaurants on Grand Cayman, ranging from fast food to gourmet. The following recommended restaurants are local favorites, focusing on seafood, local cuisine and specialties foods of the Cayman Islands.

To see the locations of the restaurants listed below, see our Grand Cayman Restaurant map.

George Town

Breezes By The Bay Tropical Grill
Contemporary Caribbean
Famous locally for their Conch Fritters and "Island Drinks." The favorites also include fresh Whole Fish Escovitch, Jerk Glazed Pork Chop, Curry Chicken and Shrimp, Tropical Seafood Kettle-Cooked Stew, Rasta Pasta and their signature Conch Chowder served in a fresh homemade bread bowl. Breezes has a phenomenal view of the harbor. Full bar.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
Overlooks the harbor, on Church Street, in George Town.
Open: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 10:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (345) 943-8439

Bayside Cafe
Indian
Seafood meets authentic Indian cuisine in Grand Cayman created by Goan chef/owner Angelo. Favorites include the Mahi Masala Curry, the Shrimp Masala Curry, the Chicken Tika Tandouri, and the Chicken Korma. They also offer an All You Can Eat Curry Lunch Buffet for CI$ 10.95 on weekdays.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
238 North Church Street
Open: Monday to Friday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm; Monday to Sunday 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Tel: (345) 946-2482

Grand Old House
Gourmet European/New World
If you want to splurge on a great meal in the Caymans, this is your ticket. The menu focuses on seafood, including everything from conch chowder and sashimi to lobster thermidor, their signature turtle steak and crusty tuna. Located in an historic 101 year-old house that was moved to Grand Cayman from Massachusetts. Reservations recommended. Full bar.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
South Church Street
Open: Monday to Friday 11:45am to 2:00 pm, and nightly 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Tel: (345) 949-9333

Luz's Restaurant
Local & Spanish
A very popular local restaurant, featuring Local Caribbean & Honduran food, including fried crab, turtle and Cayman-style lobster.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
6 Pasadora Place, Smith Road
Open: Monday-Saturday 7:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (345) 949-4898

Ye Olde English Bakery
English
Ideal for sandwiches, a cup of tea or just to pick up a traditional bacon butty.
Accepts MasterCard & Visa.
Corner of Mary Street and North Church Street
Open: Monday to Friday 6:30 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday 6:30 am to 3:00 pm, Sunday 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Tel: (345) 945-2420

Seven Mile Beach

Al La Kabab
Middle Eastern
Serving fresh and made-to-order Mediterranean pita wraps, topped with your favorite sauce and crunchy veggies. Check out their homemade Thai Lemongrass Chicken Soup, the Fattoush Salad, made with crispy pita, mint, parsley and Middle Eastern spices, or an order of fries topped with Queso sauce.
Accepts MasterCard & Visa.
Marquee Plaza
Open: Weekdays 11:00 am to 4:00 am, Saturday 11:00 am to 3:00 am, and Sunday 11:00 am to 2:00 am
Tel: (345) 943-4343

Cafe Mediterraneo
Italian
Mediterranean cuisine with a dollop of Caribbean verve. This popular and lively restaurant serves seafood, pasta, beef, chicken or pizza, and tapas are served in the lounge. Full bar with an extensive wine list.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road
Open: Daily 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; Dinner Served until 11:00 pm
Tel: (345) 949-8669

Chicken! Chicken!
Caribbean Wood Roasted Chicken
Features delicious Caribbean wood-roasted chicken with a wide variety of fresh vegetables, salads and homemade Caribbean-style cornbread.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
West Shore Centre, West Bay Road
Open: Daily 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (345) 945-2290

Cimboco
Contemporary Caribbean
With an exhibition kitchen and wood burning oven, Cimboco is a fun and lively place featuring Caribbean-inspired dishes, fire roasted pizza, homemade pastas and fresh seafood at reasonable prices. Full bar.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
Marquee Plaza, Seven Mile Beach
Open: Daily 7:00 am to 10:00 pm (and until 11:00 pm on Fridays)
Tel: (345) 947-2782

Thai Orchid
Thai
Authentic, delicious Thai food in an artistic setting. Also serves sushi and have a buffet on Sundays. Full bar.
Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa.
Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road
Open: Sunday to Friday 11:30 am to 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, All Day Saturday 11:30 am to 10:00 pm
Tel: (345) 949-7955

Activities

Best Beaches

Seven Mile Beach Located just north of George Town. It's actually only 5 miles long, but many people consider SMB to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It's lined with hotels, resorts and shopping centers, and easily accessible from George Town by bus or taxi.

Rum Point Generally quieter than Seven Mile Beach, Rum Point is a beautiful beach with an alluringly casual and relaxed atmosphere. Here you'll find many free loungers and hammocks where you can bask in the sun or take in the view; there are panoramic views towards the north. Family friendly Rum Point is perfect for picnics, and public picnic tables are available for your use. It's about a 45 minute ride by taxi from George Town.

Smith's Cove Located on South Sound, this beach offers the convenience of being close to the cruise port to allow for more time enjoying the sun, sand and sea. With restrooms, picnic benches, showers, phenomenal snorkeling and great photo ops, you should add Smith's Cove to your to-do list.

West Bay Public Beach Located after the 4-way stop in West Bay with a wide stretch of powder-soft sand and an abundance of shady sea grape trees, this stop is perfect for families. There is also a dock, restrooms and changing facilities, showers and huts/benches.

Cayman Kai Cayman Kai has huts, benches, hammocks and a New Orleans atmosphere at the Kaibo bar and grill. With beach volleyball and an annual Mardi Gras festival, Cayman Kai is a fun place to spend some time.

Independent Tour Operators

The following companies provide independent tours of Grand Cayman:

• Grand Cayman Cruise Shore Excursions offers shore excursions that will not only save you money but will provide you with the option of unique and diverse excursions, small groups, individualized itineraries and the freedom and knowledge to go off on your own if you so choose.


• Native Safari (Tel: (345) 324-4778) A personalized Cayman tour company that provides guests with one-on-one attention, emphasizing Cayman history and culture while visiting all of the major attractions and parks.


• Reality Tours (Tel: (345) 947-7200) With over 19 years of experience, the staff provide it guests with personalized attention and first class tours from a local's point of view.

Stingray City

Stingray City is the number one attraction on Grand Cayman. Located in the middle of the North Sound on a 3-foot deep sandbar, Stingray City is populated by hundred of tame Atlantic Southern Stingrays that enjoy the company of humans. Participants swim and interact with and feed the stingrays in this unforgettable adventure. Trips to Stingray City may include other activities, such as snorkeling in the reefs in locations around the island, and vary in price depending on the package you buy.

If you want to learn more about the Atlantic Southern Stingrays, here's a good reference on their range, habitat and behavior.

Dozens of tour companies offer trips to Stingray City; here is a partial listing of tour operators that feature Stingray City in their tours:

• Carib Select provides memorable trips to Stingray City that include free transportation to and from the Cruise Ship dock, a visit to Stingray City and snorkeling at Coral Gardens or The Barrier Reef (with snorkeling equipment included), and photo packages with your pictures burned to CD, ready when the boat returns to the dock. Tel: (888) 452-7928


• Stingray City Trips is the #1 booking website for Stingray City.


• Captain Crosby's Watersports Sail to Stingray City with Cayman's most famous and entertaining captain, who's been delighting visitors continuously since 1962. Tel: (345) 945-4049


• Captain Marvin's Watersports Established in Grand Cayman in 1951, Captain Marvin's Watersports is the original operator of snorkel trips to the Stingray City sandbar in the clear, warm waters of the famous North Sound.


• Ebanks Watersports Locally owned and operated, enjoy a truly Cayman experience! Tel: (345) 925-5273

Birding

There are several good birding areas on Grand Cayman. These include the Barkers peninsula on the north west corner; the Mastic Reserve, comprising 500 acres in the North Side district; Meagre Bay Pond, just east of Bodden Town; Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (see below); and Willie Eubanks Farm, also in the North Side district. The top local bird sightings are: Grand Cayman Amazon Parrot, West Indian Whistling Duck, La Sagra's Flycatcher, West Indian Woodpecker, Vitelline Warbler, Stripe-headed Tanager and Cuban Bullfinch. Tours are available through Earthfoot Nature Walks & Birding.

Museums & Public Places

Hell. Located in West Bay. Nothing more than an outcropping of one million year old rock formations with souvenir stores and a post office, plus there's a goofball in a devil's costume who welcomes you to Hell. Oh, well, what the hell!

Cayman Islands National Museum. One of the Cayman's few remaining 19th century structures, this building overlooks Hog Sty Bay in George Town. It has served as a jail, a courthouse and as a church. The Museum's collection of over 8,000 items includes household and shipbuilding artifacts, art and natural history specimens.
Located on Harbour Drive in George Town.
Open: Monday thru Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Admission is around CI$4 for adults, CI$2 for Seniors and kids
Tel: (345) 949-8368

Pedro St. James. An authentic Caribbean great house from the early 18th century, Pedro St. James is the oldest building on Grand Cayman and has come to symbolize the birthplace of democracy in Cayman. The grounds also include an authentic outbuilding, original Caymanian cottages and multiple gardens. Also includes a theatre that presents a 20-minute interactive program on the history of the great house and the island.
Tel: (345) 947-3329

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. A must for avid photographers, the park features 40 acres of flora and fauna from around the world, including a 2-acre heritage park that reflects the gardens of the original settlers, a 2.5-acre floral color garden and a large lake that is home to many interesting and colorful aquatic creatures. It's about 45 minutes from George Town.
Tel: (345) 947-9462

Diving

There are literally dozens of diving companies on Grand Cayman that will take you for a 1- or 2-tank dive in some of Cayman's most spectacular underwater locales. Here is a partial listing:

• Neptune's Divers Caters to individuals and small groups. Daily morning and afternoon 1- and 2-tank dives. Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa. Tel: (345) 949-4729.


• Off the Wall Divers Specializing in small dive groups. Accepts MasterCard & Visa. Tel: (345) 945-7525.


• Indigo Divers Catering to smaller groups (6 divers max) with 5 star service. Accepts Amex, MasterCard & Visa. Tel: (345) 525-3932.


• Peter Milburn's Dive Cayman Ltd. One of Cayman's oldest and best dive operators. Cash & Traveler's Checks only. Tel: (345) 945-5770


• Wall to Wall Diving Caters to individuals and small groups. 1- and 2-tank trips daily. Accepts MasterCard & Visa. Tel: (345) 945-6608

Golf

Britannia Golf Club. The Caribbean's only Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. The nine hole championship layout can also play as 18-hole executive course.
Tel: (345) 745-4653

Hiking

Mastic Trail. The two-mile long Mastic trail is the largest remaining contiguous area of untouched old growth forest in the Cayman Islands. The trail opens up a rare woodland world that has evolved undisturbed for two million years. Here you'll experience a variety of fascinating habitats from Black Mangrove wetland to stands of Silver Thatch Palms, abandoned agricultural land and extensive ancient dry forest. The forest is also home to a rich abundance of birds, animals, butterflies, lizards, frogs, large hermit crabs and non-poisonous snakes. Guided hikes of the Mastic Trail are available through the National Trust and are conducted weekly.
National Trust Visitor Centre
Dart Park, 558 S. Church Street
George Town
(345) 949-0121

Horseback Riding

Coral Stone Stables. If you love the outdoors, nature and horses, then this tour is for you! Coral Stone Stables offers scenic rides along the beach and through woodland trails.
Cash or Travelers Checks only
Tel: (345) 947-2323

Pampered Ponies, Ltd. Featuring first class, professionally trained big and beautiful horses, you can walk, trot and canter along the stunning beaches and beach trails of Grand Cayman. Pickup service is also available.
Accepts Visa and MasterCard
Tel: (345) 949-8813

Activities

Nautilus: The Undersea Tours. Take a journey in the largest, most luxurious semi-submarine in the world and see the spectacular undersea world of Grand Cayman. The Nautilus glides gracefully through Caymans tropical waters, but never completely submerges. Just relax and enjoy the spacious air-conditioned underwater observatory.
Tel: (345) 945-1355

Butterfly Farm. Step into a tropical garden teeming with butterflies from around the world and prepare to meet some of the world's most colorful creatures. Observe the life cycle of these fascinating animals from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Located across from the Marquee Cinema, on Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 946-3411

Pirate's Caves and Mini-Zoo Located in Bodden Town, just 20 minutes from George Town, you can explore the underground caves where pirates hid their treasure. Great for kids. Open daily 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Accept Amex, MasterCard and Visa.
Tel: (345) 947-3122

Silver Thatch Excursions Get away from the crowds and explore Cayman's history, nature and culture on this eco tour of Grand Cayman. You'll travel in a small group, and get personalized attention from the local guides.
Tel: (345) 925-7401

Boatswain's Beach Adventure Park & Turtle Farm This is a Cayman version of a theme park built around the world-famous Cayman Turtle Farm. You can snorkel and swim in the lagoon, see the Green Sea Turtle breeding grounds and touch the turtles--ranging in size from a few inches to over 600 pounds--walk a nature trail, see the native birds in the aviary, view (and even feed) the sharks, grouper and eels in the Predator Reef aquarium, and get a taste of Cayman culture and heritage in the Cayman Street exhibit. The Turtle Farm was established to propagate and preserve the Cayman turtles, and has released over 30,000 animals into the wild since its inception in 1968. Open Monday through Thursday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Cayman Islands Helicopters. See Grand Cayman from a completely different perspective! Cayman Islands Helicopters offers a number of different tours.
Tel: (345) 943-4354

Cayman Kayaks. Cayman Kayaks offers eco-adventure kayaking tours in the pristine waters of the North Sound, the largest reef-fringed lagoon of the Cayman Islands. Explore the mangroves, bays and beaches of Grand Cayman on a stable and safe sit-on-top kayak.
Tel: (345) 926-4467