Grand Cayman Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers
Guide to shore excursions in Grand Cayman for cruise passengers: day guide in George Town port with tips on transportation, things to do, and Stingray City.
Cruise ship in port in the George Town waterfront
Grand Cayman is a popular cruise port which attracts around a million cruise ship passengers a year, and it’s not difficult to see why. The Island is safe, clean, easy to get around and has a host of shore excursions to choose from, such as relaxing on white sandy beaches, shopping, snorkelling, diving, world-famous attractions like Stingray City and the Cayman Turtle Centre and of course there are plenty of options for eating and drinking. The hard part is deciding what to do when you have just one day in Grand Cayman.
We have set out some useful information on Grand Cayman shore excursions below with links to more information and recommended tour providers. We've partnered with many businesses to offer exclusive discounts, so be sure to mention EXPLORE when booking to receive your discount.
The following businesses come highly recommended and often the cost of the tour will be considerably less than if booking via the cruise line! These businesses are used to providing a high quality tours for the discerning visitor. You won't experience overloaded boats here!
Editor's Comments
If you want to get away from the cruise terminal and see a bit of Grand Cayman without renting your own vehicle, an island tour will be your cheapest option. Although a private taxi tour will cost more, the experience is almost always better. Keep in mind that renting your own vehicle and exploring on your own is in the same relative price range as a tour.
About Cayman
The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory and as such English is the official language and people drive on the left. The Islands are on Eastern Standard Time (or GMT -5) however daylight savings are not observed. The currency is the Cayman Islands (CI) dollar. Although US dollars are accepted island-wide, change will always be given in CI$. The exchange rate is fixed to the US dollar: CI$1 is US$1.25 or US$1 to CI$0.80. Banks are open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday and there are plenty of ATMs in George Town and across the island.
Getting Around
There are plenty of ways to get around Grand Cayman including some inexpensive options. Whilst it can feel a bit overwhelming when you arrive as the George Town port is bustling with activity, the information below should help you make the best choice for your needs.
How you get around will largely depending on the amount of time you have and how much you'd like to spend. Make sure to think about the logistics of your day in Grand Cayman in relation to all the activities you'd like to do.
- Walking: If you intend to stay in the George Town area then you will be able to get around on foot with no problems. Check out our online maps of Cayman or pick up a copy of Explore magazine which you’ll find in racks located around George Town and across the island as it has excellent maps of the George Town area with shops, restaurants and historical sites clearly marked.
- Taxi: Taxi fares are based charged per person and are fixed by the government, although it is worth confirming the price before you set off. There will be plenty of taxis waiting at the port when your ship docks. Taxis look like mini vans and drivers prefer to have a minimum of four passengers to make it worth their while.
- Bus: Buses are a very cost effective way to get around, most journeys are between CI$1-CI$3. Buses look like mini vans - you can hail one by waving your hand when they toot at you. The bus depot is next to the library in George Town (across from Heroes Square fountain). When you board tell the driver where you would like to go and usually you can be dropped off outside the door. Click here for more information on bus routes in Cayman.
- Rental Car: To make the most of your time in port it is worth considering renting a car to give you the flexibility to see what you want at your own pace. Car rental agencies offer one-day prices for cruise ship passengers and will meet you at the port. The island is small and easy to navigate so you won’t need to worry about wasting time getting lost. Some recommended car rental agencies in Cayman include Go Cayman Car Rental and Economy & Discount Car Rentals.
Beaches
If your idea of heaven is relaxing on a gorgeous white sandy beach then you’re in luck as Grand Cayman delivers with the famous Seven Mile Beach and a number of others for you to while away the hours on.
Best Beaches for Cruise Passengers
Attractions & Activities
There is more to Cayman than just wonderful beaches; there are also attractions to suit every interest and budget.
For families, you can check out wildlife experience such as Cayman Parrot Sanctuary and Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Unique experiences like the Crystal Caves, Stingray City and the Cayman Turtle Centre are great for all ages!
Top Tours
$10 off
Cayman Islands Helicopters
Helicopter Tours in Grand Cayman
Various helicopter tours, including Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City or a complete Island adventure
Recommended for all ages
Depends on tour
From US$195
$205
$10 off
$10 off
Parasailing Professionals
Parasailing Rides
Fly high in the sky and get a fantastic view of the Island! Single, double or triple rides available
Recommended ages: 5+
30-60 minutes trip; 10 minutes fly time
From US$95
$105
$10 off
Pampered Ponies
Swim Ride
A ride first and then the horses are unsaddled and ridden bareback into the sea, then re-saddled and you ride back to the stable.
Recommended for all ages
1hr 45mins
Spirit Of The West
The Beach Ride
Guided horse ride along the quiet and beautiful Barkers Beach.
Recommended ages: 8+
Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
From US$100
Free
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Free Tour of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
Visit the National Gallery and see its permanent art collection, plus up to eight exhibitions a year
Recommended for all ages
Cayman Kayaks
Mangrove Kayak Tour
Don’t miss exploring one of the most amazing and important ecological systems of the world right here in the Cayman Islands.
Recommended for all ages
1.5-2 hours
From US$75
Stingray City and other Boat Tours
Top Attractions
Diving & Snorkelling
The Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean. The water is home to an abundance of colourful sea life, is clear, warm and calm, creating perfect conditions to discover our underwater world.
Shopping
Cayman is famous for its tax free shopping and items such as jewellery, watches, luxury brands, gems and precious metals can work out much cheaper in Cayman than they would be in America or Europe. On top of this, you can also expect to find locally produced goods like Cayman art, Caymanite, hot sauces, rum cake and fun souvenirs to take home to family and friends.
You will find that George Town will cater to all your shopping needs or alternatively you can try Camana Bay which is a lovely new town centre full of boutique shops, bars and restaurants.
Last but certainly not least, you will want to try one of the restaurants in Cayman’s thriving dining scene! Cayman is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean and has one of the highest ratios of restaurants to residents in the world. You will find every type of cuisine available in Cayman, including traditional Cayman food, international gourmet food, Italian, American, Chinese and much more.
Top Restaurant Picks
Other Useful Information for Cruise Ship Passengers
If you find you need assistance while you are in the Cayman Islands, you might find the following articles useful.
