Explore Grand Cayman on a Cruise: Top Things to Do

Grand Cayman is a popular destination for cruise ships, and for good reason. The island is home to beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. If you're planning a cruise that stops in Grand Cayman, you'll want to make the most of your time on the island.

One of the most popular things to do in Grand Cayman is to visit Seven Mile Beach. This stunning stretch of sand is known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand. You can spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or trying out water sports like snorkeling or jet skiing.

If you're interested in learning more about the island's history and culture, you might want to visit the Cayman Islands National Museum. Here, you can explore exhibits on the island's natural history, as well as its cultural heritage. The museum is located in George Town, the island's capital, which is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants.

Exploring the Beaches

Grand Cayman is famous for its stunning beaches, and as a cruise passenger, you have plenty of options to explore them. Here are two of my favorite beaches to visit:

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Grand Cayman, and for good reason. As its name suggests, this beach stretches for seven miles, and it's known for its crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. There are plenty of beach bars and restaurants along the shore, so you can grab a drink or a bite to eat while you soak up the sun. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try water sports like snorkeling, jet skiing, or parasailing.

Rum Point

If you're looking for a more secluded beach experience, Rum Point is the place to go. This beach is located on the North Side of the island, and it's known for its calm, shallow waters and peaceful atmosphere. The beach is surrounded by palm trees, and there are plenty of hammocks and lounge chairs where you can relax and enjoy the view. If you're feeling hungry, be sure to check out the Wreck Bar, which serves up delicious seafood and cocktails.

No matter which beach you choose to visit, be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. And don't forget to take plenty of photos to remember your day in paradise!

Adventurous Activities

If you're looking for an adrenaline rush on your Grand Cayman cruise, you're in luck! There are plenty of adventurous activities to choose from.

Scuba Diving

As a scuba diver, Grand Cayman is a dream destination. The crystal-clear waters are home to an abundance of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and even shipwrecks. I recommend booking a guided dive with a reputable company to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Some popular dive sites include:

Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto
The Wreck of the Cali
The Kittiwake

Stingray City

Swimming with stingrays might sound intimidating, but it's actually a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Stingray City is a sandbar located in the middle of the North Sound, where you can interact with dozens of friendly Southern Stingrays. I suggest booking a tour with a local guide who can provide information about the stingrays' behavior and habitat. Some tours even include snorkeling at nearby coral reefs.

Remember to always prioritize safety and respect for the environment when participating in adventurous activities.

Historical Sites

When visiting Grand Cayman on a cruise, there are a few historical sites that are worth checking out.

Pedro St. James Castle

Pedro St. James Castle is a historic site that offers a glimpse into the island's past. The castle was built in the late 1700s and served as a plantation home for the wealthy Watler family. Today, the castle has been restored and turned into a museum that showcases the island's history.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about the island's early settlers, the history of the Watler family, and the role that Pedro St. James played in the Cayman Islands' political history. The castle also offers stunning views of the island and the Caribbean Sea.

Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum is another great historical site to visit on a cruise to Grand Cayman. The museum is located in George Town and features exhibits on the island's natural history, cultural heritage, and maritime history.

One of the highlights of the museum is the exhibit on the island's shipwrecks. Grand Cayman is known as the “Wreck Capital of the Caribbean,” and the museum has a collection of artifacts from some of the most famous shipwrecks in the area.

The museum also has exhibits on the island's early settlers, the history of the Cayman Islands' government, and the island's role in the slave trade. Overall, the Cayman Islands National Museum is a great place to learn about the island's rich history and culture.

Local Cuisine Tasting

One of the best ways to experience the culture of Grand Cayman is by indulging in the local cuisine. As a food enthusiast, I highly recommend trying out the island's unique dishes during your cruise stop.

First on the list is the famous “Cayman-style” turtle stew. This dish is a local delicacy that has been enjoyed for generations. The turtle meat is slow-cooked with vegetables and spices, resulting in a savory and flavorful stew. It's definitely worth a try if you're feeling adventurous.

Another must-try dish is the “heavy cake.” This dessert is a dense, sweet cake made with cassava, coconut, and sugar. It's often served with a side of fresh fruit or ice cream. The heavy cake is a perfect way to end a meal and satisfy your sweet tooth.

For those who prefer seafood, the island offers a wide variety of fresh fish dishes. Some of the most popular options include mahi-mahi, snapper, and lobster. These dishes are often seasoned with local spices and served with sides such as plantains or rice and beans.

In addition to trying out the local cuisine at restaurants, I also recommend visiting the local markets and food stands to get a taste of the street food. Some of the best options include jerk chicken, conch fritters, and fish tacos.

Overall, experiencing the local cuisine is a must-do activity during your cruise stop in Grand Cayman. With so many delicious options to choose from, you're sure to find a dish that satisfies your taste buds.

Here's my personal experience on a one day trip to Grand Cayman on a Carnival cruise:

We were up early for one of our excursions–a snorkeling shipwreck “adventure.” Everyone that I have known who went to Grand Cayman hung out with some huge stringrays. We just couldn't do it. I am totally creeped out by that idea. We snorkeled right off the coast and it was so beautiful over the reef. There were only about 6 people on this excursion, it was nice and peaceful! We saw the shipwreck and heard stories about the Cali.

Snorkeling with the cruise ship in the distance

We hit Hammerheads for lunch and a bucket of Cay Brew beer. Man, Grand Cayman is expensive. Just a little FYI. It's like America and given the chance to visit again, I would probably pass. I had a mahi sandwich for a million dollars and then we hit Dunkin Donuts for a coffee and wireless internet break. Apparently everyone else had the same idea as the DD was poppin' with cruise staff and tourists logging on with their laptops, phones, etc.

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