There’s something magical in the air from the moment you glide into the Grand Cayman cruise port. The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory made up of three beautiful islands in the western portion of the Caribbean Sea. Considered a hub for luxury resorts, excellent snorkeling, and luxury shopping, Grand Cayman is also famed for its legendary deep-sea fishing excursions, remote beaches, bioluminescent bays, and population of endangered blue iguanas.
Regardless of which cruise line you travel with, you’ll have no trouble finding little tastes of paradise just steps from your cruise terminal. From the glitter of George Town to the serenity found among local marine life, this cruise destination stands out for its ability to allow guests to connect with nature while still enjoying the finer things in life. Where should you start?
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This list of seven things to do in Grand Cayman cruise port will have you racing from your cruise ship to begin experiencing all of the pleasures of Grand Cayman!
1) Book A Grand Cayman Stingray City Tour
Feeling a little wild at heart while planning your big Grand Cayman trip? There’s one adventure that tops all other shore excursions!
If you’re coming to the Cayman Islands, you need to know about an incredible spot called Stingray City that is considered a must-visit attraction for anyone arriving at the Grand Cayman cruise port. This attraction is a series of shallow sandboards located in Grand Cayman’s iconic North Sound. With the right captain by your side, you’ll be able to access a wonderland of barrier reefs that house colorful tropical fish and abundant stingrays.
What’s the best way to see Stingray City in the Cayman Islands? Captain Marvin’s is Grand Cayman’s premier provider of Stingray City excursions. We offer a seamless way to swim with wild stingrays in their natural habitat right here in majestic Grand Cayman! Our expert crew offers so many different ways to explore! Take a look:
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Stingrays, starfish, the Crystal Caves (3 hours)
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Stingrays combined with a snorkeling stop at the Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens (2 hours and 30 minutes)
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Stingrays with a conch dive (seasonal), snorkeling, and seafood lunch on the beach (5 hours)
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Stingrays with two snorkeling stops at Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef (3 hours)
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Stingrays, starfish, and snorkeling aboard a new motorized catamaran (3 hours)
We are also pleased to offer excursions to Starfish Point to see sea stars and other tropical fish, dive into crystal-clear waters, and experience the rare bioluminescence event that lights up nights on Grand Cayman Island!
Our semi-customizable tours are perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers. Rest assured that our knowledgeable, attentive crew members will always prioritize your safety and enjoyment. Most of our tours can accommodate groups of 30 to 45.
Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience of connecting with stingrays in their natural state! Book your spot today!
2) Lounge At Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach has won the title of “Best Caribbean Beach” more than once! Known for being home to the former Royal Palms Beach Club, this crescent-shaped beach topped with coral sand sits on Grand Cayman’s western edge near West Bay.
Its fame comes from the fact that it delights visitors with its warm water and gentle waves. It’s very common to see beachgoers enjoying some swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling here. If you’re seeking a tamer experience, simply look for the current-free stretches of shallow water that are perfect for wading.
Don’t skip the bliss of a lazy beach day at Seven Mile Beach if you’re looking for things to do near Grand Cayman cruise port!
3) Enjoy The Duty Free Shops In Grand Cayman
Do you want to bring home some keepsakes and trinkets from the Cayman Islands? There are plenty of places to shop within walking distance of the Grand Cayman cruise port. In addition to a few large shopping centers, there are also some locally owned trinket shops peppered throughout the island’s neighborhoods. Here’s a look at the top shopping places:
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Camana Bay (Market Street)
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Galleria Plaza (West Bay Road)
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Pure Art Gallery & Gifts (Denham Thompson Way)
Good to know: Grand Cayman is synonymous with luxury shopping! Upscale retailers offer a wide variety of duty-free jewelry, watches, fragrances, crystal goods, and purses.
4) Explore Eden Rock Diving Center And Devil’s Grotto
Eden Rock Diving Center is a fantastic place to get your fins wet! Visitors can scoop up all the equipment rentals they’ll need for an unforgettable experience. The center is a must-visit for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. The experienced diving professionals at Eden Rock Diving Center will ensure your safety and guide you through this underwater paradise, making your dive an unforgettable experience.
Devil’s Grotto is an expansive reef structure characterized by its impressive caverns and intricate tunnels. Exploring Devil’s Grotto is like stepping into a hidden underwater paradise. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant and diverse marine ecosystem. The reef formations are adorned with colorful corals, swaying sea fans, and an abundance of marine life. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and tranquility that awaits you in this underwater haven.
5) Live Your Best Life In George Town
While island living is slow, the fast pace of George Town is irresistible to Grand Cayman visitors. As the capital city of the Cayman Islands, this financial hub and port of call is famed for fabulous restaurants, cultural attractions, mansions, and the glitzy shops that line Cardinal Avenue.
Here’s a list of essential attractions for your itinerary after you dock at the George Town Grand Cayman cruise port:
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Tour the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI): This 9,000-square-foot facility is home to the official national art collection. It also has a library, sculpture garden, and ongoing exhibits.
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Explore Heroes Square: Located a short walk from where cruise ships dock, this landmark is peppered with statues and memorials telling the history of the island.
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Shop at Farm Fresh Direct: Offering a sprawling array of seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables, this famous spot is a great place to pick up everything from raw ingredients to prepared meals. While vendors rotate frequently, you may also be in luck if you’re looking for crafts, sauces, creams, desserts, jewelry, or a fish market!
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Pamper Yourself at Coral Beach: Coral Beach is a private beach club on Seven Mile Beach that offers cabanas, loungers, cocktails, lunch, and dinner with stunning coastal views.
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Visit the Cayman Islands National Museum: This landmark features exhibits showcasing the natural and human history of the island!
6) Do A Distillery Tour
It’s no secret that Grand Cayman is famous for its rum! However, many people docking at the Grand Cayman cruise port aren’t aware that you can actually see how the golden elixir is made when you tour a distillery in person. Yes, there are usually some samples involved!
Cayman Spirits Co. is widely considered to be the best spot for a rum tour in Grand Cayman. Your ticket gets you a fun tour that includes samples. Your guide will even throw in some history and trivia regarding the different samples you try. You might even walk away with some recipes for cocktails you can mix up when you get back home.
Due to the popularity of Cayman Spirits Co. tours, you should consider booking your tickets online ahead of time.
7) Have A Rare Dining Experience Near Rum Point
Kaibo Beach Restaurant invites guests to escape from the ordinary as they enjoy luxury dining in a beachfront setting near remote Rum Point Beach.
From its locally sourced ingredients to its lively evenings with live local bands and DJs, this Grand Cayman gem offers an experience like nothing else you’ll find after arriving at the Grand Cayman cruise port.
Pro tip: The best way to get here is by a Rum Point water taxi!
Discover The Best Way To Explore The Island After Arriving At The Grand Cayman Cruise Port
After you arrive in George Town, you won’t be restricted by the offerings of your cruise ship! Feel free to head away from the tender port for a while to experience Grand Cayman like a local instead of a tourist.
Regardless of which cruise line you travel with, Captain Marvin’s is proud to be your official tour guide on the waters off of Grand Cayman. Our once-in-a-lifetime excursions bring you to serene, natural attractions where you can enjoy marine life and peaceful views far from the hustle and bustle of cruise ships at the George Town Grand Cayman cruise port.
Book your unforgettable experience among the stingrays and sandbars of Grand Cayman with Captain Marvin’s today!
