Are you wondering how to get around Grand Cayman once you arrive in paradise? With the Cayman Islands consisting of three islands called Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, opportunities to explore are endless! However, not all tourists have the same priorities. While some dream of hopping islands, others prefer to stick close to George Town.
Whether you’re docking with a cruise ship or landing at the airport, there are important things to know about how to rent a car, book taxis, or choose a more exotic way to get around. Yes, we’re sharing them all.
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Here’s how to get around in Grand Cayman to see popular attractions and experience once-in-a-lifetime beauty using all of the transportation options available!
1) Book A Rental Car
Get ready to put the windows down to soak in those island breezes! Covering Grand Cayman by car is truly a dream. With the island measuring 22 miles long by 8 miles wide, you can drive the whole thing in around two hours. However, we recommend taking your time.
Just how difficult is renting a car in Grand Cayman? You’ll be surprised to learn just how easy driving a vehicle in the Cayman Islands really is! When picking up a car reservation from a rental car agency here, you’ll just need to show your valid driver’s license from home and pay a $20 fee to be issued a temporary driver’s license.
For tourists flying into Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), there are many rental agencies located a brief walk from the terminal. Familiar options to rent from include Alamo® Rent A Car, Avis, and Budget.
Good To Know: Due to the fact that this is a British Overseas Territory, people drive on the left side of the road here. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the differing traffic laws before getting behind the wheel of your rental car.
2) Use A Boat Charter To Get To Stingray City
There are certain places that cars and buses simply can’t take you in the Cayman Islands. For these hidden gems, you need a boat charter company offering tours of spots like Starfish Point and Stingray City. For more than 70 years, Captain Marvin’s has been the #1 Cayman boat tour operator for people who want to get close to stingrays, caves, coral reefs, and more. We were the first to bring tourists to Stingray City.
There’s simply nothing like floating out to Stingray City to get in the water with gentle, friendly stingrays. Our experienced captains will bring you to shallow sandbars in Grand Cayman’s North Sound that attract wild stingrays in abundance. Once anchored, you’ll be free to dive in the warm water to pet and interact with these gorgeous creatures. Decades of friendly, calm interactions with humans have made these stingrays amenable to human contact. The experience offers fun for the whole family!
Our guests can now choose from 11 exciting excursions in total that offer opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and much more. You can even choose a fishing charter, nighttime tour of Starfish Point, or snorkeling expedition during conch season.
Discover how to get around Grand Cayman when adventure is your goal by booking your spot with Captain Marvin’s today!
3) Use The Public Bus
If you prefer the convenience and lower cost of public transportation, you’ll be happy to know that Grand Cayman does have buses. Public buses run seven days a week. The system is also fairly easy to use. Simply look for the colored circles with bus numbers on them on each vehicle. Here’s where you can go using public buses in Grand Cayman:
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Yellow: West Bay, Governor’s Residence, Seven Mile Beach, Hell Road, Cayman Turtle Center
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Dark Green: West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, Hell Road, Cayman Turtle Center
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Purple: West Bay, Owen Roberts International Airport, George Town
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Bright Blue: Central George Town, Field of Dreams Sports Complex, University Hospital
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Red: East End, Bodden Town Public Beach, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Colliers Beach, the Blowholes, Botanic Park
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Light Green: East End, Bodden Town Public Beach, Gun Square, Wreck of the Ten Sail, Colliers Beach, Botanic Park
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Orange: North Side, Bodden Town Public Beach, Colliers Beach, Gun Square, Botanic Park, Cayman Kai
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Light Green: North Side, Pedro St. James Castle, Bodden Town Public Beach, Gun Square, Botanic Park, Cayman Kai
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Dark Blue: North Side, Queen’s Highway, East End
Bus fares range from CI$ 2 to CI$ 8, Cayman Islands Dollars, based on trip length. If you need to get somewhere specific, it’s sometimes possible to ask a driver to drop you off slightly outside of the normal route for an additional fee. You can also flag down buses to board.
4) Fly Between Islands
If you’re wondering how to get around Cayman Islands, the best way to hop islands is to take advantage of the many daily flights that go between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
To do this, simply book domestic flights through Cayman Airways out of Owen Roberts International Airport. Flights take around 30 to 40 minutes.
Flying between the islands is a breeze and can be a fun part of your trip! With Cayman Airways offering multiple flights each day, you can easily plan your island-hopping adventure.
The short flight gives you a chance to enjoy some beautiful aerial views of the sparkling blue waters below. Plus, it’s a quick and hassle-free way to explore all that the Cayman Islands have to offer!
5) Book A Boat Charter
If you prefer to travel by water, you’ll need to book a private boat charter to get from George Town to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. It takes about an hour to get between islands using this option.
As you glide across the waves, take in the breathtaking views of the coastline and the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. Many charter companies offer customizable itineraries, allowing you to explore hidden coves, snorkel in pristine waters, or even enjoy a picnic on a secluded beach.
This option is perfect for those looking to make the journey part of their adventure, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
6) Use Taxis To Get Around
You won’t have any luck trying to use your Uber or Lyft app to get a ride in Grand Cayman. The government in the Cayman Islands has actually banned all ride-sharing apps in order to protect local taxi service revenues. Luckily, there are plenty of taxis just waiting to pick up riders.
Taxis are readily available outside the airport and around cruise ports. The old-school taxi market here doesn’t mean taxi companies don’t keep up with the times. While ride-sharing apps are banned here, there are several apps available that allow you to access information about taxi fares.
Pro Tip: Consider downloading CI:GO, Island:GO!, or Island Ride once you’re here.
7) Bike Around George Town Or Camana Bay
If you don’t want to rent a car, hop on a public bus, or hail a taxi, you can explore the roads by bike. There are several bike rental shops around Grand Cayman. If you’d like to pick up bikes as you go, download the Cycle Cayman app to unlock bikes from racks using Bluetooth. You’ll simply dock your rented bike when you’re done.
While Grand Cayman doesn’t have tons of bike lanes, you will have many scenic bike paths to choose from. Here’s a look at the best places to ride a bike in Grand Cayman:
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West Bay Loop: It takes about three hours to cover this 9.5-mile coastal loop of mixed paved lanes and sandy trails. You’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful views in the Cayman Islands along the way!
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Coastal Loop: The Cayman Coast Loop brings you from the island’s East End to the North Side with plenty of views to keep you engaged along the way. With this ride taking up to four hours, consider renting an e-bike to help you avoid fatigue!
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Camana Bay: This is the best option for city biking. Located just north of George Town, Camana Bay is a tourist-friendly Grand Cayman destination that’s famed for its shops, piers, boardwalks, and fountains. The area also has bike paths woven into its design for sustainable living. The smooth paths here are made from bike-friendly grey pavers.
Discover The Easiest Transportation Option To Get From George Town To Stingray City
If swimming with stingrays in the wild is part of your dream Cayman Islands vacation, there’s no need to spend time wondering how to visit Stingray City. Captain Marvin’s is the company that made Stingray City famous. Let us help you prepare an unforgettable itinerary!
Our short, comfortable trips bring you out to what feels like a place worlds away from civilization as you slip into crystal-clear waters with wild stingrays. Our tours can also take you to explore the secluded beach at Starfish Point, a bioluminescent bay, or a reef teeming with life at Coral Gardens.
Our office is conveniently located across from the cruise ports. We even offer pickup at hotels and condos along Seven Mile Beach. Book your adventure with Captain Marvin’s today!
