Grand Cayman - no excursion

openwater · #1 (**permalink**) January 28th, 2012, 10:21 AM

We have a port of call in Grand Cayman in December. None of the Carnival excursions interest us. What can we do on our own? Is there anything near the port? It will be me, my husband, our son (15) and our daughter (13).

Donna · #2 (**permalink**) January 28th, 2012, 04:15 PM

I would recommend snorkeling with the Sting Rays at this stop, it is a once in a life time kind of thing, you really don't want to miss this one.

sptrout · #3 (**permalink**) January 28th, 2012, 07:10 PM

I agree with Donna, go to Stingray City; you will never forget it! And with two children, double that recommendation!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stingra...,_Grand_Cayman

Juggaloves · #4 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2012, 02:53 PM

We took a shuttle to 7 mile beach it was very affordable and the shuttle just ran up and down the road all day, like a public transport bus. Don't get off at the first exit tho if you wait a mile or two the beach is almost deserted it was awesome we then tracked down a cabana that sold us some snorkeling gear and even set us up with parasailing for a really really good price. It is one of my favorite ports of all time, great memories. I'm actually going back too in November. I'll let you know if I do anything else fun!!

johnthed0g · #5 (**permalink**) January 29th, 2012, 02:57 PM

IF it stops...prone to bad weather that prevents tenders being used.

Donna · #6 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 09:28 AM

Very true, my first cruise ever was supposed to stop in Grand Cayman, but couldn't due to high winds. The reason I had picked this cruise was this stop. So, you never know, be prepared to possible miss this stop, otherwise it is a great town to walk around and see some sights.

johnthed0g · #7 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 09:39 AM

Last year there were two P&O ships & a HAL circling the island, reminded me of cowboy films with the "Indians" circling the wagon train. None stopped.

Mike M · #8 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 09:50 AM

Then again...... I've been to Grand Cayman seven times and it was never bypassed. It is somewhat the luck of the draw and the vast majority of cruises don't bypass Grand Cayman.

If you haven't done Stingray City I suggest you give it a try. It is fun to do.

Seven Mile Beach is fun for just a beach day. You can also go to Hell.

It's a small rock outcropping on the island and it has a post office and souvenir shop so you can send a "Postcard From Hell". I personally found Hell a bit underwhelming.

My brother did the Atlantis Submarine and enjoyed that.

So there are a number of things to do.

Take care,
Mike

Trip · #9 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 10:16 AM

Or....you could drop anchor on the other side if the island, as we did once, when the seas were rough. A short bus ride brought us to town.

I have heard great things about the Atlantis sub excursion,and of course the Sting Rays are just so popular, and check, out Captain Marvin, who gets rave reviews, as a tour operator.

Have a ball on your cruise!

LisaK · #10 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 02:20 PM

totally agree with the others on the Sting Rays, we have booked with Captain Marvin on more than one occassion and will do it again

johnthed0g · #11 (**permalink**) January 30th, 2012, 04:38 PM

We did sting rays on Grand Turk, they feel like liver..

Golden1 · #12 (**permalink**) January 31st, 2012, 04:49 PM

My favorite thing in Grand Cayman was the Turtle Farm, then seven mile beach for some Cay Brew afterward!