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Or explore the USS Kittiwake, a submarine rescue vessel that was scuttled in 2011 to create an artificial reef, now populated by eagle rays and groupers. The highest part of the wreck is just 15 feet below the surface, so experienced snorkelers can dive down as far as the wheelhouse. As you arrive at Starfish Point, you’ll be greeted by a pristine shoreline with soft white sand and calm, shallow waters. The area gets its name from the abundance of starfish that call this place home.
The Ultimate Guide to the Grand Cayman Cruise Port in George Town
Make sure you bring your snorkel gear, but if you don’t have one, you can rent it on-site too. Stop by briefly at one of Grand Cayman’s top attraction, Hell and live to tell the tale. This way you will have a comeback every time someone tells you to “go to hell”. It is a huge formation of limestone found in the West Bay area of the island. It is a collection of black spiky and jagged rocks spread on a large piece of land, the size of a soccer pitch.
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This large marine park houses many tanks where you can find turtles of all sorts and sizes. You even get to take your souvenir picture holding the young turtles. Diving can be best arranged straight through the dive school, which we recommend to arrange at home before you go. These shallow waters (3,5 meters, 12 foot) is where you are going to find the famous stingrays of Grand Cayman.
Atlantis Submarine Tour
THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Norwegian (NCL) Cruises to Grand Cayman (Georgetown) (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:15:29 GMT [source]
If you're able to drive a bit from the cruise port, there's even more for you to do and thoroughly enjoy on the island. The Bioluminescent Bay is about a 50-minute drive from the port and may demand more of your time, but it's one of the most popular and awe-inspiring things to do in Grand Cayman. Glass bottom boat tours offer the option to get out and snorkel or dive, or to stay on the boat. This is a great excursion if you have some in the family who want to get right in the water, and some who’s rather not. You’ll see marine life and coral and sit comfortably while viewing tropical fish and in shipwrecks (depending on the tour).
Seven Mile Beach: Relaxation and Water Activities
You could also walk from the tender pier to Seven Mile beach, but take into account it is at least a 30 minute (2,5 km) walk in the heat. The Grand Cayman cruise port is located in a sheltered bay on the island’s southern coast. The cruise terminal is close to George Town, the island’s capital and largest town.
The city expands to the East but most attractions are close to the Harbor Drive and the two blocks inland. But it can also happen that you will be tendering to any of the other two piers when there are more than a couple of ships in port, which happens very often. The main docking spot for the tenders is the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal on the northern part of George Town. The cruise port is found in the capital city, George Town, the most populated location on all three islands. The Bayshore Mall is a few steps from the cruise port, as well as streets filled with high end jewelry stores, and lower end, souvenir shops, clothing stores, pirate stuff, and more. If you’ve been wanting a luxury brand watch, this is the place to do some shopping.
Cheeseburger Reef is another popular snorkeling spot located 120 ft (36 m) from the shore near Burger King. It is recommended to access this reef from the Lobster Pot Dive Center, which is around 0.6 miles (0.8 km) from the cruise port in George Town. Keep in mind that it’s a bit of a swim from the shore to the reef, so it’s best suited for more experienced swimmers. There’s also the Cayman Craft Market, the perfect place for purchasing jewelry, paintings, and handmade goods. Bayshore Mall is another shopping spot that sets itself apart as a high-end destination. The mall offers a variety of luxurious items, such as jewelry and watches, coupled with a diverse selection of restaurants.
Keep your feet on the seabed or snorkel over the sandbar, watching these graceful creatures mill around. A Grand Cayman cruise brings you to an enchanting island of long, sandy beaches, translucent water, and spectacular marine life. The island, the largest in the Cayman archipelago, is one of the most prosperous in the Caribbean thanks to its status as a center of offshore finance, yet also exudes a laid-back charm. For a unique and unforgettable experience during your visit to Grand Cayman, make sure to visit Starfish Point. Located on the northern coast of the island, this hidden gem is a secluded beach where you can encounter vibrant starfish up close in their natural habitat.
Shopping in Grand Cayman
From there, you can directly access Harbour Drive, the main street in George Town, as well as tour buses and taxis. Other beaches include Kaibo Beach which offers a casual and shady beachfront in the North. Smith Cove found in the center of a residential neighborhood and Starfish Point also found in the Northern ends of the island.
You can visit this destination on your own, or book an excursion through the cruise line. Because of that, I’d probably recommend going on one of the more unique Grand Cayman excursions, unless you really want to see the caves. They are beautiful, but there are so many other great things to do as well.
Grand Cayman is 450 miles directly south of Miami, Forida, and 230 miles west of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Its closeness to Jamaica is one reason why cruise ships often visit both ports in the same trip. If you’re looking for a unique way to explore Grand Cayman’s stunning beaches, beach horseback riding is the perfect activity. Several operators offer private and group tours of the island’s best beaches, with knowledgeable guides to help you explore this tropical paradise. Many people consider Grand Cayman to be the culinary capital of the Caribbean.
Whether you’re seeking pure relaxation or thrilling water activities, Seven Mile Beach offers the perfect blend of both. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the beach, indulge in water sports, or simply enjoy a lazy day basking in the Caribbean sun. Snorkeling along Seven Mile Beach is a must-do activity, as the waters here are teeming with colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs.
The Cayman Islands are an international banking center, so finding a financial institution is not difficult. The local currency in George Town and the rest of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. You’ll find that U.S. dollars are widely accepted, although you may be given change in local currency. If you do need Cayman Islands dollars during your Grand Cayman cruise, you’ll find ATMs located throughout downtown George Town.
The island features numerous restaurants, with a lot of them conveniently located near the port for cruise passengers. Grand Cayman’s culinary landscape is a melting pot of flavors, encompassing a variety of cuisines like Indian, Caribbean, American, and Thai. However, seafood takes center stage as a prominent element in the local cuisine. The terminals in Grand Cayman are specifically called tender terminals.
The main terminal is the Royal Watler cruise terminal and this is where the passengers get off/get on the tender boats. Once you get off the tender boat, you’ll see the security gates and the port staff who will point you to the exit. Be amazed at the colorful coral canyons, lively reefs, and the shipwrecks as you enjoy various submarine tours. If you want to see marine life without getting into the water then this is for you. The best place to start this experience at is at Eden rock or Devil’s Grotto diving center. There is a great deal of marine life at Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock Dive sites including tarpon and reef fish.
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