Grand Cayman Cruise Port: Making the Most of Your Time on Land

Nestled in the western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands are located approximately 275 miles south of Cuba and consist of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. As a British overseas territory, you’ll likely experience British influences in the local cuisine, language, and the popularity of sports like cricket.

Primarily known as an upscale island haven, Grand Cayman boasts delicious cuisine, stunning white-sand beaches with crystal-clear waters, and a warm climate year-round. Unique attractions such as Stingray City, where visitors can engage with friendly stingrays, and the Blue Iguana Conservation facility, dedicated to the protection and breeding of this endangered species native to Grand Cayman, set it apart from its neighboring islands.

Grand Cayman serves as a key stop for numerous cruise lines in the Caribbean. It's a tender port, meaning guests are ferried to shore via small boats. Major cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean frequent this port, along with luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises, premium operators such as Celebrity Cruises and Oceania Cruises, and newer entrants like Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys.

Three Reasons Why TPG Adores Grand Cayman

• Some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
• Rich marine life that you can experience up close.
• Exceptional dining options.

Things We Could Do Without

• The area right by the port often features cheesy souvenir shops with inflated prices.
• Many shops in George Town are closed on Sundays.
• Some travelers find tender ports inconvenient.
• It can get crowded due to its popularity with cruise ships and tourists.

Quick Facts About Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is a favored warm-weather escape located not far from the East Coast of the U.S. It features predominantly sunny skies, azure waters, and stunning white-sand beaches, including the renowned Seven Mile Beach.

As the largest of the three Cayman Islands and home to the capital city, George Town, Grand Cayman is a British overseas territory. George Town serves as a tender port, with cruise passengers arriving at one of its three bustling piers/terminals located along Harbour Drive. The Royal Watler Cruise Terminal is the main docking point for tenders, offering ample taxis, souvenir shops, and tourist information centers. The smaller North and South terminals are also within easy walking distance of George Town’s attractions, shops, and dining options.

For those looking to explore further, public buses and taxis are readily available to take you to popular attractions like Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

Arrival Information

Cruise line tender boats will drop passengers off at one of three piers, all of which lead to Harbour Drive. The primary docking point for tenders is the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal, located in the northern section of George Town. During busy times, you might disembark at the smaller North or South terminals, situated south of Royal Watler and across from each other. Nevertheless, all three piers are within walking distance of George Town's key attractions.

Language: English is the official language spoken here.

Currency: The Cayman Islands uses the Cayman Islands dollar, with a conversion rate of 1 Cayman Islands dollar to $1.20. U.S. dollars are commonly accepted, and you can withdraw either currency at certain ATMs and banks in George Town. Keep in mind that if you pay with U.S. dollars, your change will likely be given in Cayman Islands dollars. Credit card transactions will be processed in U.S. dollars.

Time Zone: Grand Cayman follows Eastern Standard Time.

Must-See Attractions at Grand Cayman Cruise Port

Many of Grand Cayman's captivating historical sites and museums are located close to the port in George Town. Highlights include the remnants of Fort George, Pedro St. James (the island’s oldest structure, now functioning as a museum), the Cayman Islands National Museum, and the National Gallery. Visitors can also explore a variety of duty-free shops, featuring local boutiques, major chains, and luxury brands.

Exciting Excursions in Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach

One of the main attractions of Grand Cayman is its stunning beaches, particularly the famous Seven Mile Beach, which boasts crystal-clear waters just a 10-minute taxi ride from the cruise port. In addition to relaxing on the soft white sand and swimming in the gentle waves, visitors can indulge in water sports such as jet skiing, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing.

Day Pass for Resorts

Book a day room at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman to enjoy complimentary non-motorized water sports and a prime location on Seven Mile Beach. Alternatives include The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa and Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, both within walking distance along the beach. Marriott Bonvoy points can be used at either property. If you prefer IHG, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is also located on Seven Mile Beach. ResortPass offers a day pass for The Grand Caymanian Resort, featuring a pool and private beachfront on the North Sound Sea, starting at $70, which includes a $35 food-and-beverage credit.

Scuba Diving

Divers can discover numerous fantastic dive sites, including the wreck of the Kittiwake, a sunken U.S. submarine. You can arrange a dive or rent snorkeling gear at Eden Rock Diving Center, Divers Supply, or Don Foster's Dive Cayman.

Discover Nature and Wildlife

Grand Cayman boasts a variety of nature and wildlife attractions that are definitely worth exploring. The most famous is Stingray City, a shallow sandbar in the Caribbean Sea where friendly stingrays congregate and can be gently petted. Many boat tours to Stingray City also include stops for snorkeling and a visit to Starfish Beach, a small island teeming with starfish. Some excursions head to West Bay, home to Hell—a curious patch of black limestone formations. There, you can even send a "postcard from hell" from a bright red post office. Additionally, Rum Point offers stunning views near a bioluminescent bay.

Another highlight is the Cayman Turtle Centre, where visitors can swim with sea turtles in a land-based lagoon. A guided walking tour of Crystal Caves, located on the northern side of the island about a 40-minute drive from the cruise terminal, takes you through a lush tropical forest and showcases three remarkable caves adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park is also situated in the north and features the Blue Iguana Conservation facility, dedicated to protecting the endangered blue iguana native to the Cayman Islands, offering tours that highlight their breeding programs.

Top Beaches in Grand Cayman Near the Cruise Port

Seven Mile Beach

This is the primary beach area in Grand Cayman, easily accessible from the port. While it’s too far to walk, a quick taxi ride or a low-cost public bus will get you there in no time.

Upon arriving at the beach, if you haven’t booked a hotel, you’ll need to head to either the public beach areas (look for signs indicating "Beach Access") or one of the beach clubs and restaurants. There are multiple public beach access points marked along the road. The most popular locations include Public Beach, Governor's Beach, and Cemetery Beach, which offers excellent snorkeling. All beaches in Cayman are technically public, so you can stroll along or relax on the sand. However, keep in mind that you cannot use loungers owned by hotels or condos.

Coral Beach

Coral Beach is the only remaining beach club that welcomes cruise visitors for the day. After paying a modest entrance fee (around $5), you gain access to its stretch of Seven Mile Beach, along with a bar and restaurant, restrooms, showers, chair and umbrella rentals, snorkeling gear rentals, cabana rentals, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Rum Point

For those looking to venture a bit further, you can take a car taxi, water taxi, or private charter to Rum Point on the northern coast of the island. Some boat tours to Stingray City may also make a stop here. While the beach is smaller than Seven Mile Beach and the sand isn’t quite as soft, it offers a more secluded atmosphere. Facilities include restrooms, restaurants, and a small shop. Don’t forget to try a mudslide from the bar.

Cayman Kai Public Beach

Located just a short drive from Rum Point, Cayman Kai Public Beach offers a quieter and more secluded experience (boat tours do not visit this area). The amenities are basic, featuring only restrooms, but the waters are crystal clear and ideal for snorkeling.

Getting Around Grand Cayman Independently

On Foot: Many of Grand Cayman's historic sites, museums, Island Plaza, Bayshore Mall, and the Cayman Craft Market are easily accessible by walking from the cruise ship pier. Just lace up your comfortable shoes and take a few steps from your terminal to begin your adventure.

Taxi: There are plenty of taxis available around the port. Some are not metered, but rates will be displayed, while others use meters. It’s customary to tip between 10% and 15%.

Bus: The public bus system, which has 11 routes, is undoubtedly the most budget-friendly option for getting around the island. The main bus station in George Town, known as the District Bus Depot, is located near Heroes Square, a central downtown landmark, and is within walking distance from all port terminals. All bus routes start and end there. For shorter trips, expect to pay about $2.50 per person, while longer journeys can cost up to around $10. You can typically hail a bus on the street by waving your hand.

Bike: Moped and scooter rentals are available, usually at a rate of $25 per day, and a helmet is required. Remember that driving is on the left side of the road.

Car: Car rentals are available, but you need to hold a driver’s license from your home country. Remember, driving is on the left side of the road.

Restaurants in Grand Cayman Near the Cruise Port

Grand Cayman’s rich tapestry of cultures—including Indigenous, African, East Indian, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, British, French, Chinese, and more—has contributed to a vibrant culinary scene featuring flavors from around the globe. Here, you’ll discover a variety of international cuisines and many upscale dining options. Freshly caught fish and seafood are highlights, alongside locally sourced produce like cassava, coconut, and mango. Don’t miss out on trying "tree chicken," also known as green iguana!

Popular Caribbean dishes such as cracked and fried conch, goat curry, cassava cake, fish fry, lobster, and the day’s freshest catch can be found on many menus showcasing local flavors.

Heritage Kitchen, with its stunning views of the vibrant Caribbean Sea, is nestled along the quiet Boggy Sand Road in West Bay. This charming, colorful cottage serves up fresh local seafood, including conch fritters, Cayman-style grouper, and coconut mahi mahi, with a barbecue served on Sundays. Place your order at the window and savor your meal at a picnic table or along the sea wall.

Macabuca tiki bar is the go-to spot for all things conch, featuring breaded cracked conch, conch fritters, and conch chowder. You can also enjoy smoked jerk pork ribs, Cayman-style lobster tails, and blackened mahi, all while taking in beautiful waterfront views at this casual eatery that extends over the ocean on a rocky outcrop.

The Grand Old House and its sister restaurant, the Wharf, both provide upscale dining experiences with an abundance of fresh fish and seafood. Every evening, diners flock to watch the impressive tarpon fish being fed from the dock.

For the pinnacle of fine dining on the island, reserve a table at Blue by Eric Ripert, the acclaimed chef of the Michelin-starred Le Bernardin in New York. This is Ripert's only restaurant outside of Manhattan, located within The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Indulge in the seafood-rich tasting menu and explore the finest wine selection on the island.

Consider visiting Cayman Spirits, the island's only distillery, which has been producing small-batch spirits in a modern facility in George Town since 2013. They offer three daily guided tours and tastings, showcasing their Seven Fathoms Premium rum, which is aged in ocean casks that roll with the current.

Shopping at Grand Cayman Cruise Port

For those seeking genuine, handmade souvenirs, the Cayman Craft Market is a must-visit. Located just a five-minute stroll from the port at the intersection of Boilers Road and South Church Street, you'll discover handwoven hats, wooden carvings, local paintings, and jewelry crafted from shells and black coral. Additionally, you can find locally made food products such as spices, jams, hot sauces, and pickles. Hair braiding services are also available here.

The renowned Tortuga Rum has a duty-free shop at the cruise terminal, where many visitors pick up rum cakes as keepsakes. Nearby, the Island Plaza shopping mall features a mix of locally owned boutiques and well-known international brands. For spirits and cigars (including Cuban), check out Blackbeard's Liquors and Churchill's Cigars. You'll also find stores like Pandora, Swarovski, and Ulysse Nardin, while luxury shopping awaits on Cardinal Avenue at Cartier Boutique, Magnum Jewelers, and La Perfumerie. Don’t miss Artifacts Ltd for antiques and La Casa del Habano for Cuban cigars, both conveniently close by.

For a more extensive shopping experience, cross Harbour Drive to the massive Bayshore Mall, which boasts an array of luxury shops, both local and international. Key stops include Kirk Freeport and Kirk Gallery for high-end items. Other attractions in the mall include the Tips n Toes day spa, Timezone, Swatch, Lalique, and the quirky souvenir shop Grumpy Turtle.

Complimentary Activities in Grand Cayman

Located approximately miles from the cruise port, near Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay is a vibrant town center offering shopping, dining, a local artisan market, and enjoyable outdoor areas. Kids will have a blast at the two interactive fountains; the smaller one in Jasmine Court is perfect for little ones, while the larger fountain on the Crescent features dancing waters that shoot up to 30 feet. A 75-foot observation tower offers stunning panoramic views of Grand Cayman, with a beautiful mosaic mural adorning the stairs leading up.

Final Thoughts

While Grand Cayman can feel crowded with tourists and boast shops and restaurants that may seem pricey, this largest island in the Cayman Islands is a rich tapestry of historic sites, some of the world's most stunning beaches, diverse culinary offerings, extensive shopping, and fantastic nature and wildlife excursions. The island's wonderful weather, breathtaking landscapes, and marine encounters make it an essential stop on Caribbean cruises.

Naturally, relaxing on one of Grand Cayman's pristine white-sand public beaches is entirely free and a wonderful way to enjoy your day.