Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, so you have likely seen it pop up on itineraries as you shop for your next cruise vacation. It is a destination that really lives up to the hype, with tranquil landscapes, plenty of activities, and fantastical wildlife encounters. If you’re a first-time cruiser, you should know that planning your day ahead of time is crucial, as many activities will require you to pre-book. To help you plan your perfect vacation, we’ve got our picks for the best activities and attractions for a cruise day in Grand Cayman.
Turtle Centre
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About 20 minutes by cab from the cruise port, Cayman Turtle Centre is a great opportunity to interact with some of the most majestic creatures in the ocean. Here you can not only see sea turtles through exhibit windows, but you can actually swim and scuba dive with them as well. This attraction is focused on conservation and protection of Grand Cayman’s sea turtle population, so you can happily enjoy these animals knowing that your hard earned dollars are going to a good cause. In addition to the turtles, they also have other exhibits like a butterfly house and a Caribbean aviary, so there will be plenty to fill your cruise day with.
Starfish Point
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On the northern tip of Grand Cayman is an unassuming beach named for the many star fish that can be found there. This is a great place for a quiet, yet magical wildlife encounter, thanks in large part to the shallow waters. You can wade through the crystal-clear waters and marvel at the pristine landscape while getting a clear look at the starfish without having to use any snorkeling or scuba equipment. The shallow, still waters here mean that this is a great activity for families, but it is certainly a worthy activity for people of all ages. This is also a great place to grab some pics to remember your trip by, so be sure to bring a waterproof camera!
Rum Point
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Not far from Starfish Point, Rum Point is another quiet beach that is a favorite among tourists. This is a classic Caribbean beach with coconut trees swaying in the wind and soft, white sand reaching out to meet the tranquil, clear waters. Here you can get a Grand Cayman classic drink, the Mudslide, which combines rum, vodka, Bailey’s, and Kahlua with ice cream for a cool treat that’s perfect for a sunny day at the beach. What makes Rum Point truly great is the combination of bustling activity with a laid-back atmosphere, making for a vibrant but relaxing beach experience.
Scuba Diving
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The Cayman Islands have some of the best scuba spots in the Caribbean, renowned for healthy coral reefs, preserved shipwrecks, and amazing wildlife encounters. We;ve already highlighted a couple of places you can scuba with Rum Point and Turtle Centre, but that is only scratching the surface. At Trinity Caves, you can swim through caves filled with sponges and corals. At Eagle Ray Pass, you are likely to see the titular Eagle Rays skating along the ocean floor. At Kittiwake Shipwreck (pictured above) you can see the former US Navy submarine rescue ship that was intentionally sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef.
Seven Mile Beach
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Seven Mile Beach has earned the reputation of being Grand Cayman’s most popular beach, and for good reason. By cab, it is only a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. It spans 6.3 miles of pristine sands and gentle waves (not quite the 7 miles advertised, but you won’t notice the difference!). And it is lined with resorts, restaurants, and shops for you to explore in between dips in the water. Play water sports, bathe in the sunlight, grab a cocktail on a patio, or shop for a souvenir. If picking an activity for your cruise day becomes too daunting, you can always fall back on the dependable beach that has it all!
