Cruise Port Guide · Cruise port
Things to Do in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the Western Caribbean. It’s famous for Seven Mile Beach, turquoise water, Stingray City and the eerie black limestone of Hell. Ships anchor off George Town, the capital, and tender guests ashore.
Grand Cayman at a glance
Our consultants who’ve been here
Amy & Allison
“It was a great peek at the island, one I would most certainly like to visit again and spend more time exploring.” – Amy
Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Go to Hell (and back!)
Hell is a field of jagged black limestone formations, about the size of a football field. Amy says it definitely felt eerie and very quiet, like nothing she’d ever seen. Since they brought their passports off the ship, they were able to get them stamped to say they’ve been to Hell! There’s a little gift shop too, and you can mail a postcard home from Hell.
- What it is
- Black limestone formations
- Size
- About a football field
- Souvenir
- A Hell passport stamp
- Also
- Gift shop and postcards
Seven Mile Beach
After Hell came heaven! Amy’s tour ended with 2 hours at Seven Mile Beach, which they learned is now about 5.6 miles long. Gorgeous sunshine and blue, blue water were waiting for them. The north end is the busiest, with lots of umbrellas, chairs, locals selling drinks, food vendors and water sports, but every beach in Grand Cayman is public, so you can stroll to a quieter spot.
- Length
- Now about 5.6 miles
- On Amy’s tour
- 2 hours, chairs and umbrellas included
- Busiest
- The north end
- Good to know
- All beaches are public
Try water sports
There are plenty of water sports on Seven Mile Beach. Amy’s sons finally got to drive their own jet skis for the first time, and had a blast! A black cloud rolled in and it rained while they were out, but they didn’t care, and Benjamin even took Amy for a quick spin at the end.
- Where
- Seven Mile Beach
- Try
- Jet skis and more
- Weather
- Showers pass quickly
- Good for
- Teens and adults
Take an island tour
Amy’s Royal Caribbean excursion included a tour of the island, and the guide was full of facts: there are three Cayman Islands, and Grand Cayman is the largest, with about 70,000 people. English is spoken, they drive on the left, sea turtles are the national animal, and Canadians will notice the money looks a lot like ours!
- Islands
- 3, Grand Cayman is the largest
- Population
- About 70,000
- National animal
- Sea turtle
- Combine with
- Hell and Seven Mile Beach
More Things to Do in Grand Cayman
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Swim with stingraysStingray City is one of Grand Cayman’s most famous excursions, where you stand in shallow water as friendly southern stingrays glide around you.
Snorkel with sea turtlesSea turtles are the national animal of the Cayman Islands, and you can often spot them on snorkel and dive trips.
Relax at Rum PointOn the quieter north side of the island, Rum Point has calm, shallow water, hammocks and a laid-back beach bar.
Free Things to Do in Grand Cayman
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
- Stroll the George Town waterfront: Walk the harbourfront near the cruise tenders and stop by the fishermen’s market in the morning to see the day’s fresh catch.
- Seven Mile Public Beach: Spread out a towel at Public Beach on famous Seven Mile Beach, with restrooms and volleyball nets, a short taxi or bus ride from George Town.
- Climb Camana Bay’s tower: At Camana Bay, climb the observation tower for sweeping island views, then wander the fountains, harbour and landscaped courtyards.
Know Before You Go in Grand Cayman
- Bring your passport ashore: You’ll want it for the Hell passport stamp!
- It’s a tender port: Ships anchor off George Town and small boats take you ashore, so allow extra time.
- They drive on the left: Look both ways when crossing the street.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
Grand Cayman FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is there to do in Grand Cayman on a cruise?
Visit Hell and get your passport stamped, spend time on Seven Mile Beach, try water sports, swim with stingrays at Stingray City, or snorkel with sea turtles.
What are some free things to do in Grand Cayman?
Some of our favourite free things to do in Grand Cayman are stroll the George Town waterfront, seven Mile Public Beach and climb Camana Bay’s tower. Walk the harbourfront near the cruise tenders and stop by the fishermen’s market in the morning to see the day’s fresh catch.
Is Seven Mile Beach really seven miles long?
Not anymore! Amy’s guide told them it’s now about 5.6 miles long, and all beaches in Grand Cayman are public.
Can you get your passport stamped in Hell?
Yes. Bring your passport off the ship and you can get it stamped at Hell, plus mail a postcard home.
Do I need a passport for a cruise to Grand Cayman?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with shore excursions.
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