Expert: John Gump - 10/16/2008

Question
Dear John,
I'm going to Cayman Island for one day in a cruse and I'd like to know what can I see/visit during this day.
Thank you very much.
Alberto Muhle
Brazil

Answer
Hi Alberto - I wish I was going to!  I love Grand Cayman.  So, you have one day to enjoy so without knowing what you like to do, let me offer you a variety of things to do and see that you can do in a day and still make your ship!

The ship will anchor off shore in downtown Georgetown, the capital city.  You'll take tenders in to the shore.  Once on shore there is everything from relaxing on the beach, shopping to scuba diving that you can do.  Let me offer you a few.

Get a taxi and go to Public Beach on 7 mile beach.  Gorgeous sand and sea. Great snokeling.  Total relaxtion

Get a taxi and go to Smith's Cove.  Not as crowded (although it can be if a lot of cruise ships are in), beautiful setting, decent snorkleing.

If you are a certified scuba diver, there are several dive shops in Georgetown that will arrange to take you on a 2 tank dive with plenty of time to spare.  Don Fosters and Bob Soto's are my two favorites.  You can also do this in advance through your cruiseline but it may be a bit higher price.  Plan on between $80-$100 for a 2 tank dive.

Take a taxi to the Rum Point Ferry at the Hyatt hotel and cross to Rum Point for a relaxing day of gorgeous blue water, great rum drinks and music.  Hammocks, beach, good food.  Can get crowded if a lot of ships are in port though.

Go to Sting Ray City.  There are numerous operators that run charters to Sting Ray City.  If you've never done this, I highly recommend it.  The boat will provide a lunch and take you into North Sound where you will be anchored in chest deep water and you get to feed and play with tame stingrays.  Very Cool!!

Go to the turtle farm in the North End.  Great for little kids if you're bringing kids, but adults enjoy it too.

Shop till you drop in Georgetown.  Great shops, lots of restaurants to eat lunch.  

I hope this helps you Alberto.  There's so much to choose from.  If you'd like more info on any of these ideas, please send me a follow up.  And also, if you don't mind, could you provide a rating for me on the website?  These ratings help me to help you and others better in the future.  Thanks so much.

Happy Sailing Alberto!

John