TravellingBritNY

If the weather at Smith Cove/Barcadere cooperates, then I would say that this would be a great place for beginner snorkellers.  Without having to swim too far you will get to coral heads and the usual tropical fish.  It's not the full splendour of a big reef, but it would satisfy those who haven't done it before.

The water can get a big churned up there, though, depending upon what the weather has been doing.

Governor's Beach (part of Seven Mile Beach) is also decent - a bit more of a swim out but still stuff to see.

Eden Rock is the best snorkel on the south-west of the island, in my opinion, but it can be a bit more of a challenge.

If you want different types of restaurants in port, then you might want to consider Bread and Chocolate http://www.cafe.ky/ - it's a Vegan bistro - I am not a Vegan but was really impressed at the food.  Personally, I'm not a big fan of Guy Harvey's but I know many like them - it feels a little too touristy for me, but I would do that over Margaritaville any day!

Snorkel from Eden Rock is totally worth it, and that is walkable.

But doing the taxi to Sunset House (and maybe a snorkel there) with lunch at MyBar would be a good idea, too.  Smith Cove does have very good swimming out of little sandy coves.  There is also a "jumping rock" there - just no facilities, so pick up food and beverage as appropriate before you go there.

Thank you for the report - love the pictures, too!  And FYI, a lot of those "rocks" were actually coral.  🙂

I have heard some safety concerns about the full face snorkel masks, though, but those I know who have used them have said that they are great.

And to echo - there are no private beaches on the Cayman Islands.  Beaches, even well about the high water mark and all for public use, even if they are privately owned.  Of course, that doesn't mean you can use people's stuff on the beaches like chairs, tables, etc., without patronizing their business.

Another option would be to hit somewhere for lunch and then head to the beach for a walk.  Places like Cimboco will give you the Caribbean flair without going over the top, and then you could walk through to Seven Mile Beach for your walk.

https://www.cimboco.com/

I think that Eden Rock is a great snorkel site - plenty of fish, and it's close by the cruise ship terminal.  It also doesn't cost anything if you have your own gear.  But most of it is more than 10 feet down.  Not sure what your concerns are with that, but with the usual water clarity there you can see everything.

Governor's Beach (a part of Seven Mile Beach) is also a decent snorkel.

I believe that the buses do not run from the tender port - you need to walk about 5 minutes to the bus depot.  It is a very easy and safe walk, though - bus fares are $2.50 per person each way.

The minibuses that are at the cruise port are actually taxis.

How much did they charge you for the cabana?

I doubt they would bring cruise ship passengers into an active cargo port.

If they have Anchorage 1 scheduled, then my bet is that it will be one of the three - maybe they just haven't assigned it yet,

Spotts Beach all the way!

It's not a 100% thing - I have been there and not seen one, but it's your best chance if you want to see then in the wild.

No idea of cab costs - I have a rental car when I an on island.

Oh yes, of course you can get a cab.  The question is, how to call a cab when you want to go back.  If you have a working phone then get the number from the driver.  Or arrange a time for them to come and pick you up.  The rental car gives you a lot more flexibility, which is why I suggested it.  I also have no idea of the cost of a taxi out there.

Buses will stop if you wave at them.  Often if they see someone walking down their route they will honk their horns.  If you wave and look like you want to get on they will stop.

Traditionally emails get less response in Cayman than a phone call - it's a cultural thing.

According to their website at http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/ they have two phone numbers - 

1-345-916-5027 (Cayman Telephone Number)

1-203-681-8665 (USA Telephone Number)

I would try giving them a call and see if you can get a response.

There will be a lot less locals visiting the beach on a Sunday than there will cruise visitors when there are more ships in.  More would go to Public Beach than Royal Palms, so I would suggest going to RP.

In terms of excursions, if you're not a diver or a snorkeller, then I would strong recommend a Stingray City Sandbar excursion - kind of unique.

Note that the buses do not pick up from the cruise terminal - those minibuses there are actually taxis which, while good, will cost you a little more.  You will need to walk to the bus depot, which is a 3 minute walk.  Here is how to get there on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/7zqTS2VPtF22

I would agree that if this is your very first snorkel experience, then it might be too ambitious.

But if you have done a couple of easier snorkels and are comfortable in the water, and if the conditions are calm, then it's really not bad at all.

For what you want to do I would say Public Beach would be a far better option for you than a private beach club with their own rules.

Hemingways has been closed for a while, now, and doesn't offer any beach facilities.

I'm not surprised that Royal Palms take away your food and drink - if you want to bring your own, then I would recommend Public Beach, where you can take all the food and drink you want.  it would be like walking into a bar with your own booze, or a restaurant with your own food.

Luckily you have other options.

I haven't been there in a while, but there used to be a nominal fee for cruise visitors.  Hopefully someone can give more up-to-date information, but I think it was around $5 per person.

Royal Palms has an adults-only pool which is available at no extra charge.

You can spend as little or as much time at the Turtle Farm as you like.  I would do that first, then get a bus or taxi to RP.

1 hour ago, scokely said:

It looks like the distillery isn't that far from the cruise port, would you say it's pretty walkable? I'd like to make sure we get some walking in on that day and see a little bit of the island. 

According to Google Maps, it's about a half hour walk - about 1.2 miles.

Personally I wouldn't want to do that sort of walk in the heat of the day, especially if I had been sampling some adult beverages.  It's not terribly scenic, either.

I would take a taxi back to the port and get your exercise around there.

My vote would be - do both!  You will have the time.  If you don't want to do the taxi there are buses that run along that route regularly - no bus stops, they just see you by the side of the road and honk their horns - if you wave at them they will stop and pick you up.  Cost is $2.50 per person per ride.

You can check out the locations of these beaches on Google Maps.

Yes you can bring your own liquor to the beach, as long as you sit on your own chairs, towels, etc.  If you are going to a place that has a bar, then no, that would be against the rules (and decency).

All beaches on the Cayman Islands are public, by law.  There is one spot that is known (somewhat confusingly) as "Public Beach" and that is an oft-used spot by cruise visitors, because it it right next to Calico Jack's.  If you want to get away from the crowds and are willing to do without services, then ask your driver for Cemetery Beach, or Governor's Beach.  Those are both part of the 5.5 mile long Seven Mile Beach that doesn't get anywhere near as much traffic as Public Beach or Royal Palms.  Your taxi driver will know them very well.

If alcoholic beverages are your thing, then in addition to the Cayman Islands Brewery offering tours ( https://www.cib.ky/brewery-tour/ ) you also have the Cayman Spirits Distillery ( https://caymanspirits.com/tours/ ) - they usually have multiple tours per day with a tasting at the end including their vodka, rum (2 types) and their seasonal special.  Tours are $15 US per person.  Best to call ahead and make reservations.

Well, maybe I can help - why does your husband not enjoy shore dives?  The opportunities on Cayman may be different than he is used to, and it would be a shame to waste an opportunity if it could work.