Seven Mile Beach & Taxi Question

I have a quick question or two about Seven Mile Beach. Is it possible to walk there from the cruise terminal? How far away is it?

Also, another quick question, is the Grand Cayman taxi system pretty reliable? What about cost?

Thanks all!

I have a quick question or two about Seven Mile Beach. Is it possible to walk there from the cruise terminal? How far away is it?

 

Also, another quick question, is the Grand Cayman taxi system pretty reliable? What about cost?

 

Thanks all!

The very south end of 7 mile beach is walking distance, but you'll likely want to cab it to one of the places where you can rent chairs, etc. In order of distance from the port, Royal Palms, Sea Grape and Tiki Beach are all decent choices.

Cabs are nice and safe in Cayman, but be aware they're going to hustle to try to fill the cab at the port before they leave. If you just have two people, expect to share a van with whoever they can drum up to shove in there with you.

Sometimes you will have to get aggressive about time to keep them from sitting there for 15-20 minutes trying to fill every last seat. Usually threatening to get out will get them on the move, especially if everyone else in van at that point follows suit.

Thank you!

You can walk about 5 minutes to the bus stand, next to the library and take a local van-bus for $2.50 per person each way. They leave promptly every 15 minutes (or earlier if full).

It is easy to find the bus stop and they will are all very helpful to get you in the right van. On the return you can flag the van (easily identifiable) if you are far from an official stop.

Shared ride taxis are available directly from the tender piers to various beach spots along Seven Mile Beach. Cost is about US$5-6 per person, one way.

Private taxis (not sharing with others) to other destinations can be quite a bit more expensive. Fare is based upon distance traveled with a minimum fare of CI$10 (US$12.50). The fare covers up to three passengers. Each additional passenger incurs a charge of 33% of the base fare. So a group of five passengers taking a private taxi might see a fare of CI$24 on the meter. That CI$24 only cover the first three passengers. Each additional passenger pays CI$8. Total for the group is CI$40 which is US$50. Fares between the hours of 12 midnight and 6am are subject to a 25% surcharge, but cruise ships visitors won't normally experience that.

Occasionally the discrepancy in fares between cheap shared ride taxi fares to the beach and private taxi ride fares elsewhere can lead to disagreements when a passenger thinks the taxi driver is trying to cheat them. I have never seen an instance in Cayman where the taxi driver was demanding more than the legally approved fare.

Hi there,

I just read that there is an inexpensive and reliable public bus from the cruise port to Seven Mile Beach which I am guessing is the best beach for us to visit so wondering if anyones knows where we should get off or will it be completely obvious?

Thanks

We spent a few hours at Royal Palms and then we walked back to the ship along the beach and it took 3 hours. Of course there were a few stops for some adult refreshments. It was a fun thing to do.

We stopped at SeaGrape beach...food, drink, chair rentals, watersport rentals and restrooms....right at a bus stop, too! Easy!