Touring Grand Cayman on our own

[fla_momuv3]

This will be our 2nd visit to GC. Last time, unsure of the tender situation, we opted not to do any excursions, and just wandered around town, shopping and eating. This time, we'll have a group of 7 of us and want to see a bit more of the island. The bus advice is great, and looks like it could be all the 'adventure" we could want, while trying to get out to Hell, the Turtle Farm and maybe end at a beach. Are we better off buying our tickets in advance for the turtle farm? Do we need any kind of reservation for one of the better known beaches? Thanks. Also, we ate at Breezes Restaurant last time. Can anyone recommend any less touristy places to grab lunch and a beer? Thanks.

[TurtleTagger]

No reservations needed for the beach or beach clubs (Royal Palms, Seagrape, Tiki Beach, Rum Point etc...). Unless there is a pre-puruchase discount for the Turtle Farm (on-line?) no reason to pre-purchase. Two "less touristy" lunch spots out in West Bay in the vacinity of the Turtle farm and Hell are MacaBuca's at the Cracked Conch (great patio among the iron shore where you can snorkel - nothing special, but you can :)) and Al Fresco's on the beach not far from the grocery store (though some smaller island tours do stop here), great view and a few lounge chairs for patrons.