What to do if you don't snork?

[Jimorel]

My wife and I do not snorkel and are not in any condition to learn now. So when we visit Grand Caymen what would you say is the best things you have done without snorkeling? All suggestions and reviews will be most appreciated. Thank you.

[ABQrobin]

Stingray City.... you stand in waist-chest deep water. It is a blast.

 

my video:

[cb at sea]

I don't "snork"....I enjoy the beach! The water is so clear, you really don't need to put your face in it to see anything. Shopping is also ok there...and a guidebook can point you to other interesting things to do!

I grew up at the beach, where stingrays were a menace...so paying to see them isn't on my "must do" list.

[OCruisers]

You don't have to be able to snorkel on any excursion that includes a snorkel stop.

Just get into the water and swim around wearing a regular swim mask. You'll almost always see lots of pretty fish. :)

[blue_water]

A tour including the Turtle Farm and Hell, followed by beach time if you want that, or you could head for My Bar at the Sunset House.

[Keith1010]

One option is to go to a beach and another one is to spend the day in the local town.

 

Keith

[Capt_BJ]

My Bar at Sunset House ...... I'll come back to this ....

 

IMO Cayman is a place where you really don't need an excursion - I've been coming here since the mid 80's -

 

1. very safe to explore on your own. The standard of living is HIGH and crime is virtually unheard of. I've walked back to my hotel late and night and the only folks who 'bothered me' were those who'd' stop and ask if I wanted a free ride .... they're friendly

 

2. It costs nothing to enjoy the beautiful beaches unless you WANT to spend money. You will not be accosted by folks trying to sell you something, or for a massage. There is great snorkeling from shore that costs nothing if you have your own gear, or you can rent a set for $10.

 

3. Most of the island is served by a decent and not expensive bus service. Taxi are also readily found but be advised NOTHING in the Caymans is 'inexpensive'

 

4. Plenty of shopping and 'libations' found a short walk from the tender landings. But be advised this is not the land of 5 t-shirts for $5 .... this is Rolex land!!!! Only shop for these IF you know your prices! But window shopping and just looking is fun too ... very clean and no pressure IMO.

 

5. Folks who just want to sit and people watch and sip a cold something often find Hard Rock (are they reopened yet?), M'ville or the other similar places you find on every island. I recommend skip 'em and head a mile south to Sunset House and My Bar. This is where the local folks go. It is NOT a dive ... altho it IS a 'dive bar' in that Sunset House is a dive resort so most of the folks here who are not locals are divers! Here you'll find a friendly staff, good food and drinks, possibly the best suset views on the island (but your cruise will undoubtedly leave b4 this time) and great shore snok' or SCUBA if so inclined. I've seen the Governor here for dinner and many Cayman organizations hold their meetings and such here in the evenings. http://www.whatshot.ky/2014/09/sunset-house-my-bar-a-legendary-local-favorite/

 

http://www.sunsethouse.com/resort/seaharvest-and-my-bar.htm

 

 

 

you can also view the work of famed u/w photographer Cathy Church who's gallery/school/store is here (prints for sale)

 

- I've no affiliation with Sunset House other than being a frequent visitor over the years both from cruise and week long dive stays.

 

a bit closer to town, places to try include Guy Harvey's Grill - yes, he has a studio here too .... rest' is on second floor and over looks harbor with very good food http://www.guyharveysgrill.com/ {a bit more $$ ... not a burger place ... if you look at the menu note the prices are $CI and $1US is only 80cents CI so to find the US price ADD 20% <plus tip>} In other words your $10US is $8CI ..... OR .... she may look 20, but she's 16CI

 

another place you see along the waterfront is Paradise Grill .... been here a long time .... seems to have ups and downs ..... web site has been down for a long time .... here's some reviews https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147366-d1046148-Reviews-Paradise_Seaside_Grill-George_Town_Grand_Cayman_Cayman_Islands.html

 

as I said, I go a lil way down the road to ......

Edited December 22, 2017 by Capt_BJ

[blue_water]

While staying on the island we enjoy much more than we could on a cruise stop, of course, and because we like Rum Point more than the busier SMB area we would rent a car and make the 45 minute drive there. Love the mudslides (originated here) and the grouper BLT at the Wreck Bar! Usually a quieter beach with few fellow cruisers except those who stop on an excursion like FFA (see below) and offers free tables, lounges, clean restrooms and natural shade. If there on a Sunday it will be busier with locals enjoying one of their favorite beaches.

 

That’s not for everyone, of course. But if you are not one to stay in the busier George Town to shop, taxi/bus to a nearby busy beach, or sit at My Bar to drink and look at the water, it is a nice option. The 45 min drive is very easy, and you can also go to the Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park or stop on the way. You can also stop at My Bar on the return since you drive right by it.

Just something different for this port...

https://www.rumpointclub.com/

http://www.botanic-park.ky/

 

If you like being on the water, an excursion with Fat Fish Adventures is still one of our favorites - more personal than most of the larger groups and they time their stops to avoid the crowds -

http://www.fatfishadventures.com/

Edited December 23, 2017 by blue_water
typos