Looking for an update on transportation to 7 mile beach?

[LB_NJ]

Thinking of going to the public beach for a few hours.

 

Are there shuttles and/or taxis that regularly go from the port area to the beach and back?

 

If it matters we will be on Celebrity at the end of the month.

[kona_wahine]

https://caymanresident.com/live/transportation/public-buses

[bookbabe]

Yes, if there’s a cruise ship in port, there will be taxis and shuttles to take people to the beach.  Prices vary.  Private taxi will be more expensive, shared ride vans are usually about $4-6pp each way.

[lynncarol]

On 1/16/2024 at 10:49 AM, bookbabe said:

Yes, if there’s a cruise ship in port, there will be taxis and shuttles to take people to the beach.  Prices vary.  Private taxi will be more expensive, shared ride vans are usually about $4-6pp each way.

Four of us were at Seven Mile beach last week off a cruise-ship. The first vans were charging $8.00 per person at the dock.  If you continue past these, the next set of vans were charging $6.00 per person. We bought a round-trip ticket for $12 and as the vans come to the beach every 20 minutes all day,  it was an easy return to the ship.

[kathynorth]

On 1/28/2024 at 2:50 PM, lynncarol said:

Four of us were at Seven Mile beach last week off a cruise-ship. The first vans were charging $8.00 per person at the dock.  If you continue past these, the next set of vans were charging $6.00 per person. We bought a round-trip ticket for $12 and as the vans come to the beach every 20 minutes all day,  it was an easy return to the ship.

 

Where did the vans drop off/pick up? Did you identify a specific spot or is everyone dropped at the same location? Did you rent loungers and an umbrella? If yes, do you recall the cost?

[lynncarol]

It seemed to us that each van had an assigned area for drop-off.  Our van dropped everybody onboard off at the same place. The driver assured us that this part of the beach had the 'best bathroom of all'. Not sure about that, as the small building had one room with a toilet for men and the another room for women. it was really clean though and a big enough room that folks could bring in a child or two with them. We only rented an umbrella, which was 10 dollars.  I think you could get an umbrella and two chairs for 25. 

We were told the van/bus would pick us up at the same spot in the parking lot. Either a bus or van came every twenty minutes and honored our return trip pass. However, they stick around in the parking lot for twenty minutes until the next one comes. Some folks on the bus had been waiting for over 15 minutes when we got there and the driver was told 5 minutes later that he had to leave as another was arriving.

[TheHawk1]

Just got back from a cruise stop at Grand Cayman, where I thought I was following the advice described here.  Jumped in a shared taxi at the ground transportation area of the port with other strangers and when we reached Public Beach was told to pay $12 pp for round trip.  Tried to tell the driver we ust wanted to pay for one way, but was coerced into paying full price and guaranteed a return time.

 

When it came time to return to port, of course no taxi in sight.  Had not thought to ask for a return ticket, so all we had was a wristband with the driver's name, which was not transferable to any of the other taxis.  So, ended up paying a second time for a different taxi to take us back to ship.

 

Felt totally scammed by this situation.  These taxis should have better regulation, so beware.

[bookbabe]

On 3/13/2024 at 5:10 PM, TheHawk1 said:

Just got back from a cruise stop at Grand Cayman, where I thought I was following the advice described here.  Jumped in a shared taxi at the ground transportation area of the port with other strangers and when we reached Public Beach was told to pay $12 pp for round trip.  Tried to tell the driver we ust wanted to pay for one way, but was coerced into paying full price and guaranteed a return time.

 

When it came time to return to port, of course no taxi in sight.  Had not thought to ask for a return ticket, so all we had was a wristband with the driver's name, which was not transferable to any of the other taxis.  So, ended up paying a second time for a different taxi to take us back to ship.

 

Felt totally scammed by this situation.  These taxis should have better regulation, so beware.

That sucks.  All it takes is one bad apple to spoil everyone’s image.  If you still have the driver’s name, lodge a complaint so his license can be pulled.  And share his name…it’s a small island, and word spreads quickly.

https://www.caymantransport.ky/complaints

 

Edited March 15 by bookbabe

[ballonewb]

Traveling with a 1year old and 2 year old.  Is it reasonable to make it to the beach with everyone?

 

also how does transportation work with kids?  Really don’t want to be lugging a car seat around with us all day?

[MELSMOM47]

On 3/13/2024 at 10:10 AM, TheHawk1 said:

Just got back from a cruise stop at Grand Cayman, where I thought I was following the advice described here.  Jumped in a shared taxi at the ground transportation area of the port with other strangers and when we reached Public Beach was told to pay $12 pp for round trip.  Tried to tell the driver we ust wanted to pay for one way, but was coerced into paying full price and guaranteed a return time.

 

When it came time to return to port, of course no taxi in sight.  Had not thought to ask for a return ticket, so all we had was a wristband with the driver's name, which was not transferable to any of the other taxis.  So, ended up paying a second time for a different taxi to take us back to ship.

 

Felt totally scammed by this situation.  These taxis should have better regulation, so beware.

That’s a shame.Im sorry that happened. 😬 Maybe he had an issue. I’ve taken taxis in the islands for many years and they have always returned. 

[TheHawk1]

13 hours ago, MELSMOM47 said:

That’s a shame.Im sorry that happened. 😬 Maybe he had an issue. I’ve taken taxis in the islands for many years and they have always returned. 

Thank you for empathizing.  Surprisingly, it was a female taxi driver.  Maybe if we'd waited another hour, she might have returned.  But it was after 2pm and our ship left at 5pm, so didn't want to cut it close.

 

I've since talked to other people who visit Grand Cayman regularly and they advised us to find a taxi to take us to Governor's beach next time.  A lot less crowded and touristy and therefore less prone to people trying take advantage of visitors. 

[MELSMOM47]

3 hours ago, TheHawk1 said:

Thank you for empathizing.  Surprisingly, it was a female taxi driver.  Maybe if we'd waited another hour, she might have returned.  But it was after 2pm and our ship left at 5pm, so didn't want to cut it close.

 

I've since talked to other people who visit Grand Cayman regularly and they advised us to find a taxi to take us to Governor's beach next time.  A lot less crowded and touristy and therefore less prone to people trying take advantage of visitors. 

I will be there in February and will take head. Thank you. Are there chairs and umbrellas for rent on Governor’s beach?

[mcatmcat]

On 3/13/2024 at 10:10 AM, TheHawk1 said:

 Public Beach was told to pay $12 pp for round trip.  Tried to tell the driver we ust wanted to pay for one way, but was coerced into paying full price and guaranteed a return time.

 

When it came time to return to port, of course no taxi in sight.  Had not thought to ask for a return ticket, so all we had was a wristband with the driver's name, which was not transferable to any of the other taxis.  So, ended up paying a second time for a different taxi to take us back to ship.

 

Felt totally scammed by this situation.  These taxis should have better regulation, so beware.

yeah i noticed that they are doing that now . I never had a problem with cayman before but last time they wanted e to pay round trip. That was a no for me, Iknow taxis are not an issue and you wont be left behind unless you dont pay attentio to the time of course. So I said no and I only paid one way. I am going again next week and I plan to do the same.

 

I noticed that people who had paid round trip had to wait for X taxis while I just got in the first one available.

[TheHawk1]

On 7/1/2024 at 4:39 PM, MELSMOM47 said:

I will be there in February and will take head. Thank you. Are there chairs and umbrellas for rent on Governor’s beach?

I don't believe there are any amenities there, e.g. chairs for rent, so a little more roughing it. But my reliable sources tell me that's why it's quieter.

[TheHawk1]

10 hours ago, mcatmcat said:

I noticed that people who had paid round trip had to wait for X taxis while I just got in the first one available.

Lesson learned for next time for sure.

[cyntil8ing]

On 7/1/2024 at 12:44 PM, TheHawk1 said:

Maybe if we'd waited another hour, she might have returned.  But it was after 2pm and our ship left at 5pm, so didn't want to cut it close.

Just to offer a possibility, but not “victim blaming” in any way, but could it have been a time difference mix-up? Grand Cayman does not observe daylight savings time, so unless the ship changed time, you may have been an hour ahead, and when you thought it was 2:00pm by ship time, it was only 1:00pm local time.

 

A long time ago, we found this out, but luckily in the reverse. We rushed off the ship to make our 8:00am excursion, only to learn it was 7:00am local time and we were early. 

Mexican ports like Cozumel and Costa Maya are the same, and since we most often cruise in the summer, we are extra thoughtful when booking private transportation or excursions.

[vlapinta]

The ship wants to sell transportation to and from the ship for $44 dollars per person. That seems crazy expensive considering what I read here it only costing under $15 round trip! Do many of you just do that and get back to the ship in time. I will by on Freedom at the end of the month. Im a little cautious about doing something on my own but I don't want to overpay!

 

[MELSMOM47]

10 hours ago, vlapinta said:

The ship wants to sell transportation to and from the ship for $44 dollars per person. That seems crazy expensive considering what I read here it only costing under $15 round trip! Do many of you just do that and get back to the ship in time. I will by on Freedom at the end of the month. Im a little cautious about doing something on my own but I don't want to overpay!

 

I never take the ship's tour to the beach. The one's I have seen advertised are generally a quick stop and do not include chairs or umbrellas. We have never had an issue getting back in time but I would also say that we make sure to return with plenty of time. 

[vlapinta]

How much time would you allow to get back on the ship if you have to take a tender in Grand Cayman? I see people saying the lines get crazy 

[V_V]

5 hours ago, vlapinta said:

How much time would you allow to get back on the ship if you have to take a tender in Grand Cayman? I see people saying the lines get crazy 

As a general rule, we usually try to make it back at least an hour before the ship leaves (in some areas where we are 'sight-seeing' closer to the port, we have cut that time shorter). We've waited in a few lines but they generally go quick and we have never had Carnival stop the line in front of us and not let us on, you know what I mean?

 

I think the problem is when the lines to get back are empty and people are still late/running to hop on.

[vlapinta]

I was watching a Youtube video of a couple that came off of a Carnival ship. Shes a pretty big blogger. She has her own Youtube channel. The name has something to do with nervous traveler ( cant recall) They went to 7 mile beach, and left over 2 hours early,  thinking they had so much time to get back only to find ridiculously long tender lines. She claims she got on the last tender. This is why I asked  

[lfsindiana]

On 3/23/2024 at 11:36 AM, ballonewb said:

Traveling with a 1year old and 2 year old.  Is it reasonable to make it to the beach with everyone?

 

also how does transportation work with kids?  Really don’t want to be lugging a car seat around with us all day?

Have you traveled to Grand Cayman yet? We will be traveling with our 4yo in January and I'm curious to hear your experience traveling with such young ones and without car seats.