Grand Cayman layout and time and excursions

[dodukes]

Ok so being this is our first time I would like to know approxiamtely the distance between things and how do you get around on your own. I was interested in doing the rock swim and snorkel adventure but its only 2.5 hours and thought taht perhaps wed still be able to go to like 7 mile beach or some other beach. What experinces have you guys had and can you book more than one excursion, i saw one that just offers transport from the pier to the beach can i do the snorkel one and then use the transport ont hat one if i buy it??? Also on Carnival where exactly do they take you along 7 mile beach cuz it looks like Hell is at one end and thought we could maybe visit as well, am i looking to do too much in the 8 hours we are there??? How do you guy sget around, are taxis readily available and what ddoes it cost? can i tell you im horrified to be left behind so i wa sjust curious, thanks

[twinkletoes4445]

On our cruise we were there from 8-4:30. We booked an island tour (Hell, shell house, turtle farm) from the ship (so we could be one of the first off). I think it was a couple of hours (8:30-10:30). They dropped us off at the port area around 10:30.

 

We then walked to Captain Marvin's where we did their 2-hour excursion from 11:15-1:15.

 

They dropped us at Rackham's where we had a late lunch, then we walked back to the long tender line. I believe the last tender was at 3:45, so we were in line around 3:15 or so.

 

Now believe it or not, I had more planned. I had wanted to go to 7MB, but of course, there just wasn't time. Also, we were there on New Year's Day and there was NO traffic. There was only one other ship in port that day, and only a few things were open. There are days when there are nine ships in port and the place is a zoo. Traffic many times goes at a snails pace along 7MB.

 

A lot of what you will do will depend on what time of year you are there. We were there when island time and ship time was the same (we sailed on the Triumph out of Miami), but if you sail between April and Oct., ship time may be an hour ahead of island time...but it depends on where you sail from and what ship you are on.

 

If you have never been to GC before, I'd suggest you do a stingray tour. It is just an amazing experience. We used Captain Marvin's. Here's their website...

 

http://www.captainmarvins.com/

 

You could grab a cab and they could take you to Sea Grape or Royal Palms both are on 7MB. Both offer food, restrooms, and chair rentals. Red Sail Sports operates out of Sea Grape, so you could rent waverunners and things like that. If you use Captain Marvin's, they would probably drop you at either of these places when you are returning. Sea Grape is right across the street from where they turn to get to their dock (you turn at the Courtyard Marriott). There were always plenty of cabs lined up in front of Sea Grape. Just give youself plenty of time to get back to the tender line. I'd say at least 45 minutes. If you have time to spare, you could always walk around town and do a little shopping. Royal Palms is closer to the port area by many 10 or so minutes (I believe).

 

It seems like it's about a 30 minute drive, depending on the traffic (maybe less) to the Turtle Farm. Hell is over near the turtle farm. So is the shell house and the gov mansion (you only pull over and look at it) is along 7MB.

[dodukes]

So then getting on one of the carnival tours gets you off first then. we ar goin gin oct and from what i saw there will be three ships at port that day for grand cayman, the other two ports we are the only ones. I am just nervous to be left behind..lol...

[twinkletoes4445]

So then getting on one of the carnival tours gets you off first then. we ar goin gin oct and from what i saw there will be three ships at port that day for grand cayman, the other two ports we are the only ones. I am just nervous to be left behind..lol...

 

Well, we booked the tour with Carnival so we could be ones of the first ones off...but it didn't matter. We met at one of the bars (they tell you where to meet), and they escorted us to the tender area. Several people joined our group as we made our way...and no one ever asked for us to show anything that proved we were on a Carnival tour, but that could have changed. They just didn't ask our group.

 

Three ships will be wonderful. We were there for a week this past January and on two days, there were nine ships. It was really a mess.

 

I understand about being nervous. That was the one thing we worried about, but we just made sure we got back in time.

 

Just plan what you want to do and give yourself an extra 30 minutes or so to get back to the port. If you get back early, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to visit to kill a little time. :)

 

The taxis aren't like the regular Yellow Cabs. They are all white and I can't remember if they have a marking on the top...but they have something, because they are easy to see. They are also bigger, more bus-like or van-like than a regular cab. But you will see them everywhere. With only three ships in port, you should have no problems getting around the area.

 

Unless you rent a car and head over to the East End, or do a stingray trip that takes you to Rum Point, you will spend most of your time over near George Town, and it's not that big of an area. The turtle farm and Hell are about as far away as you'll get.

 

I'm not familiar with the rock swim. There a place called Eden Rock (I think) right near the port area.

 

As for beaches...7MB is about it...unless you go to Rum Point, which you will need a car for, or take a tour that goes there. There are other beaches...but none that have services like 7MB or Rum Point. There's Smith's Cove...but we had a hard time finding it when we were there (never did find it), but it doesn't have food, restrooms or anything like that.