Cayman Island-Black Pearl Skate Park

[1aparty]

Has anyone been here? How far from George Town?

I have seen a previous thread-but no luck!

Can someone help.

Tammy

[twinkletoes4445]

We drove past the place on our way out of town. It seems like it was 5 minutes or so from George Town.

 

Here's some threads that I found on the subject....

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=339410&highlight=black+pearl

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=419541&highlight=black+pearl

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=421020&highlight=black+pearl

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=337528&highlight=black+pearl

[drew sailbum]

Black Pearl is a world class skate park for skateboarding enthusiasts. When Tony Hawk was there for the opening he comment on how great the facility is.

 

Black Pearl also has an adjacent wave machine for catching one of the largest man-made waves for trying a little surfing.

 

The facility is located at the Grand Harbour shopping center, but it is around behind the Hurley's grocery store so you don't see much of it from the road. Grand Harbour is about 5 minutes outside Georgetown heading in the direction of the eastern districts or Rum Point (not toward the Turtle Farm).

[1aparty]

So is there any shopping close by for Grandma.

 

We plan on going first when we get off the ship to the skate-park then try and make the late sting-ray tour. It would be great if we could shop while other's are skating.

Possible?

Tammy

[twinkletoes4445]

There are shops, but I am not sure what. Check out the threads I posted. I know I found a link to the Grand Harbour shopping center...but I am not sure if it listed the stores.

[drew sailbum]

Grand Harbour is anchored by a Hurley's Supermarket. Somehow I doubt that grandma really wants to do that kind of shopping during a cruise visit. The same logic probably applies to the pharmacy and the travel agency.

 

 

There is a nice bookstore, Hobbies and Books, with a few chairs for comfortable sitting.

Black Pearl runs its own shop with clothing and skating accessories.

There is a sizable toy store for some gift shopping for any kids.

 

There is a good restaurant right next to the skate park with indoor or outdoor seating.

 

And there is a liquor store, though I don't know if they are set up to do duty free sales from that location.

[1aparty]

Iam not sure what duty free sales are?

Tammy

1st time cruising

 

 

And there is a liquor store, though I don't know if they are set up to do duty free sales from that location.

[drew sailbum]

Many goods are subject to heavy import duties... a tax paid when importing an item into a country. In Cayman, all alcohol is heavily taxed in this way. For anyone on the island, this increases prices on alcohol at consumed at bars and liquor stores.

 

However, a system has developed worldwide for the sale of items without paying the duty. This is "duty free" shopping, and can apply to jewelry, alcohol, perfume, consumer goods, or almost anything.

 

For someone to purchase an item "duty free" he or she MUST do so as they depart the country. Often these shops are in international terminals of airports or in popular cruise destinations.

 

Generally, in an airport environment, you show your international flight boarding pass and make your purchases. You get a receipt and the shop delivers your goods to you on the jetway as you board the plane. You cannot walk out of the store with the item... they must be sure that you are actually leaving the country.

 

In a cruise environment shops often deliver your purchases to the port or directly to your ship for later collection.

 

 

Since alcohol is heavily taxed with import duties in Cayman, a cruise passenger would be wise to be sure to make "duty free" purchases. It can also save you the hassel of carrying it around all day. :D

 

 

Some goods are frequently subject to duty in the US, but may not be subject to duty in the various countries you might visit. These items too may be sold as "duty free", but if the island residents don't pay the duty either, then there really is no need to verify that the person is leaving the country. In those cases you would leave the store with your purchases immediately.

[Sugar67]

Just a quick FYI, cab was $32 USD round trip from pier to skate park and back again. Unfortunately, we ran outta time and didnt get there :(