beach or snorkeling close to pier?

[NoobCruise]

We're looking at doing a caribbean cruise with our kids ages 22 and 25. Our first and only cruise saw a couple left behind in Mazatlan because they were late :/ so now my husband is paranoid about doing anything outside the cruise line's shore excursions. We want to do several expensive excursions at other ports - dune buggies and beach/snorkeling in Cozumel, crystal cave inner tubing in Belize, and ziplining in Roatan. I don't see much of real interest in the excursions in Grand Cayman other than beach and snorkeling. What is close to the pier? Is there a beach and snorkeling within walking distance we can hit without booking an excursion? shopping? Thanks!

[caribsun]

Snorkeling is in sight of the ships.

http://www.edenrockdive.com/

[cb at sea]

7 Mile Beach isn't far....and if you synchronize your watch with the ship's clock before you leave, there's no reason to worry about missing the ship! There are buses rights off the dock...$2.50 pp...easy.

 

There's really no reason to pay ship's excursion prices for things like beaches!

[OCruisers]

Snorkeling is in sight of the ships.

http://www.edenrockdive.com/

 

Eden Rock would be our suggestion as well for an inexpensive place to snorkel very close to the tender dock!

[Mzsnap]

We were in Grand Caymen just last week and had the same dilemma as you. We caught a cab on the street and went to Cemetery Beach where we spent some 2 hours snorkeling. We had brought our own gear. There is a small walkway or you can stroll through the cemetery to the beach, which is an absolutely beautiful, pristine beach. This beach is basically an extension of 7 Mile Beach, just less congested. Lots of coral and fish. You can actually see the ships docked in the distance. The exchange rate in Grand Caymen is $1 Caymen/$1.25 US dollar, so keep that in mind when negotiating cab fare. When you return, just walk out to the road and there is a small covered bus stop. Within 5-10 minutes a bus, or small van, will arrive and the cost is only $2.50 US per person. Wish we would have been smart enough to have figured out how to catch the bus TO the beach! We arrived back in town with plenty of time to shop! Happy sailing!

[RMH]

Most of the non-ship tours are very aware of what time the ship arrives and leaves - it is their livelihood. If you let them know when you need to be back they will get you back, no problem. Not to disuade you from 'just' doing the beach at Grand Cayman, but there are so many other things that are unique to this port it would be a shame to miss out on them.

 

The key is letting the tour operator know when you absolutely need to be back and then don't stop in the bar after they drop you off to catch the tender back to the ship !