Help Finding Beach in Grand Cayman

[bamaman]

We are doing a Waverunner Tour to Stingray City in December. After the tour we will have three hours free and are trying to find a good beach close to where the Ship will be tendered. Can anyone recommend a beach? How would you recommend we get to that beach? Is there an entry fee into the beach area? How much time will it take to get there from the dock? What should we expect to pay for transportation to and from that beach? And, is there plenty of transportation to and from that beach?

 

Thank you for any help.

 

Ed

[drew sailbum]

If you are doing a waverunner tour to Stingray City, I presume that the tour will not begin from the port. Based upon the shape of the island, it would be much faster for the tour operator to bring you by car or bus to where the tour wouold start.

 

During the land transfer, most any trip to Stingray City will pass along West Bay Road which runs along Seven Mile Beach. Almost certainly, the tour will happily drop you at the beach ratehr than going all the way back to the port. Just have them drop you off at Public Beach, Sea Grape, or at Beach Club Colony... the driver will know which spot(s) are an option based upon the route taken.

 

There are many taxis and buses that travel along this road back to the port area. It should be easy enough to cathc a lift back to the port, just cross the road from the beach to catch a southbound bus or taxi.

 

There are no entry fees for beaches in the Cayman Islands. Up to the high water mark the beach is Crown property and open to the public by law. However keep in mind that services (lounge chairs, umbrellas, and obviously food and drink) are at your own expense. If all you want to do is plop down right on the sand, go right ahead.

 

Public minibus is about US$2.50 = $2CI per person back to the depot (2 blocks from the cruise terminals). Taxi fares are normally per person and vary from US$4 to $8 depending upon where along Seven Mile Beach you are. Since many taxis are shared minibus, there is little difference except as to where they drop you off.

[bamaman]

Thank you for that response. It is very helpful.

[glendon3281]

drew sailbum....I've been to Grand Cayman a few times but never paid attention to the public minibuses. Dumb question...What do they look like in comparison with the excursion minibuses and vans? Which way do I head 2 blocks once exiting the cruise terminal? Is it closer to Capt. Marvin's Waterfront cafe area or towards the Hard Rock?

 

Thanks,

Linda

[gadaboutgal]

Grand Cayman's local buses are extended vans. You can usually tell them by the large colored circles on the front hood.

To get to the main depot: Exit the cruise ship terminal and go left, walking up a few blocks then turn right onto Fort Street, continue down the street on the right side past Senor Frogs. You will see the small library straight ahead. The "depot" is next to it on the right side. It is just really a parking lot and you will see all the vans/buses parked there. You can ask anyone which one to take to where you want to go. They are very accommodating. The fare is 2 dollars Cayman/ $2.50 U.S. one way.