tell me grand cayman and montego bay

[patry]

i have gone to western route but we couldn't dock in grand caymand do to weather so we are going againg and was wondering what nice to do..and montego bay? have someone tried to go o sandals montego bay for the ay hw much is it?and is it worth it?

[superjerryw]

The most popular excursion in Grand Cayman is the trip to swim with the stingrays at the Stingray City sandbar. Actually, you don't swim since the water is only a about 3 or 4 feet deep. You stand in the water and you can feed the rays. You can do a ship sponsored excursion or go with a private company such as Captain Marvins. The private company will take you to Stingray City and one or two other snorkeling sports as part of the same tour. -

 

www.captainmarvins.com

 

If you like the beach, just take a taxi to Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman as it is really beautiful. You can have the taxi drop you near a public beach or near a beach club where you can pay a fee for the use of chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, etc.

[negc]

Seven Mile Beach is a good alternative if you don't want to do the Stingray City excursion, although I think everyone should do that at least once. In MoBay, we took our kids and grandkids to Sunset Beach Resort and Spa which is close to the cruise pier. A day pass is not too expensive and the facility has a good water park, nice beach and plenty to eat and drink. Just take taxis between the resort and the ship. If the cost to go to Sunset Beach resort is too much for your budget, take a taxi (about $4.00 pp) to Doctor's Cave Beach. Admission fee is about $5 for adults and $2.50 for kids and you can rent chairs, umbrellas, floats and get food and drink. There are plenty of souvenir shops in the vicinity on what is called "The Hip Strip" and we did not find that any of the vendors were especially aggressive. There are also shops in the cruise terminal if you want to buy some last minute souvenirs.:)

[cali-croozer]

A couple of other alternatives: In Montego Bay, we did the zipline tour - awesome! Our driver was great and explained a lot about the island while driving us to the site. Other people we talked to said their driver just drove. We were lucky. If you really want to get away from the crowds in Grand Cayman, there is a small beach a little over a mile to the right when you get off the tenders, called Smith's Cove. We walked, but if we go again, we'll take a taxi there and walk back. You can stop by one of the dive shops on the way to rent snorkle gear and fins if you want. We've been there 2 times. The first time, we were the only ones there, until a small wedding party showed up when we were about ready to leave (a couple from the ship!). The 2nd time, there were about 12 people there! There is no charge, BUT there are no services either, just a bathroom. If you want a beach with amenities, head over to 7 mile.

[SMN]

Another thought for Mo Bay is Mayfield Falls through A-Z Jamaica Planners. We did the Mayfield Falls tour in August 2006 and loved it. I have a review on this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=403571 SMN

[tinabinab]

I second the zipline suggestion for MoBay. We got a bonus day on our last cruise there and ended up at Margaritaville most of the day. They have a HUGE waterslide that dumps you into the ocean and some trampolenes for just hanging out on. Since it was an unexpected port, we were a bit unprepared, but still had a great day.

 

In Grand Cayman we booked the Red Barron private sailboat charter. We went to swim and snorkel with the rays and also to a reef for more snorkeling. It was in water about 12-15 ft deep, so not quite the same as stingray city and not nearly as many rays. I think there were about 10 that were swimming around and hanging out with us. It was a very nice, private day as there was no one anywhere near us. It was comparably priced if you have at least 6 people.

http://www.redbaroncharters.com/

[Corby44]

Stingray city in Grand Caymen is a must. You will not get this close to these animals anywhere else. It was the highlight of our trip. In Montego Bay, the only thing you don't want to do is go downtown. It is the worst shopping area we have ever seen, and we have been all over the Caribbean. Try anything else that sounds fun or just stay onboard and enjoy having the ship to yourself.

[rmcg1975]

StingRay City.. I love those lil guys! I miss them something terrible!! They are so cute and gentle..

 

If you decide to "beach it" tell the taxi driver to drop you at the Comfort Suites Dive Shop, next to the Marriot. Short walk to the beach past Turtle Villas. If you have snorkel equipment, bring it.. they have put these barriers out a ways from the beach and it is some nice snorkeling. Also, there is a good place to eat at the Comfort Suites.. Stingers...they have good food for reasonable prices. Also, a fun place is accross the street from the Comfort Suites..called Coconut Joes...yummy jerk chicken sandwich. We stayed at the Suites when we got married in Grand Cayman in 2005 and ate at "Joe's" a lot.