When visitors first lay eyes on Grand Cayman Island, they don't even think about mountains: It is a flat piece of land that barely rises out of the water. To find a steep slope, visitors to Grand Cayman have to look straight down.
Just offshore, coral reefs and walls plunge dramatically into the abyss, creating superb conditions for visitors to Grand Cayman to go scuba diving and snorkeling. These underwater "mountainsides" (the peak being the island itself) ner fail to leave Grand Cayman divers and snorkelers awestruck.
Grand Cayman is a largely stress-free place to vacation. Crime is relatively rare. Islanders are friendly, speak English and enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. And Grand Cayman beaches are wide, sandy and fringed with palm trees. Duty-free shopping in George Town is aslo a big attraction.
Location
Of the three islands that make up the Caymans, Grand Cayman is the only one with the capacity to host cruise ships. At present, ships still anchor outside the harbor west of George Town, but a new US$17.5 million port facility—just 1,312 ft/400 m north of the old Port Authority dock—opened in 2007. The new facility, with a 200-ft/60-m pier, has the capacity to dock one or two cruise ships, and all passengers filter through a self-contained facility with immigration, tourist information, shops, restaurants, restrooms and a taxi dispatch center. Discussions about building another pier are under way, since on any given day there can be up to six cruise ships in the harbor and some passengers still need to be tendered to the terminal.
In rough weather, ships may anchor off the island's southern coast and tender passengers to Spotts, which lies about 4 mi/6 km from George Town. Taxis or buses then transport passengers to George Town for shopping and to the various attractions.
The main tourist information office is at the Regatta Office Park, Leeward 2, West Bay Road (opposite the Westin Hotel). It's open Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm. Phone 345-949-0623. There is also a small information booth at the cruise ship terminal.
Shore Excursions
Consider signing up for the excursions offered by your ship. They may not be the least expensive way to see the island, but you won't have to waste time making arrangements yourself—and you won't have to worry about missing the ship. With the exception of a visit to Boatswain Beach—home of the Cayman Turtle Farm—or a round of golf, most trips take you offshore to explore the spectacular coral and fish (in a submersible vessel or glass-bottomed boat or, for certified divers, with scuba gear). There's also the option of a party cruise. Shoppers will be delighted with the countless duty-free shops, especially around George Town. Check with your ship's shore-excursion staff or your travel agent for additional information.
