Grand Cayman

(WT-shared) OldPine at wts wikivoyage

Roberto

• West Bay
• George Town
• Bodden Town
• North Side
• East End

By plane

• Owen Roberts International Airport

  phone: +1 345-949-5252 (Airport information), +1 345 949-7811 (Airport information),+1 345-949-7811 (Flight information)
  The airport has one runway and one terminal. Taxis are easily available with fixed rates to all island areas. There is a taxi stand that you encounter as soon as you exit the terminal. Stand in-line at this stand and they will direct you to a specific taxi with the amount that you will need to pay in order to get to your hotel. Amount varies by hotel location. Hotels are not allowed courtesy shuttles. Note that it can take an hour to get through security and Immigration even though the part of the line you see from outside looks short. To save money you could take the taxis to the George Town bus depot and ride Bus 1 or 2 (they will guide you to the correct bus) for $2.50 per person. They are the same Toyota vans.

By boat

• There is a small walkable area of shops around the George Town harbor. Seven Mile beach is not within walking distance of the harbor cruise docks.
• Taxis are available at the cruise ship docks in downtown George Town, and at all resorts.

By bus

• Grand Cayman Public Bus Transport, Edward St. next to the library, Georgetown, Phone: 945-5100. Licensed buses are identified by blue licence plates. Daily service starts at 6AM from the depot and the schedule is as follows from George Town to:

By vehicle

• The first three sites below are within walking distance in George Town.

• Cayman Islands National Museum

  phone: +1 345 949-8368
  address: Harbour Drive, George Town

• Fort George remains

  address: Harbour Dr. and Fort St., George Town
  Remains of a 1790 fort built to protect the harbor.

• Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum

  address: North Church St, George Town
  Boat building, turtling and pirates.

• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

  phone: +1 345 947-3558
  North Side. Much to see here, with a visitor center, short walking trail, endemic blue iguanas, and a c. 1900 Cayman farmhouse and sand garden.

• Pedro St. James Castle

  phone: +1 345 947-3329
  address: Pedro Castle Road, Savannah
  This 1780 stone structure, surrounded by a preserve, has hourly multimedia shows.

• Hell

  address: West Bay
  This is a common tour stop, often shrugged at by those who go there. However, if you take a tour bus there, you can always tell the folks back home you took the bus to Hell to get a laugh. Hell consists of black volcanic rock formations that are thought to resemble what Hell might be like. You can get postcards postmarked there, and there are a couple of gift shops selling all the Hell-themed souvenirs imaginable.

• Cemetery Beach

  address: Seven Mile Beach
  This is the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, beautiful spot with snorkeling right off shore. Access is off the road through a small path. Next to a small island cemetery, hence the name.

• Stingray City

• Moby Dick Tours - Stingray City

  phone: +1 480-626-5429
  Stingray city tours $40, under 12 $30.

• Carib Select Watersports

  phone: +1 888-452-7928
  P.O. Box 30146. Carib Select provides trips to Stingray City that include free transportation to and from the Cruise Ship dock. Specializes in Stingray City tours and snorkeling at Coral Gardens/The Barrier Reef (snorkeling equipment and refreshments included), with photo packages of the excursion burned to CD and ready for purchase on board as you return to the dock.

• Native Way Watersports

  phone: +1-345-916-5027
  address: Cayman Islands Yacht Club
  Stingray City, snorkeling and fishing tours.

• Soto's Cruises

  phone: +1 345 945-4576
  Seven Mile Beach. Stingray city tours. $30.

• Boatswain’s Beach24-acre marine park. The world’s only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm, it is home to over 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds and now even houses an alligator. Boatswain’s Beach features a 1.3 Million Gallon Saltwater Snorkel Lagoon where visitors can swim with turtles and other marine life; a Predator Tank (viewable by snorkelers)is filled with sharks and huge turtles; an Aviary and Iguana sanctuary; a Nature Trail and “Blue Hole” Sunken Cave, turtle farm tours with full access around the breeding ponds; Caymanian Heritage Street with porch-side artisans and crafts and restaurants featuring classic and contemporary Caymanian cuisine;a large pool with a waterfall and a state of the art research and educational facility focusing on the conservation of sea turtles.

• Dolphin DiscoveryAcross from Boatswain's Beach is where people are allowed to swim with dolphins. There are two dolphin parks in Cayman which were very controversial at the time of development.

• Atlantis Adventures

  phone: +1 345 949-7700
  See the reefs from a 48-person Atlantis-class battery-powered submarine. This is similar to Disney's former "submarine" ride at Disneyland and Disney World, but the submarine and coral reef are real. Passengers sit back-to-back and shoulder-to-shoulder, facing outboard with large portholes allowing a good view. Not for claustrophobes, though.

• Silver Thatch Excursions

  phone: +1 345 945-6588
  Eco-tourism award winning biologist Geddes Hislop. Walking tours and eco-tours to the rainforest, or historical tours.

• Blackbeard's Nancy

  phone: +1 349-949-8988
  address: West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  This replica schooner offers a variety of options, including a dinner cruise.

• Crystal Caves

  phone: +1-345-949-2283

Diving

• Deep Blue Divers

  phone: +1 345 916-1293
  George Town.

• Sunset Divers

  phone: +1 345 949-7111
  At Sunset House, South Sound.

• Red Sail Sports

  phone: +1 345 945-5965
  Seven Mile Beach.

• Don Foster's Dive Cayman Islands

  phone: +1 345 945-5132

• Ocean Frontiers

  phone: +1 345 947-7500
  East End.

• Liz's Awesome Fun BayNorth Side.

• Living the Dream Divers

  phone: +1-345-526-3483
  address: 1114B West Bay Rd, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Horseback Riding

• Nicki's Beach Rides

  phone: +1 345 945-5834

• Honey Suckle Trail Rides

  phone: +1 345 947-7976

• Pampered Ponies Ltd.

  phone: +1 345 945-2262

Skateboarding, BMX Riding & Inline Skating

• The Black Pearl Skatepark

  phone: +1 345-526-3294
  Eclipsed in size only by the SMP Skatepark in Shanghai, the Black Pearl is an enormous concrete park that, due to its remote location, is almost never crowded. The flow and lines in this place are fantastic. Pros and beginners alike will be impressed. Best time to go: in the morning before it gets too hot - this is, after all, the Caribbean.

Museums

• The Cayman Islands National Museum

  phone: +1 345 949-8368
  The Cayman Islands National Museum has reopened following damage during Hurricane Ivan. It is well worth a visit and can be done thoroughly in 2-3 hours.

Festivals

• BatabanoThe Grand Cayman carnival, occurs near the end of April or early May. Batabano is a weekend of live steel band music, revelers parading the streets in colorful costumes, and eating exotic foods. Cayman Brac holds a celebration called "Brachanal" the next Saturday after Grand Cayman's.

• Pirates Week Festival, George Town with events country-wide, Tel: 345-949-5859, Fax: 345-949-5449. Mid-November (2008: November 6–16). Fireworks, "pirate landings", street dancing, heritage day events in Cayman towns, more.

• Gimistory: The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival

  phone: +1 345 949-5477
  Country-wide, Contact CNCF:. November.

• Cayfest: The Cayman Islands National Festival of the ArtsCelebration of local arts, crafts, music, dance, drama etc. Contact CNCF: +1 345-949-5477 . April

• Caymanite is the Cayman Islands' own semi-precious stone. It is a very hard stone which varies across the earth colors. Available at most jewelers. Black coral is also a Cayman jewelry staple.

• Tortuga Rum Company

  phone: +1 345 949-6322
  Georgetown. A favorite stop of many for their rum cakes. Free tasting of the cake and rum.
• Farmer's Market Cooperative, Thomas Russell Way. Local produce, jams, sauces.
• Rumstop, Harbour Drive, George Town. Surprisingly decent prices for a good selection of liquors.

• SeaHarvest (at Sunset House)

  phone: +1 345 945-1383
  address: South Church St
  Spectacular Seafood and East and West Indian dishes Great value, menus on website.

• Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar

  phone: +1 345 949-5747
  address: Fort Street, George Town
  Contemporary International, Menu changes daily. Great dishes- Lobster bisque in cognac cream and lobster quesadillas. Excellent Service.
• Casanova's by the Sea, Georgetown, Awesome Italian food, right on the water. Romantic.

• Chicken! Chicken!

  phone: +1 345 945-2290
  address: West Shore Centre, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach
  Slow roasted and inexpensive.
• CIMBOCO - a Caribbean Cafe, Seven Mile Beach (next to the Marquee Cinema), Phone: 345-94-PASTA (947-2782), . Eclectic, Caribbean Cafe with Exhibition Kitchen; reasonably priced, local spot, all from scratch.

• Corita's Copper Kettle 1 & 2

  phone: +1 345 949-2696,+1 345 945-8552
  address: Edward St or 32 Town Hall Rd West Bay
  Reasonably priced, tasty Caymanese food by the friendly Corita Mendoza. Recommend the turtle stew.

• Cracked Conch by the Sea

  phone: +1 345 945-5217
  address: N. West Point Rd
  Good family restaurant with a nautical theme.

• Hemingway's

  phone: +1 345 945-5700
  Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach. Outdoor fine dining.

• Lone Star Bar & Grill

  phone: +1 345 945-5175
  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach
  Tex-Mex, burgers and steaks.

• Portofino's

  phone: +1 345 947-2700
  East End by the ocean. Beautiful site, view of the famous "Wreck of the Ten Ships", casual, friendly family atmosphere. Cayman style cuisine: jerk chicken, excellent fish, mixed drinks.

• Neptune's

  phone: +1 345 946-8709
  address: Trafalgar Place, West Bay Rd., West Bay
  Great food and not overly fancy.

• Reef Grill at Royal Palms

  phone: +1 345 945-6358
  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach
  Indoor and outdoor dining. Great views of Seven Mile Beach and great seafood dishes.

• Peppers

  phone: +1-345-943-3000

Bars

• Coconut Joes

  phone: +1 345 943-5637
  address: West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  Grand Cayman's liveliest outdoor restaurants and bars.

• Pirates Den Pub & Restaurant

  phone: +1 345 949-7144
  address: Galleria Plaza, Seven Mile Beach
  English pub type. Good place to kick back and watch sports.
• Billy Bones, West Bay Rd, Treasure Island Resort, Phone: 345-943-BONE (2663). Cayman's most exciting and relaxing outdoor bars. Dine surrounded by palm trees with the sound of a cascading waterfall in the background.

• Legendz

  phone: +1 345 945-1950
  address: West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  Extremely popular, busy sportsbar with a variety of entertainment.

• Fidel Murphy's Irish Pub

  phone: +1 345 949-5189
  address: Queens Court, West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
  Enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the only traditional Irish pub in the Cayman Islands.

• Sapphire Lounge

  phone: +1 345 946-3496
  address: Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  The only true martini lounge on the Island. Try any one of the 130 unique creations of martinis or any one of the 225 cocktails.

• Calico Jack's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 345-945-7850
  address: West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  Relaxed beachfront bar near Kimpton Seafire hotel. Frequented by expats; live music on Tuesdays.

• Craft

  phone: +1 345 640 0004
  Lots of craft beers on tap, including most of the local ones.

Nightlife

• O Bar

  phone: +1 345 943-6227
  address: Queens Court, 2nd floor, Seven Mile Beach
  Open earlier than many other clubs, the O attracts a young, trendy crowd.

• Next Level

  phone: +1 345 946-6398
  address: West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach
  Very popular nightclub on the island.

• The Attic

  phone: +1 345 949-7665
  address: Queens Court, 2nd floor, Seven Mile Beach
  Sports bar

• Corner Pocket

  phone: +1 345 946-8080
  address: Allista Towers, 2nd floor, George Town
  One of the few billiard halls.

• Grand Cayman Resorts

  address: 101 West Bay Rd

Budget

• Eldemire's B&B Guest House

  phone: +1 345 949-5387
  address: 18 Pebbles Way, Off S. Church St., George Town
  Six rooms.

• Rocky Shore Guest House

  phone: +1 345 926-0119
  address: 30 Grass Piece La., West Bay
  Four rooms, with two of them sharing baths.

Mid-range

• Aqua Bay Club Ocean Front Condos on Seven Mile Beach

  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach
  Offers 21 oceanfront apartments.

• Sunshine Suites by Wyndham

  phone: +1 345 949-3000
  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach

• Compass Point Dive Resort

  phone: +1 345 947 7500
  address: Austin Conolly Drive, East End

• The Retreat at Lookout

  phone: +1 705-719-9144
  address: 521 Lookout Rd
  Bodden Town, Grand Cayman, Skype: retreatatlookout. Rates starting at $90/night including full Caribbean breakfast.

• Casa Caribe Condos on Seven Mile Beach

  phone: +1 345 945-4287
  address: 833 West Bay Road
  Casa Caribe Condos is located on the best beachfront of Seven Mile Beach. It is also walking distance to restaurants, supermarkets and night life.

• Holiday Inn

Splurge

• Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman)

  phone: +1 345 949-1234
  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach

• Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

  phone: +1 800-223-6388
  address: 389 West Bay Rd
  Seven Mile Beach. Centrally located on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach.

• Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman

  address: 2221 Queens Highway
  An all-beachfront luxury resort located on a quiet side of the island. Watersports, diving, world class snorkelling, pool facilities and its private patio views.

• Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman

  phone: +1 345 943-9000
  address: West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach

• The Westin Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, Grand Cayman (formerly the Westin Casuarina)

  phone: +1 345 945-3800