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Grand Cayman: Things to Do While on a Cruise

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Stopping in the Cayman Islands Cruise Port and Looking for Something to Do?

Bright blue waters, sandy beaches, and hot tropical weather. Oh, how I love the Cayman Islands! While you’re still thinking about taking a Grand Cayman family vacation, everyone else is already here!

On my cruise vacation, the destination leads us to the Cayman Islands. This Caribbean paradise is made up of three individual islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac.

Even so, with only about 5 hours to explore, I was able to see some of the island’s most scenic tourist spots by purchasing a Grand Cayman cruise excursion.

Welcome to the Cayman Islands sign at port in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

See All of the Carnival Cruise Excursions for Grand Cayman HERE


Of course, I know what you’re thinking. You can’t see much in only 5 hours! While I may agree with you, I was still able to explore the island’s highlighted hot spots with a local tour guide that drove around the island. I don’t claim that you’ll see everything the island has to offer, but in 5 hours, here are 5 things you must see when you’re on a time crunch for fun.

Grand Cayman Island Things to See!


1. You Should Take a Walk Along the Seven Mile Beach

Travel Blogger sits by the Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman Cayman,Islands

First, take a quick stroll on one of the Caribbean’s best beaches! The Seven Mile Beach is open to the public at all times and super accessible. In brief, you’ll find gorgeous sand, restaurants, playgrounds for children, and the occasional iguana basking under the sun. 

Besides, the beach is not hard to miss as it lines a great majority of the island with its clear water. Remember, you’re limited on time! If nothing else, at least run and put your feet in the ocean as you make your rounds.

Ocean Water at seven miles beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Heritage Kitchen. Boggy Sand Rd, West Bay, Cayman Islands
Heritage Kitchen. Boggy Sand Rd, West Bay, Cayman Islands

2. Visit the Turtle Center at Boatswain’s Beach

The Turtle Farm, Grand Cayman, Cayman, Islands
Cayman Turtle Centre
786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay Grand Cayman KY1, 1303, Cayman Islands

If you enjoy marine life and want to get some hands-on action, then stop by the Turtle Center at Boatswain’s beach.  There are so many turtles on the Cayman Islands that it is claimed when Christopher Columbus was found ashore the Cayman Islands, he named the area Las Tortugas.  I’m not sure if I truly believe this story, but that’s what they say!

Turtles swimming at the Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman

When you visit the turtle farm, you will find that their mission is to protect these sea creatures from being hunted and eaten. While there, you are able to hold some of the turtles in the bank. It’s not only a great stop to check out on the list, but also an educational one too if you want to learn more about the local sea wildlife.

Get more information on the Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter HERE


3. Visit the Tortuga Rum Cake Outlet

Tortuga Rum Company Ltd
Tortuga Way, North Sound Road, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands
Tortuga Rum Company Ltd
Tortuga Way, North Sound Road, KY1-1106, Cayman Islands

Yes! Who doesn’t want to try a little rum? At the Rum Cake Outlet you get to sample not only rum cake, but RUM! Oh, and yes, it’s FREE!

Captain Jack Sparrow But Why is the Rum gone Gif

Stop by the Tortuga Rum Outlet to shop, enjoy your freebies, and buy a couple boxes of rum cake while you’re there. I mean, I don’t think I need to really explain much more.

Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cakes at Grand Cayman shop

4. Travel Straight to Hell

Gift Shop mural, the Devils Hangout at Hell, Grand Cayman
Hell Gift Store
Hell Rd, West Bay, Cayman Islands

Make sure you go straight to Hell…Grand Cayman that is!

I know it sounds a bit appalling, but why not take a trip to Hell! Now, I’m not going to lie, Hell is not very exciting. It’s interesting to see but not a place to stay. Hell, Grand Cayman gets its name from the black limestone formations. Take a look out and you’ll see these amazing pre-historic formations behind a little red gift shop.

At the Welcome to Hell gift shop you can buy souvenirs and pun intended trinkets. You can also send post cards to family and friends from Hell! Yes, maybe a bit cheesy but at least you can say you’ve been to Hell and back!

Hell Limestone formations in Hell, Grand Cayman

5. The Island Plaza

Island Plaza by south terminal in Grand Cayman

To complete the 5 hour whirlwind of a trip, if you just want to do a little shopping, then the Island Plaza is the perfect place. It’s mixed with indoor and outdoor amenities and they accept both U.S. and local currency. The Island Plaza is duty free and you’ll find jewelry stores and boutiques, name brand apparel, and you can snag a Cuban Cigar.

So if this is your last stop, grab a bite to eat, buy a few souvenirs, or just walk the plaza and strip to explore the area.

Island Plaza Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville sign Grand Cayman
Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville

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