Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in the Caribbean
Sights to see & things to do
Grand Cayman
The largest island of the Caymans, the British colony only 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman is the jewel of any western Caribbean itinerary. George Town is the capital of this very civil nation—crime is almost nonexistent here—and it’s where you’ll tender ashore.
Taxis line Harbor Drive where cruise ship tenders disembark passengers and there is a tourist information booth right on the pier.
Diversions
By far the most popular activity on Grand Cayman is a snorkeling trip to Stingray City where the gentle velvety-skinned creatures gather on an offshore sandbar to be fed and petted. Whatever you do, don’t grab one by the tail! Stingrays have barbed stingers on their tails capable of inflicting serious pain.
Cayman Turtle Farm is the only green sea turtle farm in the world and its mission is to replenish the waters of the Caymans with this endangered species. The farm’s circular tanks contain turtles varying in size from tiny hatchlings to some weighing in at hundreds of pounds.
Bring your address book with you and send home postcards from Hell. The miniscule Hell Post Office is located at the site of a “dead” coral reef. Once under the sea, it now resembles what enterprising locals envision as a Hell-scape.
Right on Harbour Drive in George Town, the Cayman Islands National Museum exhibits natural, social, and historical artifacts of the Caymans in a building that was once the island’s courthouse.
Shopping
Goods are classified as duty-free, but prices are generally similar to those in the United States. Local crafts and black coral jewelry are the best buys. A Tortuga Rum Cake is a delicious way to bring home a taste of Grand Cayman. Do NOT purchase turtle products, as they cannot legally be brought into the United States or many other Western countries.
The heart of George Town’s shopping district is right across the street from the Harbour Drive pier. Other treasures to look for are old coins scavenged from shipwrecks and watercolors by local artists.
Beaches
Grand Cayman is surrounded by coral reefs teeming with marine life and the snorkeling is good close to shore. Off to the right and within walking distance of the tender piers is a good snorkeling area.
Seven Mile Beach stretches from George Town past luxury resorts and condominiums. It’s often possible to use a hotel’s facilities for a small charge and taxi drivers are knowledgeable on this score. The waters are known for their clarity and the beaches are brilliantly white and clean.
Fodor's Caribbean Ports of Call 2013 is all you need to plan your days ashore, PLUS a cruise primer section and cruise line profiles by Cruise Diva, Linda Coffman
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