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[tiohwji]

We are planning a cruise next year and one port of call is Grand Cayman. We have read some reviews about how busy it can be with multiple ships in port. We were wondering if anyone had any info on any beaches that you could walk to from the port area that might have good snorkeling.? Or any info on the transportation from the port area, buses vs taxis. We generally like to take the local bus transportation if possible ( less expensive). Optimally we would like a good snorkeling beach with some facilities for bathrooms, beers etc. Thanks to anyone that can shed light on this destination for us. Travel Happy!

[2olives]

Hi there.

As I recall, there were no good snorkelling beaches within comfortable walking distance from the cruise port. However, there is a bus that runs continuously throughout the day from the port to the various beaches in about 20 minute intervals per stop.

I have a compilation of information about Grand Cayman I put together last year from trolling all over the internet, but particularly from the cruisecritic.com forums. I've attached what I have. Hope it helps!

[mmbcross]

Goodness! 2olives sure has Grand Cayman covered! What a ton of information. Thanks for sharing it.

[carpediemtravel]

We just went on a cruise in January and Grand Cayman was one of our ports. Grand Cayman is known for its great beaches for snorkling and scuba diving and our tour guide from our excursion said that a lot of people have claimed that it's one of the best places in the world to snorkel/scuba dive. I agree with 2olives that there isn't really any good beaches within walking distance from the port. We did the turtle and butterfly farms excursion so we had a shuttle bus but I remember seeing taxis driving around too.
There were a couple other ships in port while we were there and the streets right around the port were packed with people walking around the tourist shops and restaurants. Also, you'll have to take a small shuttle boat from your ship to Grand Cayman's docks because it's too risky for the cruise ships to actually dock close up in Grand Cayman's port.
Hope you have a great trip!

[gmonte4538]

We are planning a cruise next year and one port of call is Grand Cayman. We have read some reviews about how busy it can be with multiple ships in port. We were wondering if anyone had any info on any beaches that you could walk to from the port area that might have good snorkeling.? Or any info on the transportation from the port area, buses vs taxis. We generally like to take the local bus transportation if possible ( less expensive). Optimally we would like a good snorkeling beach with some facilities for bathrooms, beers etc. Thanks to anyone that can shed light on this destination for us. Travel Happy!

yes go to cemetery reef for snorkeling. Walk downtown 5 minutes from terminal and ask for the bus station... there you can ask for cemetery reef and get there for about 2 dollars a person.
You should try deep see tours, grate value for the money.

[rick39]

I have heard alot about these islands .. they say they r jewels of the ocean ...i hope to c them 1 day !!