Western Carribbean ports of call - where to walk

[peterpan2010]

We are about to enjoy the 7-night Western Carribean cruise and are wondering about the various ports of call. There are six in our family and it is extremely expensive to book the various excursions. For the most part, we would like to see a few sights and enjoy some things within walking distance of the boat in Key West, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. Any suggestions or specifics on where we should go would be greatly appreciated!

 

[acourtwdw2]

Most things in Key West are within walking distance of ship. Downtown is within walking distance on Grand Cayman. I don't remember much about Cozumel because i took a tour. If you google them you will find walking tours of each location.

 

[kcashner]

Key West--you can do the whole island on foot
Grand Cayman--all beaches are free, open to public. Brown signs indicate free public access walkways to beach. You can do a beach within walking distance of the ship. There is also a public bus that will get you to some of the farther away beaches (7 Mile, Sea Grape) for $3 per person each way. The port area is very walkable.

Cozumel--there is a shopping area right by the port. Taxis in Cozumel are per cab, not per person. Paradise beach is free; $10 gets a wristband good for all day use of "non-motorized water toys."

 

[peterpan2010]

th

Key West--you can do the whole island on foot

Grand Cayman--all beaches are free, open to public. Brown signs indicate free public access walkways to beach. You can do a beach within walking distance of the ship. There is also a public bus that will get you to some of the farther away beaches (7 Mile, Sea Grape) for $3 per person each way. The port area is very walkable.

Cozumel--there is a shopping area right by the port. Taxis in Cozumel are per cab, not per person. Paradise beach is free; $10 gets a wristband good for all day use of "non-motorized water toys."

Thanks for the info! Can you expand on the 7 mile - Sea Grape? Is that the distance to the beach / name of the bus? This sounds good - and reasonable. There isn't a single excursion that seems affordable through the cruise line.

 

[debm]

The last couple of times we have been to Cozumel we have gotten off and walked. There is a shopping area nearby but the one we like is further "down." Lots of locals selling their wares and we've gotten some very memorable, very nice art etc. to bring home. They will make things right in front of you---neat for the kids to see too. Ask anyone when you get off the ship. I believe it is "the square." I know last year there was a Christmas tree and decorations there--a touristy area but not just a bunch of stores like right off the ship. Key West is very easy to get off and walk around. A great first stop as I always feel very comfortable since I'm still in the US! Have fun!

 

[ScouterJT]

check out the Grand Cayman website -- http://www.caymanislands.ky/ -- there is public transportation (bus) available -- although taxis seem pretty reasonable.

we did a guided tour in Key West (purchased off-ship)

I'm not sure if I would recommend "just wandering around" Cozumel ...

 

[quadfather]

th


Thanks for the info! Can you expand on the 7 mile?

7 Mile Beach is the name of the beach close to town. Very nice white sand beach...great snorkeling straight from the beach if you go to the beach access beside the cemetery (I think it is call Cemetery Reef). Also great snorkeling by the dive shop in town close to the cruise ships.

 

[kcashner]

th


Thanks for the info! Can you expand on the 7 mile - Sea Grape? Is that the distance to the beach / name of the bus? This sounds good - and reasonable. There isn't a single excursion that seems affordable through the cruise line.

7 Mile Beach is the name of a popular beach that used to extend for 7 miles along the coast. Sea Grape Beach is another popular beach. As I said, ALL beaches are free on Grand Cayman. No one can own a beach. You can throw a towel on the beach, swim, snorkel, etc. for free if you have your own equipment. There are vendors around who will be happy to rent you beach chairs, various sorts of equipment, etc. but use of the beach is totally free.

There is a public bus from the terminal area to these beach locations--we paid $3 per person, but I've seen $4 reported here recently. Taxis are about $1 more per person. The bus runs about every 20 minutes.

You don't need to take transportation to one of these beaches. If you go to the left out of the tender area and walk about 1/2 mile (10 minutes....) you'll see the brown "beach access" signs indicating where you are allowed to walk between houses to get to decent beach areas--totally free.

If you do a snorkel or island tour with Captain Marvin's (I've done both) you will be offered drop off at the beach or back at the tender port. Obvioulsy by taking the beach, you'll save the cost of transportation one way.

I'll echo one of the above posters...I would not walk off the "beaten path" on Cozumel at all.

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

We were in GC on December 1st and went to the public beach. It was $5 pp to get back to the boat (took a DCL tour and the guide dropped us off on the way back to the boat).

We didn't rent chairs or umbrellas so the beach was free. DD and I split a chicken strips/french fries meal and mozz. sticks for lunch. Brought our own water. That came to $20 which I thought was rather pricey. But there was plenty of food for us to share. We probably could have done with just the chicken strips meal but I was being a nice mommy.

Only problem was with the dang bus on the way back. I understand they want to fill it up some but this woman refused to leave until every seat was filled. That included the jump seats that folded down between the rows of seats. Then she needed to chat with her friend some more. Then she forgot her cell phone and stopped the bus in the middle of the road so someone could run and get it for her. So it took 30 minutes from the time we boarded until the time we actually left. It would have been quicker for us to walk back.