Free time post Tiki Beach excursion?

[adams3880]

Enough lurking, first post. Hi.

We're sailing on the September 28th western Caribbean and are currently signed up for the Tiki Beach trip on Grand Cayman. The description states that we can be dropped off downtown to explore, which we would really like to do, but is there enough time to do so without worrying about missing the boat? (Or do the busses start running back earlier than 3:30?) We'll have our two little ones and my older aunt so we can't just dash.

I guess this question would also apply to both beach break excursions in Costa Maya and Cozumel as well. My husband and I are eager to do at least a bit of walking/exploring at at least a port or two but the kids want the beach and my aunt (who is treating us to the majority of the trip) is paranoid and wants the security of Disney sponsored transport.

Thanks!

 

[lawdawg327]

I can't specifically speak for the Tiki excursion because I have not done that one. What I can state however, is that you will not have to worry about needing time to walk around in Costa Maya. There is really nothing there but a bar and a couple of souvenir shops. It's the smallest port to which I have ever been.
My guess is, however, if you are doing a disney excursion for Tiki, and the shopping time is included in the trip, then usually the van waits for everyone and takes them back so that you will not have to try and make it on your own.

 

[adams3880]

Thanks.

 

[cateisgreat]

Save yourself some money and take a taxi to the beach instead of doing the Tiki Beach excursion. We had four people and caught a taxi which are plentiful right out of the port exit and paid $20 US one way. We went to Public Beach, which was right next to the Tiki Beach excursion beach. Free beach chairs available, with a bar and restaurant right next door. Caught a cab back to the port for $20 one way again in plenty of time to board the ship.

 

[adams3880]

My gut has kinda been telling me that. We did a couple beach excursions on our Eastern Caribbean last year and they were great with such small kids but one of our best memories is the day we just walked around St. Thomas on our own all day. I think we may do that.

Couple questions:

We'll have 5 of us, 3 adults and 2 and 4 year old kids. Think we'll be able to squeeze in a taxi/spot any vans? Or should we just shoot for the bus?

Is there a certain public beach that's best? And is the shopping/exploring area close by?

Thanks!! Definitely would rather venture out on our own for Grand Cayman, just want to be prepared.