Grand Cayman Excursions vs. Go It Alone?

[MarriedAtDisney]

We're on February cruise and just recently decided to go, so we're late to the excursion party. The only Beach excursion is already sold out. Are there any other recommended Beach Excursions that are "easy" to do and low stress? It's just the two of us (adults). Just want a nice beach, beach bar for drinks/lunch, some chairs and shade. Conversely, any solid excursions that may still be available we should look at? Same question for Cancun. To be clear, prefer the disney excursion but open to going on our own.

 

[Dug720]

IF Grand Cayman is even open for ships (honestly I think it's doubtful), I'd expect them to be very cautious and only allow ship-based excursions.

 

[HiStitch626]

There are great locations all along Seven Mile Beach. The problem is the ones that were good for a day trip like Royal Palms and Calico Jack's have closed. You might look and see if any of the resorts along Seven Mile offer day rooms or day passes.

Until cruising restarts in the Caymans, it may be hard to know what's available.

Captain Marvin's is a reliable company, but I think their excursions are more active with stingrays and snorkeling.

 

[MarriedAtDisney]

Oh.... I just saw about GC not being open for ships. I wonder if they'll try a different location or just have 5 sea days instead of 4. Ok with us if that happens honestly. We just want the cruise. (we're on the cruse out of NO that is supposed to do Grand Cayman and Cancun.

 

[Colo17]

Our GC day in December was cancelled a long while ago. Replaced with sea day.

If you do get to GC we have a couple of favorites. First, just south of town there is a bar with fantastic snorkeling not far from the shore (Eden Rock). Downside is that this is a popular place for snorkel boats as well. Second, you can take a bus or cab about 15 minutes north to the Turtle Farm. Ship excursions only go to the front tanks but if you go on your own you can snorkel with them in the back. Cheaper to book on your own - you can get the full park for less than a ship excursion to the front part. You can also book Dolphin Discovery, just across the road. Normally there are a ton of vendors on the dock, or you can book independent through shoreexcursioneer or shoreexcursionsgroup.

 

[KMack]

We had a blast on our own on Grand Cayman! We rented a scooter from Cayman Auto Rentals and bombed around the island ourselves for the day. The rental location was 10 minutes from the pier. We drove to the opposite end of the island and had an amazing lunch at a little mom and pop joint… we were definitely the only tourists around!

 

[insureman]

We usually go to the Marriott on Seven Mile beach for the beach access. You can also (pre-covid) rent their beach chairs if space is available.
https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/