renting a car in Grand Cayman?

[mouseclick1]

For those who have done this, what has your experience been? Do you feel it was better to go off on your own, as opposed to going with an excursion? We really just want to see the island, maybe go to the turtle farm, and stop by the beach. Is it wierd to drive on the left side of the road (that is if you are used to driving on the right, of course!)? And last question, what size vehicle did you rent? I'm thinking we only need to smallest available for the 4 of us, since we won't need to cart around anything other than ourselves.

Thanks!

 

[mouseclick1]

bump!

 

[Yelosnow]

We rented a car when we stayed on GC several years ago. At the time we rented a small convertable SUV (think Suzuki Samarai) and it was very reasonable in price. It is a bit strange to drive on the left, go slow and think about what you are doing and you will be fine.
You can easily see the entire island on your own and at your own pace. We will be there during the Jan 31 western cruise and have set up our own excusions.
I do remember that the turtle farm was very busy on days that ships were in port. You will pass some GREAT areas along the beach on the way to the turtle farm. The area near the Governer's mansion is a great place to see, swim and snorkle at. Also a place called Smith Cove, about a mile or so south from the pier is a great swimming/snorkling area.

Good luck!

 

[kaykels]

We will also be on the Jan. 31st but I am traveling w/ my DH, DS (5) and DS (2). Any ideas on what I can do in GC with my 2 year old????? Free beaches, or any excursions that are kid friendly would be very helpful. Any tips for other ports would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[MarkLem]

If you like to snorkel, we did the Capt Marvin's half-day snorkel/Stingray City tour on our own last week while on GC (Capt marvin's has a website that you can reserve spots on). We brought our 8, 6, 2 1/2 year old. They then dropped us off at the Holiday Inn beach on the way back where we had great fun for a couple of hours before heading back to the ship. There was a small bar and restaurant right on the beach as well. It was the best port day of the whole week.