Located in the Western Caribbean, Grand Cayman Island has a wealth of exciting activities and attractions for cruise passengers. Stunning Seven Mile Beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful strands in the Caribbean. The island’s coral reefs and plentiful marine life are another major draw.

Christopher Columbus named the Cayman Islands “Las Tortugas” for the plentiful sea turtles in the waters surrounding the islands. Now, Grand Cayman is known for offering vacationers opportunities to encounter much more – including friendly Southern Stingrays, starfish, and dolphins.

Grand Cayman Cruise Port is in George Town, Grand Cayman. While the port can accommodate four ships simultaneously, no docking facilities are available. Cruise passengers tender to one of the three terminals located ashore. Wheelchair access is available at all three terminals.

While making excursion plans, cruise guests need to be aware of their ship’s tender schedule and last tender departure times. Tender lines are often long near the end of the day. Those planning to return to the tender location via taxi should pre-arrange their pick-up time and allow plenty of margin for traffic delays. Cruise ships do not wait for independent travelers, so plan carefully to avoid being left behind.

If your ship will be visiting Grand Cayman during your next cruise, consider these seven top excursions in Grand Cayman.

1. Meet Friendly Stingrays And Other Marine Life.
Interacting with friendly wild stingrays at Grand Cayman’s Stingray City Sandbar is one of the most sought-after excursions in the Caribbean. On these trips, guests stand in shallow water that’s generally about three to four feet deep and can observe and play with Southern Stingrays.

Trips to Stingray City Sandbar are often combined with other options, such as snorkeling at Coral Gardens and Starfish Point, spending time on Seven Mile Beach, visiting more secluded Rum Point Beach, or swimming with turtles and other marine life at the Turtle Farm at Boatswain’s Beach. Dolphin encounters and swims are also available at Dolphin Cove Cayman on Grand Cayman Island.

2. Get A Grand Cayman Resort Day Pass.
If you’d like to relax at a beach resort for a day, check out the Grand Cayman options available through your cruise line as well as independent providers. ResortforaDay.com sells a limited number of day passes to the Holiday Inn Resort. Passes include outdoor resort amenities including the beach, pool, lounge chairs, towels, and a food and beverage credit.

ResortPass.com offers day passes at The Grand Caymanian Resort on Grand Cayman. The day pass includes outdoor resort amenities such as the beach, pool, lounge chairs, cabanas, complimentary wi-fi, and a food and beverage credit.

3. See The Island's Sights On A Grand Cayman Excursion.
There are many ways to explore the island of Grand Cayman, including by bus, taxi tour, 4x4 jeep, or even horseback. While organized tours are available through the cruise lines, many taxi operators offer island tours for small groups and families for considerably less. It’s common to negotiate for the best rate.

Popular sights on bus and taxi tours include the historic area of West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, and the Town of Hell. Vacationers enjoy having their pictures taken in front of Hell’s rock formations and sending postcards from Hell to their friends and family back home.

4. Explore Stunning Underwater Reefs.
The coral reefs surrounding Grand Cayman are some of the most beautiful in the world, making the island a popular destination for divers. One and two-tank dives with PADI Dive Instructors are available for cruise passengers who are certified divers. Beginning and Discover SCUBA programs are also offered.

Cruise guests without SCUBA certification can get a feel for the experience through SNUBA and Sea Trek helmet adventure excursions. Snorkelers can choose from a wide array of tours, often packaged in combination with stingray encounters, beach time, kayaking or biking.

Those who don’t want to get wet can explore Grand Cayman’s underwater world on the Nautilus semi-submarine, by glass-bottom boat, or via the Atlantis Submarine. While cruising to a maximum depth of 100 feet, Atlantis Submarine guests will see such things as large barrel sponges, colorful fish, stingrays and sea turtles. This excursion can be an excellent choice for families, but it’s important to note that passengers on the Atlantis Submarine must be at least three feet tall and it is recommended that children be at least four years of age.

5. Visit Cayman Crystal Caves.
The crystal caves on Grand Cayman Island were formed millions of years ago. Set in a tropical forest, these caves available contain incredible stalagmite and stalactite crystal formations and other geological structures. On this guided excursion of Cayman Crystal Caves, guests will take a 45-minute walk through three underground caves, followed by an above-ground nature walk through the forest.

6. Get Out On The Water On Grand Cayman Excursions.
Grand Cayman is an excellent spot for watersports like sailing, kayaking and jet skiing. Cruise guests can kayak through the island’s mangrove forests, spotting wildlife and enjoying the beautiful scenery. Catamaran sailing trips around the island are often paired with snorkeling and/or visits to Grand Cayman’s famous Stingray City. Jet ski tours through Grand Cayman’s turquoise waters often include snorkeling options as well.

7. Tour A Historic Castle.
Learn more about the culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands while visiting Pedro St. James Great House, referred to by locals as Pedro “Castle.” This three-story historic structure overlooking the sea was built in the 18th century. Guided tours of the Great House are available, and there are also opportunities for rum tasting. This Grand Cayman excursion is often combined with stops at Mission House and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where guests can see the rare Blue Iguana.