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Cruise liners in George Town © flickrized
Overview: Grand Cayman, the largest of three Cayman Islands, and its small but affluent port city George Town are known for lax offshore business regulations and a quaint but bustling tourist district flanked by stretching aqua beaches. Blessed with fascinating coral reefs and crystal clear turquoise waters, miles of sandy white beaches and an amazing biodiversity of marine life, Grand Cayman is a popular destination with divers and holidaymakers alike. Ships dock at the capital port of George Town at either the north or south docks, both of which are located in downtown George Town.

Key sights include the Cayman Turtle Farm, the renowned Seven Mile Beach, which is actually only about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) long, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Pedro St James Castle with panoramic views from the nearby Great Pedro Bluff.

Despite often accommodating six cruise liners at once, there is no docking pier and very limited anchorage in the small George Town Harbour. Cruise liners remain anchored or drifting just outside the harbour and passengers are ferried to Harbour Drive docks with long but regular tender rides. Many shops, bars, restaurants and attractions are located just outside the docks and passengers will enjoy the endless duty-free shopping on offer.
Contact:

Tourism Department, The Pavilion, Cricket Square

Tel: +1 877 431 9616

www.caymanislands.ky

Transport: Taxis are available at George Town docks where cruise passengers disembark. Rates are posted at the taxi stand. A tourist information booth at the docks can help with licensed bus route services identifiable with blue license plates. Cayman Island or US dollars are accepted and bus fees start at KYD$1.50 or US$1.25. Minibuses that shuttle passengers along main routes can also be hailed easily from the docks. Many of the shops are within walking distance once in town. Local car hire offices are available in Grand Cayman.
Attractions: The shopping district is a hit with cruisers as is Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City. For adventure seekers the Atlantis Submarine takes passengers for a real submerged dive. The island's history can further be explored at the Cayman Islands National Museum on Harbour Drive. Although completely flat, the on-land attractions include interesting bird watching and hikes through rare fauna. One of the best sights in the Caribbean is the Cayman Turtle Farm, residence of 16,000 turtles spread over 23 acres of swimmable lagoon.
Restaurants:
  • The Cracked Conch - rustic, laid back seafood eatery
  • Maxin's - relaxed restaurant offering continental cuisine
  • Calypso Chicken Coconut Place - offers both indoor and alfresco dining with an authentic Caribbean vibe

Best dish: Turtle soup

Shopping: Grand Cayman has quite the reputation for its remarkably low prices on duty-free designer goods, such as jewellery and watches from names such as Gucci, Cartier, Maurice Lacroix and more. Caymania Duty Free on Cardinal Avenue is the place to go for perfumes, gemstones and cosmetics, while fine china, leather, crystal and liquor, especially rum, are also available at bargain prices. Governor's Square Mall is great for a spot of shopping while local crafts such as handcrafted jewellery, salvaged coins and antiques can be scooped up for a song. A Farmers Market Cooperative is open Saturdays in the Lower Valley and focuses on local cuisine, rum, spices and coffee.

Best buy: Watches, rum cakes

Excursions:
  • Walk on Seven Mile Beach
  • Check out Atlantis Submarine
  • Go scuba diving
  • Deep sea fishing
  • Go sea kayaking