Looking to book the best cruise excursions in Grand Cayman? Look no further! We’ve compiled our picks for the best Grand Cayman excursions for cruise passengers, so you can be sure to have an amazing time while you’re on this tropical island.
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Looking For The Best Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions?
You’ve come to the right place! All the best Grand Cayman cruise excursions are featured right here, so you are sure to find the one that fits your particular needs. Every single one of these tours comes very highly rated, and we’ve even highlighted user reviews to help guide you in making your choice.
My husband and I have been to Grand Cayman many times over the years while on Caribbean cruises. We know the breathtaking beauty and the memorable adventures found in Grand Cayman firsthand, as we’ve done so many of these ourselves. To experience it yourself, all you have to do is book a tour, and enjoy this beautiful port of call!
Don’t have time to read this whole article? Book this Stingray City snorkeling tour now. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
There are so many amazing things to do in Grand Cayman, no matter what you’re into. For those looking for a laid-back vibe, the famous Seven Mile Beach is the ideal relaxation spot with pristine beaches where you can sun-bathe in paradise. If you’re an adventure seeker, there are thrilling water sports and absolute epic snorkeling opportunities in the crystal-clear turquoise waters with all sorts of marine life.
There are tons of shopping opportunities, with plenty of boutiques where you can purchase a huge variety of brand name and locally made items. You can visit the island’s historical sites to learn about the local culture and history of Grand Cayman, and let’s not forget the island’s diverse dining scene. With a fusion of Caribbean, international, and gourmet cuisine, Grand Cayman’s restaurants and street food vendors offer delectable dishes to satisfy every palate.
Our Top 3 Picks: Best Cruise Excursions In Grand Cayman
As always, check the pickup/dropoff times and length of the cruise excursion and cross-reference it with the amount of time that your specific cruise allots you in Grand Cayman. Make sure you have plenty of time to make it back to the port before your ship is scheduled to leave. Inform the tour guides of the time you need to be returned to the port.
Stingray City + 2 Snorkel Spots
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Private Half Day Tour
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Ebike Half Day Tour
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Top Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions
#1. Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Grand Cayman’s best cruise excursion has got to be this tour to Stingray City and two snorkeling stops. You actually get to interact with stingrays, which is an incredible experience in of itself. The way they glide through the water is truly magical and something you should not miss.
You also go to the Coral Gardens and Barrier Reef, two amazing snorkel spots. The coral and marine life is vibrant and beautiful, and the crystal clear water makes it a fantastic snorkeling experience. This tour company, Captain Marvin’s Watersports, is so fantastic in fact, that they hold 3 of our top 10 excursions!
It was a great experience! The crew was awesome and the stops were great! They captured some great pics for us.
Amy (see more reviews)
This extraordinary Stingray City Grand Cayman excursion is easily the best thing we’ve done in Grand Cayman. It offers the perfect blend of wildlife interaction and snorkeling, with approximately 30 minutes dedicated to each of the snorkeling stops and 30 minutes of travel time to and from the Stingray City and snorkel areas.
#2. Private Half Day Stingray City, Snorkeling and Starfish Beach Tour
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours 30 minutes | Check Rates And Availability
This awesome private Grand Cayman excursion gets you to the greatest snorkeling sites around the island including Stingray City and Starfish Beach. Swim with graceful stingrays and get amazing shots of their happy little faces, and experience beautiful starfishes up close and personal.
It’s perfect for families or small groups, as the boat will only take up to 11 passengers, so you definitely don’t have to worry about being packed like sardines on your tour. They provide drinks, and you are welcome to bring your own food. They also provide the necessary snorkel gear.
Wow! What a day… Family of 7 headed out into the beautiful blue waters with our Captain, Pryce. This guy was fun and knowledgeable beyond words. He gave us a run down at each stop and was more than patient while we engaged with the stingrays. Highly recommend this excursion and this company. Pryce is the man to ask for!!
Kristina (see more reviews)
The captain and crew on this private boat tour to Grand Cayman’s best snorkeling spots are all highly knowledgeable and will share tons of interesting tidbits about Grand Cayman and the wildlife you encounter. It’s truly a fantastic excursion and sure to give you lifelong memories of your trip to the island.
#3. Small Group E-Bike Grand Cayman Half-Day Tour
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This top Grand Cayman excursion is a wonderful 3 hour tour on ebikes led by a local Naturalist. You go to about a dozen different spots in Grand Cayman, and learn a wide variety of interesting facts about everything you’re seeing.
Explore secluded mangrove forest trails and quiet coastal paths on electric bikes, and discover the island’s tropical plants, wildlife, history, and culture while capturing unforgettable photos. You visit the world famous 7 Mile Beach, explore a historical cemetery, and even make a pit stop in Hell, among many other fascinating spots.
It was a great way to see parts of the island! It was easy to navigate with the e-bikes! Tour guide was amazing! Highly recommend!
Karen (see more reviews)
This ebike tour of Grand Cayman is the perfect way to explore the island and see all the highlights that make it a rich and interesting vacation spot. You learn about the culture and the history, while taking in absolutely gorgeous Caribbean views and natural scenery.
#4. Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman
Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours 30 minutes | Check Rates And Availability
Uncover the hidden wonders of Grand Cayman with this half-day Crystal Caves tour, taking you beyond the beaches. You begin your adventure with a scenic ride to the captivating north side of the island, where a lush tropical forest awaits. Your expert guide leads the way as you venture inside the caves to see fascinating stalagmite and stalactite formations.
During this tour, you take a leisurely stroll through the tropical forest, fully immersing yourself in the vibrant local plant and animal life. You can discover the intriguing history and unique rock formations of the caves, and be prepared to spot bats within their natural habitat!
A really great trip!! Fascinating to see the caves and get to know their history. Our guide was just awesome, fun and knowledgeable! Transfers to and from the caves were seamless and the driver was a mini tour of his own! I would highly recommend.
Ian (see more reviews)
The caves can be HOT, so to ensure a comfortable journey, don’t forget to bring water to stay hydrated. Wear sturdy sneakers or water shoes, and bring a flashlight to fully experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Crystal Caves in Grand Cayman. Prepare for an unforgettable guided hike through the picturesque tropical forest and delve into the captivating world beneath the surface!
#5. Stingray City and Snorkel Tour With Lunch
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 5 hours | Check Rates And Availability
This Stingray City and snorkeling excursion in Grand Cayman is very similar to our #1 pick above, but this one also includes a delicious lunch made by a local chef. The only reason this one isn’t in the #1 spot is because it is a little more expensive than the other one, since it’s a longer tour that includes lunch.
You still get to go to Stingray City and swim with the graceful rays, and you also get to snorkel at the Coral Garden and Barrier Reef. They provide all snorkel gear, and are knowledgeable and patient guides with all levels of swimmers. Afterward, you get to eat a delicious buffet seafood lunch before going back to the port.
Keith and Leo were wonderful. The two snorkeling spots were incredible, definitely recommend! The lunch was amazing. Overall an amazing experience and very memorable.
Galia (see more reviews)
This Grand Cayman snorkeling excursion to Stingray City with lunch is an excellent option for spending your time while on the island. It gets you interacting with the beautiful marine life around the Cayman Islands and also a fantastic meal made by a local chef. Book your tickets now and you can be sure to make lasting memories!
#6. Rum Tasting Tour with Lunch
Rating: 4 and 1/2 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
For those who already have something scheduled in the morning, or just prefer an afternoon excursion, this rum tasting in Grand Cayman is perfect for you. Just make sure you have enough time for the tour and to make it back to the port before your particular ship leaves.
You begin your journey by visiting a rum cake factory and the island’s only rum distillery. You get to take a fascinating factory tour, and sample fantastic local rums and rum cakes. Afterward, you get a delicious meal before heading back to your cruise ship.
Absolutely fun and five star experience. From the moment we got on the bus, to the tour and tastings, to the rum cake and souvenirs, the experience was so much fun… Highly recommend and will definitely come back again.
Michelle (see more reviews)
This rum factory tour and rum tasting excursion is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Grand Cayman. Nothing says the Caribbean quite like rum, so book your rum tasting and factory tour now!
#7. Pedro St. James Castle Guided Tour
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 1 hour 30 minutes | Check Rates And Availability
If you’re a fan of history, a guided tour of Pedro St. James should be on your list of must-do excursions while you’re in Grand Cayman. As the oldest surviving stone structure in the Cayman Islands, the Great House holds significant historical importance. Considered the “birthplace of democracy,” it’s where the first elected parliament was formed, providing valuable insights into the Cayman identity and governance.
Your tour gives you the ability to explore the beautiful 7-acre grounds, which also gives you the ideal backdrop for gorgeous photos of your trip. You see a 3D movie that details the history of Pedro St. James castle, and you also will see numerous artifacts and collections inside this “living museum”.
We went on this tour as a cruise shore excursion and we were glad we did. Our guide Trisha was exceptional and shared her extensive knowledge of the island and the historical impossibility of the site. Her enthusiasm for the history of Grand Cayman was evident.
Paul (see more reviews)
We also had afternoon tea catered on the grounds with a beautiful view of the sea.
This tour would be recommended highly!
This Pedro St. James tour is a “skip the line” tour, which essentially means your admission ticket lets you jump to the front of the line when you arrive. This tour does not provide transportation, but you can easily take a bus or taxi. It is approximately a 15-20 minute drive from the cruise port to Pedro St. James.
#8. Grand Cayman Scooter Tour
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: Up to 9 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Get ready for an awesome adventure with this self-drive scooter tour in Grand Cayman! This tour is entirely customizable according to your own preferences. The scooter cars have a virtual app GPS system to help guide you around the island to wherever your heart desires.
You can choose to see the famous 7 Mile Beach, or the historical Pedro St. James. Perhaps you want to tour the rum distillery, or the Tortuga rum cake factory. Whatever you choose is entirely up to you and at your own pace.
Absolute best way to see all of the island! We had a blast riding around in the scooter. The check in process was smoothing and everything went better than we planned for. I highly recommend.
Alexandra (see more reviews)
This unique scooter tour in Grand Cayman is a fantastic way to see the best spots in Grand Cayman at your own pace, without feeling rushed or tied down by pre-designed tours. Definitely book your scooter tour now and experience all the wonder this beautiful Caribbean island has to offer!
This company also has separate shorter West Island Tours and East Island Tours as well, if you don’t want to cruise the entire island all day long.
#9. Full Island Jet Ski Guided Tour and Snorkel
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 3 hours | Check Rates And Availability
Hop on a thrilling jet ski tour and experience the best of the Cayman Islands’ must stop locations in one epic adventure! Get up close with friendly Atlantic stingrays at Stingray City, where these graceful creatures swim right up alongside you for epic photo opportunities.
Afterwards, you take a swift ride to the famous Rum Point, where you can bask in the island atmosphere and unwind on the white sandy beach. This is a popular beach with great snorkeling and water sports options, not to mention cool bars, concessions, and facilities to keep you refreshed. Then, head over to Starfish Point, a serene and secluded beach where colorful starfish await.
I can’t tell you how much we LOVED it! The company who provided the tour was excellent to deal with from start to finish. The driver was very friendly and we enjoyed our ride to the loading dock. Our tour guide, Alex, was so wonderful! … If we ever come back to Grand Cayman, we would do this guided tour each and every time… My family can’t stop talking about how incredible this experience was. I would HIGHLY recommend doing this tour and using this company for your thrill seeking adventure!
Mary (see more reviews)
This jet ski and snorkeling excursion in Grand Cayman is definitely worth doing while you’re on the island, and it’s sure to create memories you’ll cherish forever. Book your tickets now and get ready for a thrilling Caribbean adventure!
#10. Stingray City Experience Plus One Snorkeling Stop
Rating: 5 Stars | Tour Length: 2 hours 45 minutes | Check Rates And Availability
Discover the ultimate Cayman Islands snorkeling excursion with an incredible blend of adventure and marine wonder. Swim alongside majestic stingrays at Stingray City and immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world as you snorkel among coral and tropical fish.
At Stingray City, the experienced crew will guide you in safely interacting with these gentle creatures and even capture your thrilling moments with an onboard photographer. Then, you cruise to either Coral Gardens or the Barrier Reef, depending on what the Captain decides, and dive into the mesmerizing underwater paradise.
Captain Marvin’s crew was 5 star. Kind, professional and accommodating. Would do it again. Highly recommend.
Kelly (see more reviews)
This fantastic snorkeling excursion in Grand Cayman includes transportation, all the snorkeling gear you need, and professional guidance at every stop. You are sure to have a great time when you book this Stingray City tour, so grab your tickets now and get ready to have an absolute blast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruise Excursions In Grand Cayman
Got questions? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers to the most frequently asked questions about cruise excursions in Grand Cayman.
What do I wear on a cruise excursion in Grand Cayman?
What you wear is going to depend on your particular excursion. If you’re going to the beach you’ll need a swimsuit and coverup, sandals, and maybe snorkel gear. If you’re exploring, you just need light, comfortable clothes and shoes.
You definitely want to remember sunglasses, and/or a hat, and sunscreen. If you’re going in the ocean, you need to have reef-safe sunscreen, meaning it does not contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, or Octocrylene, among other ingredients. Just because the label says “reef-safe” it does not mean that it is. Instead, opt for a mineral sunscreen, like Blue Lizard, Thinksport, or Sun Bum Mineral.
Do cruise ships tender in Grand Cayman?
Yes, Grand Cayman is a tender port. This means that cruise ships anchor in the harbor and you take a small boat to the port, which usually takes about 5-10 minutes. There are many reasons why a location might be a tender port of call, including shallow water, delicate reefs and other environmental reasons, or space limitations.
Do you need a shore excursion in Grand Cayman?
You’re never obligated to book a cruise excursion at any port, and Grand Cayman is no exception. It’s a safe island so you are absolutely able to explore on your own, but we recommend purchasing a shore excursion through a reputable company. Things sell out, so if there’s something you want to be sure to be able to do, book your spot in advance.
Do I need a passport to get off the ship in Grand Cayman?
If you are a US citizen on a closed loop cruise, meaning you begin and end at the same US port, you technically don’t need a passport, you only need an original birth certificate and a government issued ID. That being said, I do not recommend cruising without a passport.
Passports protect you when you are in foreign countries. If you are delayed, miss your ship, or have an emergency and need to fly home, having your passport makes it a heck of a lot easier to get back to the US. I strongly recommend everyone leaving the US has a valid US passport.
Do you tip on excursions in Grand Cayman?
Yes. It is expected that you tip your tour guide, your taxi driver, your waitstaff, and other folks providing services. Many restaurants include a gratuity in the final cost of the meal. You can tip in US dollars or Cayman dollars. Somewhere between 10-20% is acceptable depending on service received.
Final Thoughts On Cruise Excursions In Grand Cayman
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel, and these cruise ship excursions are sure to make it one of yours too. Any one of these are sure to give you an incredible adventure during your time in Grand Cayman.
We featured the 10 best Grand Cayman cruise excursions in this article, but if you still can’t decide, let me help you make that choice!
Still unsure about the best Grand Cayman excursion? I suggest this snorkel and stingray swim. It has a perfect ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!
Grand Cayman cruise excursions vary from private tours of anything you want to see, to relaxing on the beach, to eating delicious food, and more. No matter what you pick, you can be sure that you’re going to see beautiful landscapes and have amazing adventures along the way.
Book one of these tours as a present for the special Dad in your life, or give Mom a gift she’ll cherish forever: an unforgettable tropical experience. Regardless which of these shore excursions in Grand Cayman you choose, you know you’re in for a treat!
Additional Caribbean and Cruise Resources and Information
My husband and I absolutely LOVE the Caribbean. It’s our go-to vacation location, whether with or without the kids. We take Caribbean cruises, stay in all-inclusive resorts, and go back time and time again. Here are some of our other articles that you may find helpful and informative.
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The Complete Review of Finest Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort
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