Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands - Cruise Ship Port of Call

Grand Cayman Island is a very popular cruise ship port of call in the western Caribbean. Like Costa Rica, the Cayman Islands were discovered by Columbus. He originally named them Las Tortugas because of the many turtles on the islands. They were later renamed Caymanas for the crocodiles on the island. Today the Caymans are a major Caribbean banking and financial center and a popular cruise and vacation destination. Although Grand Cayman is flat and relatively unattractive, its lenient tax and banking laws have attracted millionaire residents from around the world. Its crystal clear water and sparkling beaches don't hurt either!

One of the top shore excursions in the Caribbean is on Grand Cayman. Swimming with stingrays at Stingray City is popular with all ages. From 30 to 100 stingrays frequent the quiet waters of shallow North Sound, which is located about two miles east of the northwestern tip of Grand Cayman. Visitors to the area can swim or snorkel in the midst of these gentle creatures. An alternate shore excursion allows you to see the stingrays from the dryness of a glass bottom boat. This excursion also includes an island tour and a stop at the Cayman Turtle Farm, the only commercial sea turtle nursery in the world.

Grand Cayman is also one Caribbean locations where you can ride on a semi-submarine. This shore excursion also gives participants the opportunity to see the undersea area around Grand Cayman. This "Cayman See and Sea Tour" includes a stop at the Cayman Turtle Farm and the famous Seven Mile Beach. The tour also visits the small island town of Hell, a great place to send a postcard back home!

The final Grand Cayman shore excursion is guaranteed to make you sweat. Kayaking along the sensitive coastal area enables participants to see the extensive mangrove communities, shallow sea grass beds, and coral reefs. What a tranquil way to see the varied coastal ecosystems of Grand Cayman!