Are you looking for Grand Cayman Cruise Travel Ideas? James and I have been to Grand Cayman on two previous occasions and this time we wanted to do something a little different. This time we wanted to have control over our day and go at our own pace. We are arriving on a cruise ship again, this time. It’s our favorite way to the explore the Caribbean. As well as get pampered!!!
Good Car Rental Experience
We didn’t have definitive plans when we arrived, we just knew we wanted to explore. So we stopped at an information booth and asked about car rentals. They pointed us in the right direction and we walked to Cayman Auto Diagnostic Clinic LTD. It took us approximately ten minutes to walk there. The auto rental owner Robbie Cribb was extremely helpful and assisted us with securing a car that would suit are needs.
As we made our way towards West Bay, we saw a couple walking that we knew. My cousin and her husband had tentative plans but we certainly didn’t expect to see them. We surprised them and booked the same cruise. James and I have never cruised with Carnival before and they really enjoy Carnival, so we decided to give it a try.
In Grand Cayman they drive on the left hand side of the road which is new to us right side of the road drivers. The thing that made it a little easier is that the car steering wheel was still on the left hand side of the car. So that didn’t change. This way James only had to get used to driving on the opposite side of the road and not driving from a different location in the car.
Picking Up Our Friends
When we saw them walking in the 90+ degree weather James quickly pulled over and yelled for them to get in. Their first reaction was, “Who is this???” But they recognize his voice and said, “Thank You, Thank You, It’s hot out there!” So their plans changed and we had company on our travels.
Experience Hell
Our first stop was HELL. This was our third visit to Grand Cayman but our first time to Hell. Yes, there is an actual place called Hell on Grand Cayman! The property is owned by the McDoom Family, sounds fitting.
Here, you can buy souvenirs and postcards as well as have your postcard stamped from Hell and mail it home. The place has some extreme rock formations like what you might expect in hell, hence the name. This was not a full day experience. It’s someplace to stop in look around, shop and take pictures. We spent about approximately 45 minutes.
Unique Cayman Turtle Centre
The Cayman Turtle Centre is very close to Hell, just a couple of minutes drive away. Definitely stop at both locations if you’re in the area. At the Cayman Turtle Centre you will be able to touch and hold turtles as well as swim/snorkel with them.
“The only institution in the world that successfully breeds green sea turtles, releases captive-bred sea turtles into the wild, and allows visitors to get “up close and personal” with sea turtles in various exhibits and supervised encounters. Local and Caribbean birds, marine predators, crocodile and other island wildlife are also featured in this Grand Cayman island favorite “must-see”. https://www.turtle.ky
Barker’s National Park
As James and I were looking at the map, we saw Barker’s National Park and it sounded worth checking out. I will say it’s nothing like Seven Mile Beach. It is almost completely deserted.
Driving into the area you are driving through a residential zone. Not touristy at all and no real conveniences for a tourist. You drive down some very bumpy dirt roads and park at anyone of the many openings in the mangrove trees. I wish it was breathtaking. It really wasn’t. But you do have the beach to yourself.
As we were leaving, there were people mounting horses to do a beach horseback riding tour. So maybe you wouldn’t be quite so alone on the beach. I think as a week long traveler, I may want to check it out again. But just being there for a day, I would pass. Barker’s National Park doesn’t seem to get closelylooked after like other National Parks we have traveled to.
Pedro St James Historic Site
James and I also visited Pedro St James Historic Site Visitor Center. It is rich on the history of Grand Cayman Island. We didn’t spend a lot of time here. Looking at there website, there was quite a lot to see and discover about Grand Cayman. We did check out the courtyard and the rocky coastline. It is beautiful! If you want to learn more about Grand Cayman Island definitely check it out.
Great Cayman Travel Experiences
When we return in December, I think we will drive East instead of West and check things out over there. We will definitely keep you posted. As for our first visit, we went to Seven Mile Beach and it is an absolutely beautiful beach! I do recommend going there if you’ve never been. On our second trip to Grand Cayman we swam with the Sting Rays, snorkeled and visited Starfish Point. It was also worth it. You can read more about that excursion {Here}
James and I always enjoy our Grand Cayman Island Travel. We meet some wonderful and friendly people. The islanders are always looking to help us enjoy their beautiful island. Now that you know these Grand Cayman Cruise Travel Ideas, you should have a wonderful Grand Cayman Island experience!
Have you ever been to Grand Cayman Island? What are your experiences? We’d love to hear!!!
I had no idea Hell was so pretty! 😀
Yes, it was an interesting stop. It was very cool to see and learn the story behind the family owning the area.