Georgetown, Cayman Islands

Historic Center of Georgetown

The historic city center has been preserved almost unchanged since the late 18th century. Fragments of Fort George (1790) rise above the harbor. Nearby is the city’s oldest building-the Old Court Building. This 150-year-old structure once served as a courthouse, prison, dance hall, and even a temple, and in 1990 it was restored and turned into a museum considered one of the best in the region. Among the religious attractions, the Cathedral of St. George is especially notable; it was built in the late 19th century. The bell tower is 40 meters high, and the cathedral was recognized as one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. Another beautiful architectural landmark is the Parliament building, built in 1834.

Beaches of Grand Cayman Island

On the west coast of the island, one of the best beaches for a relaxing holiday and snorkeling is the West Bay Cemetery. Nearby is the Victoria House Reef with its wonderful underwater world, as well as the Trinity Caves area, famous for its underwater caves and canyons. The small Smith Cove Beach features plenty of rocky stretches and a relatively large depth variation. A little farther south begins the Sand Cay reef, known for its sunken vessel, the “Palace Rec.” The shores of the Lower Bay, East Point, Colliers Bay, and Spotter Point can offer both scenic resting spots with black sand and classic coral beaches. Further south are the winding Little Sound and Head Sound bays, where you can swim with a mask and snorkel among intact fields of seaweed, as well as Water Reef, considered the best place to watch for sea stars.

Seven Mile Beach

The west coast of Grand Cayman is famous for its pristine white beach Seven Mile Beach ("Seven Mile Beach", although in fact its length is 9 km). Despite some oversupply of hotels and restaurants along the shoreline, this area can offer vacationers clean white sand, excellent service, and great conditions for diving and all kinds of water sports. Seven Mile Beach is known for its beauty and was recently named the "Best Beach in the Caribbean." The beach has all the necessary infrastructure, including restaurants and bars.

National Museum of the Cayman Islands

The National Museum of the Cayman Islands is located in the oldest building in the city-the Old Court Building. This 150-year-old building once served as a courthouse, prison, ballroom, and even a temple, and in 1990 it was restored and turned into a museum (inside the prison’s casemates there is now a gift shop), considered one of the best in the region. The National Museum’s collection includes more than four thousand exhibits from different historical periods, ranging from various symbols of colonial rule and an extensive collection of coins recovered from shipwrecks to a vast collection of historical documents and maps.

Pirate Caves

Near the island’s old capital, the city of Bodden, there are the so-called Pirates’ Cave (Pirate Caves). It’s a remote yet amusing place, wrapped in legends and scary stories. According to rumors, pirates used this spot to hide their loot in the many damp interior passages of the caves, and the treasures are still in these labyrinths, piled up with skulls. The credibility of these legends is highly questionable, but nevertheless, every year thousands of guests come here in the hope of finding “Flint’s gold,” “Drake’s treasure,” or simply to have an interesting time-both during the excavations and on the nearby beaches.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The center of the eastern part of the island is occupied by the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. The park is laid out among the foothills of low hills in an enchanting landscape area and contains approximately 300 species of trees and shrubs growing on the Cayman Islands. The park is famous for its orchids (blooming from May to June), iguanas, parrots and other feathered residents of the islands, as well as for a carefully laid out educational trail that runs through the most interesting areas. Recently, the park’s grounds have expanded thanks to newly built Visitor Centre, Flower Garden and Heritage Garden, created specifically as both educational and nature-conservation facilities.

Swimming with stingrays

You will get to know George Town during a short guided tour of the city, after which you’ll be treated to an amazing encounter with rays. You’ll be able to see these friendly animals in their natural habitat. Swimming with rays will last about 30 minutes, after which you’ll head to one of the most famous beach clubs in the Cayman Islands. Here you’ll find both a sea-view restaurant and a beach bar, as well as a water sports center. Comfortable loungers, a beautiful beach, warm sand, and gentle water will help you have a wonderful time.

Turtle Farm

The world’s only turtle farm is a real maternity home for more than 16 thousand green turtles. This government-run facility makes great efforts to increase the number of sea turtles in the wild, while also remembering the commercial side of the business-selling the meat and shells of these rare animals brings in a decent income. Nevertheless, every year the farm releases several thousand hatchlings into the sea, so its conservation work is beyond doubt. And during the breeding season, which takes place in these parts from May to October, visitors to the farm can witness the complex process of egg-laying by these marine animals (limited access to the farm and beach is allowed daily).

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.