When Columbus made his landfall in the Caymans in 1503, he found tortoises and sea turtles in such profusion that he promptly named the islands Las Tortugas. But the name that stuck for the islands was the Carib word "Caimanas." Fitting, since the caiman is a New World crocodilian and the islands were long the lair of pirates, buccaneers, and assorted freebooters. Despite their past, the Caymans are a Caribbean demi-paradise of white-sand beaches, coral gardens, and offshore waters harboring spectacular shipwrecks. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also boast the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port of call for today's adventurers. Note: Grand Cayman is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender. In certain sea conditions, an alternate pier is used to transfer passengers ashore. This may cause tour durations to vary.

Popular Attractions

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the short drive to the first stop. Along the way pass by Fort George, the Legislative Assembly Building, Heroes Square, the Peace Memorial, and many of the numerous banks Grand Cayman is famous for. Continue along famous Seven Mile Beach as your guide points out various points of interest. Pass by the hotel zone, the Governor�s Mansion, and the Old Homestead on your way to the small town of �Hell" so named for the multitude of limestone formations that once led an island commissioner to exclaim, �This must be what Hell looks like.� Prepare your mail with postage in advance (Caymanian stamps are available onboard); letters and postcards mailed here are postmarked �Hell.� The next stop is the Turtle Farm (at Boatswain�s Beach) to learn about and view the magnificent green sea turtles. At the Touch Tanks you are free to hold one of the yearlings and take a photo of this incredible experience. Before departing to the Rum Cake Factory there will be time to purchase a refreshment or that unique turtle souvenir. Savor the tasty varieties of rum cake prior to your return to the tender dock.

Board your transportation for the short drive to the boat, and then cruise out to the original Stingray City. After a SNUBA orientation and safety information has been provided, follow the guide into the realm of the Southern stingray. Dive down to a maximum depth of 15 feet to interact with the gentle stingrays. Your guide will point out other marine life that may include moray eels, lobster, turtles and many other species. After the dive, head back to shore where your transportation to the tender dock will be waiting.

Meet your guide at the tender dock for the very short walk to the Sea Trek pick-up point. After an orientation don your �Jules Verne"-type diving helmet and descend into the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Follow the guide through an undersea garden pathway while observing the reef around you. This is the closest experience you will find to walking on the moon. Sea Trek provides an opportunity for nearly anyone who can walk to safely explore the underwater environment and learn about reef ecosystems and conservation. The helmet rests on your shoulders and your hair remains dry, and you can even wear your prescription glasses. Enjoy a complimentary refreshment prior to returning to shore.

Board your air-conditioned transportation and drive southeast from George Town to Pedro St. James, the birthplace of Cayman democracy. En route, your driver points out sites of interest and discusses Cayman history. At Pedro St. James you have approximately one hour to explore the Great House, stroll through its gardens, and view a multimedia presentation on Grand Cayman�s history. Your next stop is Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens. Maintained by the Cayman government, the gardens boast rare plants and tropical flowers and are home to native aquatic birds and the island�s blue iguana. Your final visit is to the Cayman�s popular Stingray Brewery. Tour the brewery and then then sample some of Stingray's brews.