Since getting around Grand Cayman can be difficult, even if you have a car, many visitors opt for an organized tour. These tours are especially helpful if you want to see more than just the standard sights.
Many visitors prefer a private taxi tour that includes such destinations as the turtle farm or botanical gardens. One to four people can create their own tour at a cost of CI$40 (US$50/£24) for one to three persons or CI$52 (US$65/£31) for four passengers. Call Cayman Cab Team at tel. 345/926-8294 or Holiday Taxi at tel. 345/945-4491.
Reality Tours (tel. 345/947-7200) offers half-day tours of West Bay. Reality Tours also goes to the East End, visiting Pedro St. James, and the blowholes. Tours in the east include either Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park or Rum Point, with lunch at Champion House II Restaurant (lunch price not included). Tours of the whole island include the East Bay and West Bay attractions mentioned above. Half-day tours of the west cost CI$37 (US$46/£22) for adults or CI$25 (US$31/£15) for children under 12. Half-day tours of the east go for CI$47 (US$59/£28) for adults or CI$32 (US$40/£19) for children under 12. A full-day tour of the whole island is CI$78.50 (US$98/£47) for adults or CI$55 (US$69/£33) for children under 12. All these tours are free for children under 3.
Tropicana Tours (tel. 345/949-0944; www.tropicana-tours.com) is the original tour operator on Grand Cayman. Its best offering is a 6 1/2-hour sightseeing tour of the island, which costs US$75 (£38) for adults and US$52.50 (£27) for kids 12 and under. On this tour you'll visit George Town, points along Seven Mile Beach, Pedro St. James, the East End, and the blowholes. If you'd like to spend less time touring, a 2 1/2-hour sightseeing tour of the island's highlights, including the Cayman Turtle Farm and George Town, costs US$31.25 (£16) for adults and US$21.88 (£11) for children 12 and under.
Janet and Geddes Hislop are the chief promoters of ecotourism on the island, operating Silver Thatch Excursions (tel. 345/945-6588). They provide the best tours of Mastic Trail, costing around US$50 (£25) per person. Early-morning bird-watching trips can also be arranged.
