Bus Schedules | Rates | Routes | Reviews | Question & Answer

I am new to this forum and am planning a trip to the Cayman's in January 2006. I am so very glad I found this forum. My travel agent was trying to steer us away from the Cayman's because of Ivan, but I insisted that the Caymans is where I wanted to go. I am dying to swim with the stingray. I was so glad to find this site and to tell her she is wrong. Thanks to everyone who reported their trip and posted pictures.

So given that, I was wondering if it is better to book a car when you get to Grand Cayman or should it be booked ahead of time? We are staying on seven mile beach and since it appears there is access to the bus system, would my husband and I be better off financially to use the bus system and then rent a car for two to three days to see places the bus does not go? Or would we be better off renting a car for the full week we will be on Grand Cayman? What about renting motorized scooters instead of a car, is that more economical? Can two people ride on one scooter? And where would I rent a scooter?

Thanks,

Jules

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 2:32 pm Post subject:

jruenzel, Welcome to this board, I've been using this for a little while now and find it simply amazing. We too, will be going to GC for the first time this Jan. 21-28, although we are staying on the East End at the Reef. I don't have the answers to your questions, but am anxious to hear the answers, which I'm sure will be coming soon. Right Joe? Celine? Jpep? and all you other extremely knowlegeable people who make this place so great. Anyway, have a great trip, maybe we'll run into each other at a happy hour one day. Alan

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 2:54 pm Post subject:

Alan,

Seems highly likely we could run into each other as we are also going Jan 21-28, and I love happy hour!!! But we will be staying at the Marriott Courtyard. We had taken a specifc cruise a couple of years back because one of the stops was the GC. However, the ship bypassed the island claiming that the water was too rough to dock. Found out later that other ships did dock. I was very upset we missed the island. So I'm very excited to finally get the chance to see the island not just for a day but a whole week.

Jules

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 3:05 pm Post subject:

I go to Grand Cayman usually twice a year for the past 15 years. I always rent a car for the entire trip, mainly because we go all over the place for shore dives and to the hardware stores for fix up items for our condo. January is usually a slow time, but I would reserve a car ahead of time anyway. I always rent from Andy's at the airport. They have about the best rates and the Activity Guide gives you a great discount coupon. They also have a new fleet of cars since Ivan. The buses are fine and probably cheaper if you don't do a great deal of travelling around. The down side is there really is no schedule, so you are never sure when the next bus will come by. I have not rented a scooter, but I know they are available at many places. I would be careful because traffic on the main road along seven mile beach has become very heavy the last few years. You will definitely save money on gas, as it is very expensive. I don't know if two people can ride on a scooter. Good luck, and enjoy this Board!

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 3:09 pm Post subject:

Jules, The exact same thing happened to us on our first cruise, no GC too rough....looked calm to me. Last year we were cancelled out of GC for our week because of the hurricane. ( it reopened the day after we were supposed to come home) So we went on another cruise.....the last day was supposed to be on Princess Cay the cruise lines private island. This was THE day I looked forward to since the first day. Beach, booze, food and little else, you guessed it, CANCELLED, too rough, you could have heard me scream from the island when they announced this. Looking out our stateroom window the water was like glass, no exageration. We were to be the first ship to stop there since the hurricanes. I guarantee they just didn't have it ready in time....NO MORE CRUISES!!!! Keep in touch, I'm usually on this thing at least once a day. As the time grows nearer and we gather more info, from the great people on this board, maybe we can pick a spot to have a Cheers

Where are you flying in from..we go from Boston to Miami to GC on AA.

Alan

Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2005 4:20 pm Post subject:

Jules & Alan,

We stayed at the Hyatt on SMB and did not rent a car, and relied on taxis and/or buses... when available... since we pretty much just traveled up and down SMB and into Georgetown. Minimum cab fare is $6 Caymanian, even if only a 1/4 mile... buses, $2 Caymanian when available are a great deal.

Grandview jon is absolutely right that a car is necessary if you want to travel around, as cabs can become expensive. Be advised that there is a lot to see, so depending on your plans, i.e., a trip to Rum Point, or the East End a car is needed. Alternatively, you can consider hiring a car for several hours to give you a tour. Joe has posted the name and number of a reputable driver, I think hr name is Elaine, but I may be mistaken, so check on the board. If you only plan to spend time on SMB or go into Georgetown than you may not need to rent a car. Our most expensive cab ride was $20 US each way to Pappagallo and back to the Hyatt.

I can't comment on the capacity of scooters, but check the online CAG, and there is a discount for sccoter rental. I can't recall their name. I again agree with grandview jon about scooters and traffic.... during morning and evening rush hours... and sometimes during lunch... West Bay Road... the main roadway on SMB can be busy... although Caymanian drivers were courteous...

Although I have no experience with Andy's car rental, they are highly recommended by many members here. That coupled with a discount for mentioning CAG and booking a car 72 hours in advance of arrival may be something to consider.

Hope this helps and welcome to the board Jules. Cheers

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 8:20 am Post subject:

Jules, Very bad brain day yesterday Bash

.....stayed up to watch the Colts bury the Patriots, die hard fan, don't know when to give up, I blame it on the Red Sox for bringing me up this way. I go to Aruba in January, I, unfortunately, don't go to GC until March. Maybe we can do the drink another time. Alan

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 9:07 am Post subject:

Jules,

Welcome to the forum! I'm so glad that you found your way to this board and have ignored your travel agent's recommendation to not go to Grand Cayman because of Ivan (!). That travel agent is obviously not up to date with his/her destinations. Too bad!

Now, I have moved your post into the Transportation section and I think that if you read all the posts here it will help you decide what to do about scooter and car rentals and taking the bus.

Here is the link to the thread about scooter rentals, which offer a discount for CAG members, with a coupon from the magazine. CLICK HERE Looks like yes, you can ride two to a scooter.

When we go to Cayman we always rent a car and we wouldn't do it any other way. We need the flexibility for runs to the grocery store, going diving, going to restaurants, or heading off to Rum Point or whatever! We've never used the buses but they do seem to be running more often than they used to and you certainly would save some money.....

We rented our car from Andy's last year and had no complaints whatsoever! This year, when we go, we'll get their on-line discount, which will be even better.

Good luck in your decision,

Char

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:01 am Post subject:

And now a reply from the other side of the coin... (Sorry, Char!) My wife and I have stayed on 7 Mile Beach for many years and haven't rented a car in a while. Along central 7MB, most everything is you will need is within walking distance (i.e. within a mile..) Supermarkets, bars, restaurants, etc. Most dive boats, charters etc will pick you up and take you to their dock.

However since this is your first trip to Grand Cayman, (Yes?) renting a car for a few days is a great idea. That way you can tour the entire island at your leisure and see all the sights. You may not need one for the entire week. Just remember to keep to the left!

The bus service is not as if you would find in the US. They consist of vans that drive several routes and honk to let you know they are coming. They have different coulored circle on their front hoods depending on their route. Just wave then down. Schedules are sketchy. You may ont see one for 20 minutes and then see 2 in a row. (Just remember it's island time!) Usual fare is approx $2 CI.

As for a scooter, I recall what my friend and his wife looked like after they were run off the road on their honeymoon in Bermuda. Not a nice memory to have... But if you are comfortable on 2 wheels go for it!

Some of this has been said before, but as you can see, there are many options open to you.

And BTW, tell your travel agent to get informed!!! Wink

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 10:26 am Post subject:

No problem, Paul! I was hoping you would post something about taking the buses cause I know you do that all the time. Your condo also is located close to town and a lot of restaurants, so I can definitely see how you can get along without a car when you go down there.

Char

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 11:41 am Post subject:

Thanks to everyone for your help on the bus/car/scooter issue. It is extremely informative.

Alan, sorry you won't be on GC in January. I was looking forward to seeing someone from this forum.

Jules

Posted: Wed Nov 09, 2005 1:00 pm Post subject:

Jules, Im sorry also. Stay on this board, there always people making plans for an Activity Board get together for Happy Hours or other. Right Joe? Have a great trip! Alan

Newbie Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 9

We will be in GC on a cruise. We would like to visit Cemetary Beach and Smiths Cove if possible (I believe they are in opposite directions?) Would it be better to go by cab or bus? Also what prices can I expect to pay for 2 people. We don't want a tour, since it's our first visit, we just want to do our own thing and get the "feel" of the place. Thanks for any help, Stacy

Posted: Thu Dec 29, 2005 9:47 pm Post subject:

Hi skjb - Welcome to the forum. Very Happy

There are so many incredible things to do here it would really be a disservice to simply quote you taxi rates to Smith Cove and Cemetery Beach. Why don't we put a little thought into this and come up with a truly spectacular and memorable day. If you can give us a little information about yourself we can make some suggestions for you. Do you dive? Do you like to snorkel? If you have ever ridden a horse I can tell you about something truly spectacular, like swimming on horseback and riding along some of the most secluded and beautiful parts of the island! How about a fast boat ride with no crowds to Stingray City, something you would remember for the rest of your lives. What about walking around underwater in a beautiful underwater marine park; and you can learn everything you need to know to do it in about it in 5 minutes!

With all the beauty and diversity of the island; its unique culture and outstanding cuisine, we can surely come up with something profoundly more fun, exciting, rewarding and meaningful than just spending a few hours at a beach.

Let's make this a day you will remember for the rest of your lives! Very Happy

Newbie Joined: 08 Dec 2005 Posts: 9

I'm just getting worried that we won't make it in time for Soto's am tour which I've already booked. We arrive inport @ 7am Feb. 7 but of course the time it takes to actually get on the island. I don't know how hard it will be to get an early tender(us 2 and the other almost 1460 passengers) I'm not interested in using any of the hotels facilities, so how about if we make the Soto's tour then go to Smiths Cove after? Would we have enough time for that? How do we go to the cove....bus or taxi? Fair price for transportation would be? Thanks Stacy

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