I visited Grand Cayman for about a month at the end of 2022, and the only little thing that I did not love about traveling the island solo was that doing one of the Grand Cayman boat charters was a bit out of my league being just one person!
I absolutely love any activity that has to do with the sea in the whole Caribbean region, and each of the unique islands I have visited has its own exclusive adventures to offer travelers like you and me!
I love boat trips, but as I always travel solo I always send a longing eye to the boats around me that I see are a group of friends or a family on a private boat charter tour for the day, designing their whole day. I want that!
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Why Book Private Grand Cayman Boat Charters?
The undebatable upsides to chartering a private boat tour anywhere are quite a few! Let me drill down the no-brainer perks for you right here:
- Choose the type of boat you like, whether it be a powerful speed boat or an airy suave catamaran!
- The boat will not be crowded with other travelers!
- You can decide exactly where you want to go, and how long you want to stay there!
- You can decide to stop at any sandbank and any beach whenever you want if you see something interesting or amazing!
- You can get all the advice you can dream of from the skilled crew of the boat, and decide what adventures are perfect for you!
- Bring the food and drinks of your choice for the day, and have a beach picnic or a snack on the white sands between your snorkeling adventures!
Downsides To Private Grand Cayman Boat Charters?
Well, there really are not many. No crowds, no lines, no hassle!
The only possible downside, dependent on the size of your group, is that this adventure will probably be a bit pricier than booking a seat on a group tour.
But if you are a sizable squad, the price per person might not be too much higher than the total number on the group tour – and the experience definitely will be on a whole different level!
6 Top-Rated Grand Cayman Boat Charters!
I have dived into the research and found the absolute best and top-rated Grand Cayman boat charters available for travelers visiting this amazing Caribbean island.
Here are which ones, what you can expect from every single one, and a bit about the reviews from the hundreds of travelers that have invested in this adventure before you!
1. Half-Day Private Boat Charters in Grand Cayman for 6 Persons
Join this 4-hour leisurely chartered trip featuring 4 stops around the Grand Cayman island, a boat charter that is perfect for a smaller group of up to six people.
You will start off by swimming with stingrays at the Sting Ray City sand bank, followed by two different stops at stunning snorkeling spots!
Finally, you will head over to the Starfish Point beach for a tranquil meeting with the starfish where you can chill out.
What is included:
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
- Soda/Pop
You’re free to bring your own beverages and snacks if you like!
2. Custom Luxury Charter Cruise Up To 8 People
You can plan a luxurious charter cruise to discover the North Sound attractions outside Grand Cayman.
This cruise will provide stunning opportunities for snorkeling with different fishes in the barrier reef, visiting Starfish Point beach, and swimming with Southern Stingrays at the sandbar in Stingray City.
The trip’s duration is up to you and will determine whether there will be a refreshment break at Rum Point or Kaibo Beach Bar.
What is included:
- Private tour with a boat captain and a guide
- Maximum of 8 guests, and you choose the stops
- Cold bottled water, a cooler, and ice
- Mask and snorkel and towels
- safety equipment plus towels
- Shower, wifi, and day beds
The captain and crew will work with you to make an itinerary that is perfect for your private group.
3. Private Half-Day Chartered Boat For 11 Persons
This half-day private tour that lasts around three and a half hours has 225 reviews, and this chartered tour still gets an average of 5 stars and has a badge of excellence!
After a safety briefing from your captain, the boat will depart from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. You’ll have the freedom to choose the order of your stops, but first, you’ll head to the north sound.
This is an area protected by barrier reefs, and your captain will tell you all about the island’s history while heading out. The planned stops for the day include Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Beach – all famous attractions of the area.
In my opinion, Stingray City is just amazing! And with “your own boat”, you can decide for yourself how long you want to stay in the shallow sandbanks where stingrays swim around your feet. You even get to feed them, but be careful because other coral fish also enjoy the food!
You can observe various sea creatures such as moray eels, Cayman lobsters, and colorful coral life. Only a 10-minute boat ride away from Stingray City is the Starfish Beach where you will observe starfish in calm waters.
The boat is a Chaparral 274 Sunesta that comfortably takes up to 11 passengers, and the following is included in the rental price:
- Beverages
- Bottled water
- Pick-up driver/guide
- Captain/local guide
- Snorkel equipment
- Food for Stingrays
- Life Jackets
Not included are lunch (you can bring your own for a picnic) and any gratuities you want to leave for the crew.
4. Private Charter 32ft Express Cruiser for 12 Persons
You can choose to book this 32ft private yacht charter for either 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on how long you want to spend exploring the stunning waters around Grand Cayman!
The boat can comfortably accommodate up to 12 passengers and comes equipped with everything you’ll need for a fantastic day out.
Your local guide will take you to see some of the world’s most beautiful reefs, visit Stingray City, stop for a (not included) lunch at Rum Point, and enjoy some relaxation time at the peaceful Starfish Point Beach!
You can board the boat at George Town, the cruise port, or along the 7 Mile Beach area. This tour also is awarded a badge of excellence!
What is included:
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Bottled water
- Food for the encounter with stingrays
- Non-alcoholic drinks
- Restroom on board
Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own!
5. Private Luxury Half-Day Boat Charter With Jetski 12 Persons!
Enjoy a private boat tour with a Sea Ray 420 Sundancer for the ultimate experience in the Cayman Islands with over- and underwater activities with complete privacy.
The tour will take you and your group to the ‘stingray city’ sandbar where you can feed the magnificent creatures. You will also snorkel among tropical fish in the coral and visit the stunning starfish beach.
What is included:
- Driver/guide
- Food for Stingrays
- Local guide
- Life Jackets
- Snorkel equipment
- 2 six packs of local beer
- Bottled waterSoda/Pop
6. Private Bioluminescence Night Tour Max 6 Guests
Ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel at night? In waters with bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters when you swim through no less? Let me tell you – it is amazing!
The Cayman Islands is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and unique natural phenomenon of bioluminescence.
This tour offers an educational opportunity to learn about the science behind it and the types of microorganisms that cause it. You will also discover their importance in the ecosystem.
The bioluminescent tours from Grand Cayman are both eco-friendly and sustainable, thanks to their small-group nature and the minimal impact they have on the environment.
For a truly unforgettable experience, take in the mesmerizing sight of the glowing blue water, enjoy the peace and quiet of the night, and soak up the enchanting atmosphere created by nature’s magic. Don’t miss this spectacular experience!
What’s included:
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Private transportation
Top Destinations Around Grand Cayman
The most popular destinations that you can access by boat (and car) around Grand Cayman Island are:
- Rum Point, where there is a restaurant and bar
- Stingray City, which is a sandbank in the seas!
- Starfish Point, which is a soft and tranquil beach
- Caibo Beach Bar, a marina area with restaurants and bars
- Rum Point Beach on the north side
- The Blow Holes on the south side
FAQs Grand Cayman
Is Grand Cayman Safe?
Grand Cayman is considered one of the safest places in the Caribbean region. The island has high prices, a good economy, and people generally are quite well off.
The crime rate is low, and you can feel safe in Grand Cayman, taking normal precautions that you would anywhere.
Where Is Grand Cayman Island Airport?
The airport in Grand Cayman is the Owen Roberts International Airport, located just outside of George Town.
Wrap-Up Grand Cayman Boat Charters
Now, if you are taking your extended family for a Grand Cayman holiday, or 12 of your closest friends, taking a day trip with one of the Grand Cayman boat charters will up your experience with these waters at least two notches!
I always go on boat adventures, be it scuba diving, snorkeling, or just the ones where you have to stay in the boat and watch from there (like whale watching outside Samana in the Dominican Republic).
You might also want to check out this itinerary suggestion for Grand Cayman, and things to do in Grand Cayman traveling solo!
These recommendations are based on up to 330 reviews, so I feel confident my advice is solid – and all I can say is Happy Travel Planning!
And enjoy Grand Cayman – on and off the water!
xoxo/Hege
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My friends just chartered a boat in Aruba and said the same things you mention- well wroth the expense …. so much more relaxing and more freedom to decide where to go and what to do..The night tour sounds especially unique.. GC has been on my list for a while..saving your recs for the visit!
It definitely will be a sooo much better experience with “your own boat”! Absolutely recommend Grand Cayman, and private charter or not, go to Stingray City! That is awesome!
Grand Cayman has long been on my bucket list, and I love any sort of water or boating activity, so these charters are right up my alley! I’d love to get a group of friends together and try one of these out – thanks for the info! Xx Sara
Happy Travel Planning, and I say it again: go do the swim-with-stingray thing at Stingray City! It really is a lot cooler than I thought it would be beforehand! 🙂
Thanks for the reviews, you have made my job of choosing a boat charter so much easier.
You welcome, Happy Travel Planning! 🙂
We are desert dwellers so I wouldn’t even think to charter a private boat! It sounds like so much fun. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome (deserts are nice too) 🙂
I am hopping to visit Grand canyon this year! Bookmarking the blog, super information.
So glad to hear it, Happy Travel Planning!! 🙂