Renting a car in Grand Cayman

[joyceh]

Has anyone rented a car in Grand Cayman? Could you tell me how much and are there rentals near the ships tender port? We are interested in going to Rum Point beach which I believe takes about 40 minutes. Has anyone been to this beach and do you recommend it? Any idea on how long it would take to drive around the shoreline of the island? We've done Stingray City, town and 7 mile beach and wanted to explore the rest of the island. Are there any places or stops you'd highly recommend? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[joyceh]

Has anyone rented a car in Grand Cayman? Could you tell me how much and are there rentals near the ships tender port? We are interested in going to Rum Point beach which I believe takes about 40 minutes. Has anyone been to this beach and do you recommend it? Any idea on how long it would take to drive around the shoreline of the island? We've done Stingray City, town and 7 mile beach and wanted to explore the rest of the island. Are there any places or stops you'd highly recommend? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[Andrealovescruising]

I believe you can only rent vehicles in G.C. at the airport.

[crazyfamilycruisers]

I am getting ready to do this next week. I will let you know how it turns out when we get back.

[joyceh]

Thanks for the replies. Crazyfamilycruisers, hope you have a great time in Cayman next week. I was able to find out that there are several car rental agencies in Georgetown and along 7 mile with a compact car renting at about $40 plus a visitor driving permit of $7.50. I can give you some names if you need them. I am most interested in what you thought of driving around the island (and any great stops along the way) and whether Rum Point beach is worth the drive. Apparently Red Sail Sports has a location there and offers trips to Sting Ray City sand bar for $30 pp without snorkels and $40pp with snorkel equipment. If you get the urge, let me know what you thought of it. Have a really great cruise and thanks for your thoughtfulness to write up a post when you get back!

[crazyfamilycruisers]

I don't think we are planning to go the Rum Point direction. Right now we are planning to go to 7 mile beach and Hell. My son also wants to visit the skatepark there. We already have a car reserved at the airport and they will pick us up from the port. We leave tomorrow so I will get back with you when we get back and let you know how the renting experience went. You may want to also check on the bus routes and taxi services. We need to rent a car because there are so many people in our party-7. Talk to you in a little over a week!

[joyceh]

Crazyfamilycruisers, I hope you had a great cruise. Can you tell me about your experience in renting a car in Grand Cayman? Where did you park your car for your time on 7 mile beach? Did you get to Rum Point? Many thanks.

[Marne the Cruisin' Fool]

I rented a car in March 2007 from Dollar, which was booked online. They ask that you call them when you dock, as all ships are tendered, your exact time to arrive is impossible to predict. The phones at the shore only take local currency, which I had none. I went to the building immediately to the left of the 'landing zone' which is an internet cafe. They let me use their phone for FREE-I love this island. Dollar came about twenty minutes later and picked me up. Short ride to the airport and I was off driving on the wrong [left] side of the road. Got the hang of the steering wheel on the other [passenger] side of the car quickly. Headed to the east side of the island. Visited the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Garden [lovely], saw the blow hole, had lunch at a local spot and drank beers on a deserted beach. Napped and went to retrieve my sandals, found that something [iguanas] had walked around me during the nap. Iguanas are harmless. Turned in car, entire day was about $75 to cover car, one day driver license, gas, lunch and park admission. A cab to the garden and back was quoted as $250.