Grand caymans

[skipperr100]

I am wanting to take my 31' IP to Grand Cayman in December,2016. . Any suggestions on paperwork or dockage rates? Leaving from Destin Fl. via Tampa, fl, Key west, Grand cayman. Any one want ato buddy boat?

[Matt Johnson]

One of the easiest places we checked into.

They offer free moorings in the tourist/town area. The diving is amazing right around your boat and you can land the dinghy at the Burger King.

Matt

[skipperr100]

That is encouraging. Is it a good idea to stay about half way between yucatan and cuba? any current tips?

[gtpinhei]

Reactivating this thread on Grand Cayman. Has anyone been in Grand Cayman recently and could share info on what I should expect?

- Are the free moorings still available?

- Any info on expected check-in and other costs involved to spending some time on Grand Cayman?

Best!!!

Gus

[caradow]

I have been to the Cayman's many times however not in the last few years but seriously doubt any changes in the free harbor moorings.
They will welcome you with open arms.
There is a newer marina in the North Sound that is quite nice and they have a website for your review if you choose to obtain dockage. I found their rates to be quite reasonable.
Beautiful clear water, vibrant reef structure and great anchorages off 7 mile beach (except in a westerly).
First world in supplies, grocery stores, restaurants and accommodations if needed.
I have stayed for months at a time but you do have to pay a fee for a 3 month extended visit once your initial time is up. If I remember correctly it was around $600 US but maybe a little more.
I think you will find answers to your specific questions on the web.
And Cuba is an overnight sail away!

[GordMay]

Grand Cayman Public Moorings (Updated January 2023)
➥ https://doe.ky/resources/public-moorings/

Information
Hours: 9AM to 5PM, M-F
Telephone: (345) 949-8469
Fax: (345) 949-4020
Email: DOE@gov.ky

[Rockinar]

Visit almost every year for years and been all over the island the last 10 years as a tourist. I have no idea where you would even find a slip or anchor. Only smooth water I have seen in off 7 Mile Beach and inside the North Sound.

[caradow]

Originally Posted by Rockinar

Visit almost every year for years and been all over the island the last 10 years as a tourist. I have no idea where you would even find a slip or anchor. Only smooth water I have seen in off 7 Mile Beach and inside the North Sound.

Did you sail there or fly?

[Rockinar]

Originally Posted by caradow

Did you sail there or fly?

Flew there. Always wondered where you could anchor if sailing there and kept my eye but never seemed to see a spot. 7 mile beach drops off really fast and too much coral, south and north end is rough. Im guessing you have to go inside the North Sound somewhere. I know theres a marina in there. Not sure if you're allowed to anchor anywhere. Id be curious to know where you could.

[caradow]

The beach extending into West Bay from Georgetown is called 7 mile beach.
Therefore you have 7 miles to find many appropriate anchoring spots. More than 80% of the time it is like being anchored in a swimming pool. Also you can anchor as close to land as you feel safe.

I have anchored there many times and just swam to shore. The only time it becomes a little rough is with a westerly. Then you simply go over to the south side and anchor there until the westerly goes away. Also several places to anchor in the North Sound.

Yes there are a lot of reefs but still a lot of white sand to drop a hook. As long as you know how to read the water you will be fine and it's a no brainer.
Then as previously stated there are moorings in the harbor that can be used.
Dock space is really not a problem. Just check the local paper and you may find a private dock on the hundreds of private homes there that do become available from time to time.
There are at least 2 commercial marinas off the north sound and the one with a 110 ton travel lift is called "The Barcadere Marina" (Just Google it )
Oh yea just a word of caution DO NOT LET YOUR ANCHOR OR CHAIN TOUCH A PIECE OF CORAL. They are very protective of the coral and the punishment can be severe.
Of course like everywhere else there is Government Hypocrisy because despite Georgetown Harbor being loaded with coral the always present flock of cruise ships (I have counted 6 at a time on this little island) drop their anchors with impunity.