Grand Cayman: From Hell Town to Stingray Encounters

Sailing into Grand Cayman cruise port, you’re greeted by shimmering turquoise waters and a lively harbor in George Town (Native – Pronounced [JORJ town]). Located in the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are known for their white-sand beaches, offshore banking, and strong ties to British culture.

Grand Cayman (Native – Pronounced [GRAND kay-man]) is the largest of the three islands and serves as a major hub for cruise visitors. While the downtown area caters to shopping and excursions, just beyond the port lie pockets of natural beauty and quirky charm.

With limited time on a port day, you can still squeeze in coastal relaxation, cultural oddities, and a wild encounter with the island’s most curious marine residents.

During my 2024 visit, I joined a casual island tour that included a stop in the tiny town of Hell. Its name comes from jagged black limestone formations that look scorched and alien. The name might sound ominous, but the town is all lighthearted fun, complete with devil-themed signs and a bright red gift shop. After the photo ops, we made our way to Governor’s Beach for sun and sea. It was the perfect place to unwind, with soft white sand, calm waters, and zero crowds.

I returned in 2025 with friends and took a very different kind of excursion. We headed out by boat to a shallow sandbar where dozens of stingrays swam freely around us. Feeding them raw fish was part of the experience, and it came with one big tip: don’t dip your fingers back in the water afterward. The stingrays can smell it, and they’re not shy. It was a little chaotic, but also incredible to be surrounded by such graceful creatures.

These two visits showed me opposite sides of the same island. One quiet and quirky, the other thrilling and interactive. Either way, Grand Cayman knows how to leave an impression.