It’s a bit chilly in the shade (by Caribbean standards) in the shadow of the trees at West Bay Cemetery Beach Grand Cayman this morning.
It seems odd writing that, but it’s true. The wind is a bit blustery, making it a wonderful chilly respite from the hot Caribbean sun, and I love it.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands is our last port of call on a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise onboard Regal Princess Cruises, and it’s proven to be a great way to end our journey.
West Bay Cemetery Beach is in West Bay near the other end of Grand Cayman’s famous seven-mile beach, is free and has no facilities directly on the beach. There are no vendors, no bars for food or drink, no beach chair or umbrella rentals, and no restrooms or showers: just gorgeous sand, cool breezes, and warm, crystal-clear blue water.
No vendors mean no interruptions – no constant soliciting for drinks, hair braiding, jet ski rides, souvenirs, or loud unwanted music. This lack of amenities means it’s quiet, with virtually no cruise ship passengers with their matching beach towels. Just the sound of kids playing in the sand, the soft clucking of the chicks and chickens and the rustle of the wind.
We always travel with our refillable water bottle, blow-up water float, beach towels, and disposable body wipes, so we don’t mind the lack of amenities. That being said, we try to keep our daypack light and only pack what we will need and use.
The 20+ people we shared our beach day in Grand Cayman with were staying locally, judging by the bulky beach chairs, giant umbrellas, and bulging cooler bags they were carrying.
If you aren’t willing to lay out on your own towel, bring in your own food and drink, and, most importantly, use nature’s toilet, then Cemetery Beach may not be the best beach for you.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There are restrooms and a shower (as well as a public parking lot) on the main road directly behind the eastbound bus shelter, but it’s a bit of a walk from the ocean and not directly on the beach.
How to get to West Bay Cemetery Beach from the Grand Cayman Cruise Port Terminal
It’s easy to take the Public Bus to any beach along Grand Cayman’s 7-mile beach.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Public buses on Grand Cayman (and many other Caribbean islands) look like large passenger vans. The buses are well-marked and air-conditioned. Close the van door behind you as you enter and exit. You pay the driver when you reach your destination.
Leave your cruise ship and walk out of Royal Watler Terminal onto the main street of Harbour Drive.
Turn to your left, walk towards the first set of lights, and crosswalk. This is Fort Street.
Cross the street at the lights and continue walking along Fort Street past the shops towards the square with the fountain with the three large stone balls.
Across this street and start walking. After a few minutes, you’ll see the Public Library. The District Bus Depot is next to the library.
There is a Starbucks in the building on the other side of the Bus Depot.
Approach any of the bus drivers in the blue shirts to go to Cemetery Beach, and they will direct you to the correct bus.
The cost is $2.50US per person each way. Cash only.
Once on the bus, remind the driver where you wish to go and ask the driver to call out your stop so you don’t miss it. We gently remind the driver after a while just in case they’ve forgotten.
FAQ: Is Seven-Mile Beach 7 miles long?
I’ve always wondered how long Seven Mile Beach is. It’s a bit shy of 7 miles, clocking in at only about 6.3 miles long, but ignore the measurements because it’s still known as one of the longest and most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
FAQ: Are all the beaches in Grand Cayman public?
All the beaches in Grand Cayman are open to the public, but you can only access the beach via public walkways. Look out for the signs that say “public beach access” for the pathways that lead from the main road to the oceanfront. You can’t walk through the resorts and hotels for beach access.
As you guessed, West Bay Cemetery Beach is next to the local cemetery. We did visit inside to look at the familiar surnames of the people resting there, such as Bodden and Ebanks, but we didn’t use the cemetery as a shortcut or thoroughfare. Be respectful and use the public beach access walkway.
If you need shade as I do, there are quite a few trees with thick foliage for sun protection.
The beach sand is nice and soft, and there aren’t a lot of burrs or twigs to scratch your skin.
Be careful in the water. The sand drops off and gets a bit deep after about 10 feet from the sandy shore.
About those chickens at West Bay Cemetery Beach…
I was surprised to see chickens on the beach. Iguanas, birds, geckos, sure but chickens?!
They are harmless, albeit a bit of a nuisance, and they seem to be trained to the sounds and smells of food. So, refrain from feeding them, or they will keep following and pestering you.
The bright blue water at Cemetery Beach in Grand Cayman is cool, calm, refreshing and perfect for chilling with the chickens.
How to get back to downtown Georgetown?
To return to downtown Georgetown and the cruise ship terminal, walk back down the path next to West Bay Cemetery. Cross the street to the bus shelter and take the bus back to the ship. Reminder from the tip mentioned earlier; this is where the public restroom and shower are located.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There will be traffic with multiple cruise ships in port and all the passengers returning to their ship simultaneously. So, allow extra time to wait for the bus and the ride back.
We hope you enjoyed your day at West Bay Cemetery Beach Grand Cayman!
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