Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James OR Botanic Gardens
Description
Step into the heart of Grand Cayman’s history, culture, and natural beauty on this unforgettable experience. Explore the island’s iconic Cayman Crystal Caves along with your choice of either Pedro St. James or the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Perfect for curious travelers, this tour blends rich history with light adventure. Journey into the Cayman Crystal Caves, where stunning underground formations and hidden chambers create a truly unique and memorable experience. From there, you can choose your preferred experience: Pedro St. James – Discover the island’s history at this beautifully restored landmark, known as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands. OR Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park – Immerse yourself in lush gardens, native wildlife, and see the famous Blue Iguanas in its natural habitat. Whether you’re drawn to history or nature, this tour allows you to tailor your experience while enjoying the perfect mix of culture, heritage, and exploration.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discovered in the 1990s and opened to the public after two decades of careful restoration, the Cayman Crystal Caves are among the island’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Venture into a hidden world of stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal formations, sculpted by nature over countless centuries. Your guided walking tour (approximately 1.5 hours) takes you through the surrounding tropical forest and three spectacular caves, where you’ll encounter lush vegetation, strangler balsam trees, air plants, and native wildlife such as parrots and bats.
(Option 1) Known as the “Birthplace of Democracy” in the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James Castle is the oldest standing building on Grand Cayman, built in 1780. Explore the grand three-story Great House, stroll through its scenic gardens, and enjoy a multi-sensory 3D theatre experience that brings Cayman’s history vividly to life.
(Option 2) Alternatively, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, where you can admire the island’s vibrant native flora, tranquil wetlands, and colorful orchids. The park is home to the endangered Cayman Blue Iguana and the Cayman Parrot, both symbols of the island’s rich biodiversity. Enjoy a peaceful walk along lush garden trails surrounded by native plants, birds, and butterflies.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
George Town has three ship terminals: 1. Royal Watler Terminal 2. North Terminal 3. South Terminal Please be advised that cruise ships anchoring in Grand Cayman require guests to take a small boat, known as a tender, to reach shore. It is important to line up early for tenders, as it can take up to 60 minutes to disembark and reach shore. If your ship tenders to Royal Watler Terminal: Your tour departs from inside the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal. Upon disembarking, please exit through security and continue walking straight ahead along the waterfront. Please proceed to the last tent with a white canopy and look for the CAYTOURS sign. The local representative will be waiting there to check you in. If your ship tenders to the North Terminal or South Terminal: Your tour departs from inside the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal, which is an approximate 3 to 5-minute walk from the tender pier. Upon disembarking, please ask port security for directions to the Royal Watler Terminal. Once there, exit through security and continue walking straight ahead along the waterfront. Please proceed to the last tent with a white canopy and look for the CAYTOURS sign. The local representative will be waiting there. In the event of bad weather, and your ship tenders to Spotts Dock: Your tour will depart directly from Spotts Dock. Upon disembarking, please remain at Spotts Dock and look for the local representative holding a CAYTOURS sign for easy identification. To ensure a smooth departure, please plan to arrive at the designated meeting location at least 15 minutes before the scheduled tour departure time. Staying at a hotel or Airbnb? We pick up from all hotels and accommodations on Seven Mile Beach. Please make sure to inform us of your location in advance, so that we can make proper arrangements and ensure a timely pick up.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infant seats are available at an extra cost and must be notified to us at the time of booking
- Please note that the Mission House remains closed on Sunday and Monday.
Reviews(18)
Upon arrival, we met with our agents and took us to the van that took us to the caves right on time. It was our first time with this tour company and we will be using their services from now on. Highly recommended.
Hello Carlos. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. We are glad you had a good time on your tour with us. We hope to see you again soon.
We were very concerned about meeting the group by 9 AM as our ship was not to disembark until 8:30 AM with tenders added to the wait time. Days leading up to the tour, the staff was very patient and used great communication. As it turned out, we got off the ship earlier than expected and the rest is history! The caves were interesting, and although humid even in December, there wasn't a mosquito problem that was stated with repellent offered beforehand. We weren't told about a drink/food offer at our own cost, so hardly anyone ordered anything. I can say that a daiquiri for $17 was a bit excessive. Afterward, we were dropped off at Pedro St James Castle for an hour of interesting history and home tour. Transportation was nicely appointed with leather seating although a little tight for two average adults. If you aren't a beachy person while in port, this tour is recommended.
Thank you Debra, for your kinds words and for leaving a review on our tour. We are glad we were able to make your time on Island enjoyable and memorable. We hope to take you on another tour on your next trip to the Island.
The tour first drove us over from the cruise ship port over to the Crystal Caves. The tour began by going to the tree house where it was suggested we could order lunch at the restaurant and it would be ready for us to eat after completing the tour of the caves. When we came back from the tour the burgers were ready, but the fries were cold. After taking a couple of bites we were told we were out of time and to eat our lunch on the bus. Later discovered that we got charged over $500 for the lunch. Totally ridiculous! The rum tasting at Pedro St. James was also too rushed. We got little samples of 3 rums after the tour and then immediately back on the bus.
Our guide Yves was excellent! Knowledgeable and entertaining. Our guide Marlena at the castle was very knowledgeable and friendly, answering all our questions.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that Yves provided a knowledgeable and entertaining tour. We're also pleased that Marlena was able to answer all your questions with friendliness and expertise at the castle. We look forward to welcoming you back for more great experiences in the future!
Our tour guide, Oscar, was very informative and funny! Also had a great interaction with Nancy at Cay tours. She contacted me prior to the tour to see if transportation was needed and was in contact until the tour ended.
Very cool! Staff was incredibly knowledgeable!! Do yourself a favor and go and bring a water bottle.
Wonderful experience. Tour guide was very patient and knowledgeable. We plan to tell all our friends and family, this tour is a must!!!
Back at the Château Grand BARRAIL restaurant for a moment with the family. Very relaxing setting on the terrace under a beautiful sun. Cuisine as refined as ever, tasty dishes and a beautiful presentation. Thanks to his boss. Always a pleasant welcome and attentive service. Everything is perfect. To do again.
The tour bus had no leg room and I am only 5’4 . If you have been to other caves doesn’t waste your time and would advise to just look at the castle on you tube . Not worth the money .
We are disappointed to hear that your experience was not what you expected. We hope that you will come back and visit us in the future and that you will have a fantastic time in whatever activities you participate in.
It’s unfair to the individuals that run the caves to be associated with this review, CAYTOURS is a joke and a nightmare to work with, find a different company to book your visit with.
Dear Jeffrey, Thank you for your review and we are sorry to hear that your experience with us was not good. I take this opportunity to extend my sincere apology.
