Nothing on Grand Cayman is much more than an hour away. The question is whether you drive it, ride it, or stay put on the beach.
A hire car is the right call if your week includes the East End, Rum Point or the Crystal Caves. Driving is on the left, roads are good, and distances are short. The agency issues a temporary visitor permit at the desk for a small fee, and you will want to book ahead in high season. Parking is free almost everywhere, including the public beach lots.
Taxis meet every flight and wait at the cruise terminal on ship days. Fares are set by law rather than metered, based on distance and passenger numbers, so confirm the price before you set off. For dinner runs along Seven Mile Beach, ask the restaurant to call a driver and agree a pickup time for the ride home.
Public buses are shared minibuses running set routes from the George Town depot, west along Seven Mile Beach to West Bay and east through Bodden Town. They are cheap, frequent along the west corridor, and a genuinely local way to travel. Flag one down from the roadside and pay the driver.
Staying on Seven Mile Beach with plans built around the water? Skip the car. Boat operators collect from hotel docks, restaurants cluster within walking distance, and a taxi covers the odd evening out for less than a week of hire.
Only if you plan to explore beyond Seven Mile Beach and George Town. For the East End, Rum Point and the caves, yes. For a beach and boat holiday, taxis and pickups cover it.
The left, British style. Hire agencies issue a temporary visitor permit at the desk. Roundabouts are common, and speed limits are modest.
Fares are fixed rather than metered and depend on distance and group size. Confirm the fare before riding. Airport to mid Seven Mile Beach is a short, reasonable hop.
Ready-made George Town shore plans with honest timings, everything walkable from the tender.