Go snorkeling from a catamaran in Costa Rica on the greenish blue waters

I traveled around Grand Cayman as a solo female traveler for about a month, and the only little thing that I did not love about traveling the island was that the private boat charters in Grand Cayman was a bit out of my league, being just one person.

I love boat trips, but as I (almost) always travel solo, I always send a longing eye to the boats around me that I see as a group of friends or a family on a private boat charter tour for the day. I want that!

I absolutely love any activity that has to do with the sea in the whole Caribbean region, and each of the unique islands I have visited has its own exclusive adventures to offer travelers like you and me!

Affiliate disclosure: I only recommend tours, services and purchases I know and love on this website.

Why Book Private Boat Charters In Grand Cayman?

Set out to sea with your “own boat” for the day

There are quite a few undebatable upsides to chartering a private boat tour anywhere. Let me drill down the no-brainer perks for you right here:

  1. Choose the type of boat you like, whether it be a powerful speedboat or an airy suave catamaran!
  2. The boat will not be crowded with other travelers.
  3. You can decide exactly where you want to go and how long you want to stay there.
  4. You can decide to stop at any sandbank and any beach whenever you want if you see something interesting.
  5. You can get all the advice you can dream of from the skilled crew of the boat and decide what adventures are perfect for you.
  6. Bring the food and drinks of your choice for the day, and have a beach picnic or a snack on the white sands between your snorkeling adventures.
  7. Spend the day with your own tribe and your favorite humans!

6 Top-Rated Grand Cayman Boat Charters

There are beautiful experiences on shore in Grand Cayman, too

I have dived into the research and found the absolute best and top-rated Grand Cayman boat charters available for travelers visiting this amazing Caribbean island.

Here are which ones, what you can expect from every single one, and a bit about the reviews from the hundreds of travelers who have invested in this adventure before you!

1. Half-Day Private Boat Charters in Grand Cayman for 6 Persons

Starfish point by the beach in crystal clear water
Starfish Point exploration

Join this 4-hour leisurely chartered trip featuring 4 stops around the Grand Cayman island, a boat charter that is perfect for a smaller group of up to six people.

You will start off by swimming with stingrays at the Sting Ray City sand bank, followed by two different stops at stunning snorkeling spots!

“It was all GREAT!”

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“We went to Sting Ray City, and Starfish Point, snorkeling, and cruised through the Mangroves. Mark was very knowledgeable!”
Scott T
March 2023

Finally, you will head over to the Starfish Point beach for a tranquil meeting with the starfish, where you can chill out.

What is included in this tour:

  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Soda/Pop

You’re free to bring your own beverages and snacks if you like!

2. Custom Luxury Charter Cruise Up To 8 People

Unique things to do in Grand Cayman: stingray city.
Stop as long as you want in Stingray City

You can plan a luxurious charter cruise to discover the North Sound attractions outside Grand Cayman.

This cruise will provide stunning opportunities for snorkeling with different fishes in the barrier reef, visiting Starfish Point beach, and swimming with Southern Stingrays at the sandbar in Stingray City.

“Thank You!”

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This was the best private charter we have ever been on. Our captain and first mate were just fantastic!
Peter F
April 2023

The trip’s duration is up to you and will determine whether there will be a refreshment break at Rum Point or Kaibo Beach Bar.

What is included:

  • Private tour with a boat captain and a guide
  • Maximum of 8 guests, and you choose the stops
  • Cold bottled water, a cooler, and ice
  • Mask and snorkel and towels
  • safety equipment plus towels
  • Shower, wifi, and day beds

The captain and crew will work with you to make an itinerary that is perfect for your private group.

3. Private Half-Day Chartered Boat For 11 Persons

Take off to a remote island

This half-day private tour that lasts around three and a half hours has 225 reviews, and the chartered boat tour gets an average of 5 stars and has a badge of excellence!

After a safety briefing from your captain, the boat will depart from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. You’ll have the freedom to choose the order of your stops, but first, you’ll head to the north sound.

This is an area protected by barrier reefs, and your captain will tell you all about the island’s history while heading out.

The planned stops for the day include Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Beach – all famous attractions of the area.

“Alex was a great guide from start to finish”

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“We had a really great trip to Stingray City. The snorkeling at Rum Point was some of the best weโ€™ve ever seen”u0022.”
Lisa B
April 2023

In my opinion, Stingray City is just amazing. With “your own boat,” you can decide for yourself how long you want to stay in the shallow sandbanks where stingrays swim around your feet.

You even get to feed them, but be careful because other coral fish also enjoy the food!

You can observe various sea creatures, such as moray eels, Cayman lobsters, and colorful coral life.

Only a 10-minute boat ride away from Stingray City is the Starfish Beach, where you will observe starfish in calm waters. The boat is a Chaparral 274 Sunesta that comfortably takes up to 11 passengers.

What is included in this rental:

  • Beverages
  • Bottled water
  • Pick-up driver/guide
  • Captain/local guide
  • Snorkel equipment
  • Food for Stingrays
  • Life Jackets

Not included are lunch (you can bring your own for a picnic) and any gratuities you want to leave for the crew.

4. Private Charter 32ft Express Cruiser for 12 Persons

Me snorkeling in crystal clear water under the surface, with a yellow mask and snorkel, and you can see the sandy bottom through the beautiful water
Jump into the ocean in the most beautiful places

You can choose to book this 32ft private yacht charter for either 4, 6, or 8 hours, depending on how long you want to spend exploring the stunning waters around Grand Cayman!

The boat can comfortably accommodate up to 12 passengers and comes equipped with everything you’ll need for a fantastic day out.

Your local guide will take you to see some of the world’s most beautiful reefs, visit Stingray City, stop for a (not included) lunch at Rum Point, and enjoy some relaxation time at the peaceful Starfish Point Beach!

“I highly recommend this trip!”

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“Jason and Zack are a great crew that made the trip really run for our family.”
Shalin S
July 2022

You can board the boat at George Town, the cruise port, or along the 7 Mile Beach area. This tour is also awarded a badge of excellence!

What is included in this tour:

  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
  • Bottled water
  • Food for the encounter with stingrays
  • Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Restroom on board

Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included, but you are welcome to bring your own!

5. Private Luxury Half-Day Boat Charter With Jetski 12 Persons!

Enjoy a private boat tour with a Sea Ray 420 Sundancer for the ultimate experience in the Cayman Islands with over- and underwater activities with complete privacy.

The tour will take you and your group to the ‘stingray city’ sandbar, where you can feed the magnificent creatures.

You will also snorkel among tropical fish in the coral and visit the stunning starfish beach.

“The crew were amazing!”

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“This was our absolute best day in the Cayman Islands! The boat is beautiful and much bigger than in the photo”.
Shelby J
March 2023

What is included in this tour:

  • Driver/guide
  • Food for Stingrays
  • Local guide
  • Life Jackets
  • Snorkel equipment
  • 2 six packs of local beer
  • Bottled waterSoda/Pop

6. Private Bioluminescence Night Tour Max 6 Guests

Grand Cayman Bioluminescence Tour Bioluminescent Bay
Bioluminescent Water

Ever wondered what it would be like to snorkel at night? In waters with bioluminescent plankton that light up the waters when you swim through, no less?

The Cayman Islands is one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare and unique natural phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Let me tell you – it is amazing! You can read my whole review of the bioluminescent tour here, I did that tour when I was traveling Grand Cayman for a month.

This tour offers an educational opportunity to learn about the science behind it and the types of microorganisms that cause it. You will also discover their importance in the ecosystem.

“Amazing Experience”

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“Our captain Cody was very knowledgeable and an amazing host!”
From TripAdvisor
April 2023

The bioluminescent tours from Grand Cayman are both eco-friendly and sustainable, thanks to their small-group nature and the minimal impact they have on the environment.

What’s included in this tour:

  • Bottled water
  • Use of Snorkeling equipment
  • Private transportation

Downsides To Private Grand Cayman Boat Charters?

You do not get a crowded boat

Well, there really are not many. No crowds, no lines, no hassle!

The only possible downside, dependent on the size of your group, is that this adventure will probably be a bit pricier than booking a seat on a group tour.

But if you are a sizable squad, the price per person might not be too much higher than the total number on the group tour – and the experience definitely will be on a whole different level!

Top Destinations Around Grand Cayman

The most popular destinations that you can access by boat (and car) around Grand Cayman Island are:

  • Rum Point, where there is a restaurant and bar
  • Stingray City is a sandbank in the seas!
  • Starfish Point, which is a soft and tranquil beach
  • Caibo Beach Bar, a marina area with restaurants and bars
  • Rum Point Beach on the north side
  • The Blow Holes on the south side

FAQs Grand Cayman

Is Grand Cayman Safe?

Grand Cayman is considered one of the safest places in the Caribbean region. The island has high prices, a good economy, and people generally are quite well off.

The crime rate is low, and you can feel safe in Grand Cayman, taking normal precautions that you would anywhere.

Where Is Grand Cayman Island Airport?

The airport in Grand Cayman is the Owen Roberts International Airport, located just outside of George Town.

Wrap-Up Private Boat Charters In Grand Cayman

Now, if you are taking your extended family or 12ish of your closest friends for a Grand Cayman holiday, taking a day trip with one of the Grand Cayman boat charters will up your experience with these waters by at least two notches.

I always go on boat adventures when I travel, be it scuba diving, snorkeling, or just the ones where you have to stay in the boat and watch from there (like whale watching outside Samana in the Dominican Republic).

These recommendations are based on more than 300 reviews in addition to my own experiences, so I feel confident you will also love these tours.

And it might be a good idea to research the best area of Grand Cayman to stay when you visit!

Enjoy Grand Cayman – on and off the water!

Related blog posts:

23 Unique Things To Do In Grand Cayman Solo From An Expert

Fabulous Grand Cayman Solo Travel Itinerary | A Complete Guide!

Awesome Solo Female Travel Grand Cayman From An Expert

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