Seaports in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a major hub for cruise tourism, private yachts, and some import/export shipping, even though it lacks large-scale commercial port infrastructure like major industrial nations. Here’s an overview of the main seaports:
1. George Town Port (Grand Cayman)
- Main Seaport and the busiest cruise ship terminal in the Cayman Islands.
- Location: George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman.
- Functions:
- Cruise ship terminal (hosts hundreds of ships annually)
- Cargo port for importing consumer goods, building materials, vehicles, and food
- Private boat and yacht docking
- Limitations:
- No deep-water dock for large cruise ships — ships anchor offshore and use tenders (small boats) to bring passengers ashore.
- A Cruise Berthing Facility was proposed but has been postponed due to environmental and public concerns.
2. Spotts Dock (Grand Cayman)
- Alternative cruise port, located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman.
- Used when weather makes anchoring in George Town unsafe.
- Tendering is also required at this dock.
3. Cayman Brac Port
- Location: Creek, on the southwest coast of Cayman Brac.
- Functions:
- Handles cargo shipments
- Supports inter-island transport
- Facilities for small commercial vessels and yachts
- Less busy than George Town, but important for local supply delivery.
4. Little Cayman Port
- A very small docking area at Blossom Village, mainly for:
- Small boats
- Yachts
- Local freight and mail
- No formal deep-water infrastructure.
5. Cayman Islands Yacht Clubs & Marinas
Aside from cargo and cruise traffic, the islands are popular with luxury yachts and private boats.
Key Marinas:
- Camana Bay Marina (Grand Cayman) – Modern marina with luxury shops and restaurants.
- Barcadere Marina (Grand Cayman) – Full-service marina near George Town.
- Kaibo Yacht Club (Grand Cayman) – Located near Rum Point; popular for tourists.
- Cayman Brac Marina – Serves recreational boats and diving operators.
Import & Export Activity
- Most of the Cayman Islands’ goods are imported via George Town Port.
- Main imports: fuel, food, building materials, vehicles.
- Exports are minimal (mostly seafood and some re-exports).
- Managed by: Cayman Islands Port Authority
Summary Table
| Port/Marina | Island | Function |
|---|---|---|
| George Town Port | Grand Cayman | Cruise ships, cargo, yachts |
| Spotts Dock | Grand Cayman | Backup cruise anchorage |
| Cayman Brac Port | Cayman Brac | Cargo and inter-island shipping |
| Little Cayman Port | Little Cayman | Small boats and freight |
| Camana Bay & Barcadere | Grand Cayman | Luxury yachts, tourism, restaurants |
