Cayman Crystal Caves
Cayman Crystal Caves
4.5
About
Cayman Crystal Caves is a fascinating nature attraction located in Northside, Grand Cayman, and Cayman's newest tourist attraction. When you visit Cayman Crystal Caves, you will be escorted with a knowledgeable Tour Guide, and join us on an adventure exploration of "Cayman Down Under". You will venture into amazing caves where you'll see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations, formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Tour through the unique rainforest nature, under which the caves formed. Amongst the forest and caves is plenty of plant and animal life including strangler fig trees, air plants, parrots, and bats.... History Cayman Crystal Caves have formed over millions of years. Fossilized shells and animal life in the caves show us that at one time, the mass now containing the caves was all located under the sea. Over time, as sea levels changed and land began to rise, rooms began to form through water erosion, making caves. Within these rooms spectacular stalagmite and stalagtite crystal structures began to form, as rain water dripping through the limestone ceiling of the caves left calcium deposits behind. The caves are still today continuing to evolve. The process of stalagmite and stalagtite formation occurs as rain water becomes slightly acidic when it first travels through surrounding plants, earth and other organic matter. This acidic water disolves part of the limestone as it seeps through the earth, and re-deposits microscopic calcium layers, as the water drips from the cave celings. Over time these deposits collectively form the crystal structures. Hundreds of years ago, Pirates used these caves as hideouts, and also as shelters from the elements, including hurricanes. As the Cayman Islands became populated, locals used the surrounding lush lands as farmlands, and mined the caves for rich fertilizer produced by bat guana, as some of the caves are inhabited by bats. In the last half century farming stopped, as the population switched to more lucrative jobs within the tourism and financial sectors. In the early 1990s, Christian and Ole Sorensen undertook an in depth search and exploration of all caves in the Cayman Islands, and began talks with the Cayman Islands government on developing a cave attraction based on the experience from the family's development of the very successful Harrison's caves in Barbados. After a few years, it was realized that the crystal caves of Old Man Bay were extremely unique and stood above any other caves in the Cayman Islands, and for that matter, most of the world. It took almost another two decades to purchase the various parcels which encompasses the caves and surrounding rain forest, as well as devise a route to the landlocked site from the main road. In the last few years of planning the attraction, Ergun Berksoy and the Berksoy family, who have vast experience in the tourism sector, joined the Sorensen family in this venture and together they have seen Cayman's newest and very exciting tourist attraction to completion.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
3 within 5 kms
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12 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- EFM70Jersey, United Kingdom12 contributionsAmazing place to visitAbsolute gem of a place! If you get to the Cayman Islands you must make a trip out to the Crystal Caves! The caves are beautiful and very well preserved. Our guide was great and provided an explanation and history of each cave that we entered. Would highly recommend.Visited November 2022Travelled soloWritten 30 November 2022
- Rene N7 contributionsSpend a couple of hours learning history and walking in natureThe shuttle picked us up at our hotel on East End and drove us to the caves. The driver was friendly, courteous, and professional. We got to the caves and waited while a few other people arrived. In the meantime, we sat in the shade and got some insect repellent from a station they have there in the waiting area. The place is clean. The bathrooms are clean. Just before we started, we got a short history lesson about the area and the caves. It was great to learn all about how the caves were discovered and developed, and how the original seven families arrived and settled that part of the island. We then were driven a few minutes into the property to where the trails for the caves begin. It was wonderful to walk in all of that nature (there are some trees to avoid, and the guide will tell you about it). We walked through three cave systems, each more beautiful than the next. We got to see some fruit bats resting in the caves. And the guide was very knowledgeable about the caves and the surrounding land. Highly recommended for adults and teens. Younger children may not be as interested, but then there are some kids who are. People with mobility issues may have a hard time going up and down steps, or down steep embankments. The tour was all in English, as is the signage. Will definitely visit again.Visited December 2022Written 2 December 2022
- Heather SLas Vegas, Nevada21 contributionsIncredible experienceI can’t express how impressed we were with this entire operation. I booked a private tour because I am admittedly impatient and thought it would suit us best. Perfection is the word to describe it! Yves was our guide and was not only extremely informative, but was fun and dare I say respectful of the fact that some things weren’t appropriate to say in front of my 9 y/o daughter. From start to finish, this is a class act and certainly worth pulling yourself from the beach for a few hours!Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 2 December 2022
- Gaby S2 contributionsExperience not to overlookMy boyfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the crystal caves. I had no idea what to expect and the tour definitely exceeded my expectations! The caves are so intricate and beautiful and millions of years old. Our guide Lewis was so knowledgeable and also down to earth and fun. He was very helpful to take our photos and answer our questions. The caves themselves are breathtaking and the grounds surrounding are like a lush tropical rainforest. We even saw many fruit bats and an iguana. This tour is not something to miss and worth the drive if you're staying on 7 Mile beach. Glad we were able to take the tour. Don't miss out!Visited November 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 December 2022
- Cheryl PSan Juan, Puerto Rico56 contributionsAwe Inspiring ExperienceMr. Archie shared an amazing story at the welcome and our guide Patrick was knowledgeable and entertaining. Spectacular history lesson as we navigated the caves. The awe inspiring beauty of the caves is going to be my best memory.Visited December 2022Travelled with friendsWritten 4 December 2022
- Scott CMarietta, Georgia10 contributionsGreat not water activityIf you’re looking to do something out of the water activities, this is a great east end activity. We really enjoyed our time visiting the caverns. The your guide was great. Learned a lot about the area and how it was formed. The caverns are small but full of great features. There aren’t that many stairs and it is not claustrophobicVisited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 5 December 2022
- OnAir8274231 contributionLovely and Informative TourMy husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. It was interesting learning about the history of the beautiful expansive property. From the introduction by a descendent of two of the founding families of the area, to the friendly, fun and patient tour guide, we appreciated the beauty and grandiosity of the caves.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 December 2022
- Tessa W18 contributionsCrystal Caves are captivating!Three different caves and a walk on well maintained paths through botanical labeled plants was perfect for a Naturalist! It was nice and convenient to be picked up and dropped off at hotel on west side. Yves pointed out some sights as we drove as well as led an entertaining tour. Highly recommend!Visited November 2022Travelled soloWritten 5 December 2022
- Mr Pa7 contributionsGood tourIt was a good tour. The tour guide jasmine was great. Very informative and friendly. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The only down side to the trip was that the shuttle was over booked by 1 person (don’t know who that could have been 😂).Visited December 2022Travelled soloWritten 8 December 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
2,826 reviews
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2,301
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391
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99
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17
Jac Cayman
London, UK3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The caves are definitely worth a visit and Yves was a great guide. Buy a bag of dirt to sieve from the mining stall, it’s fun and you get lots of gems and stones as souvenirs
Written 27 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DPLPTravelers
9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Fascinating, educational and fun humor cave tour by Yves, with an interesting history intro by Mr. Whitaker. The caves were stunningly cool, mysterious and beautiful with special formations highlighted by Yves every step if the way. We’ve been thru Mammoth Cave in USA, and some others, but these caves had their own unique personality. Tour also included learning about Cayman trees, bats, and a termite nest. DON’T MISS THIS TOUR!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary M
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Worthwhile experience with an excellent tour guide. Manageable sized groups allowed for expedited tour of three fabulous caves.
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Delia L
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Tour was awesome, our guide was amazing! Highly recommend when visiting Grand Cayman. Totally worth it!
Written 26 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leslie S
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
Fun family friendly tour by very knowledgable staff! We learned about island history, cave geology, local wildlife and animals. We even got great tips on local eats from the lead guide who bears a striking resemblance to Gus Fring from Breaking Bad - but a much nicer guy :)
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy R
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Couples
Beautiful tropical forest and fascinating caves. Also included is interesting history of 1st settlers on the island! Definitely worth a visit!
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dpp74
St. Augustine, FL602 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We first went 5 or 6 years ago and enjoyed it TREMENDOUSLY! Our guide had grown up on the land and was nonstop full of information about the vegetation, land, area, and caves. This visit our guide provided literally no information. She led us to the caves and said there’s the exit when you are ready to leave . It was really bizarre. Lazy lazy. So disappointing.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
The caves were amazing and beautiful. We took the best pics. Thanks to our tour guide Ashani who is very knowledgeable and informative. Would definitely suggest this tour to anyone.
Written 25 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deedle T
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
It was a well-organized tour, and the caves were amazing, and well maintained. Our guide, Aidan, was very knowledgeable of the caves with its stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes, but also of the plant life surrounding the caves as well as a general history of the island. I didn't know that this attraction opened only in 2016. I enjoyed all the caves but my favorite was the bat cave as well as the cavern containing the lake. Of the plant life, the story of why the duppy bush is thus named and the origin of the name Stranglers Balsam were extremely fascinating. Aidan made sure that safety was of the utmost priority but our group had fun despite the various warnings to not touch anything and to always watch our step. Heed the advice to wear comfortable closed shoes (no flip-flops!) and light clothing. Highly recommended!
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Billy A
Chapin, South Carolina3 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a great time on our ATV tour. Our guides were awesome and we got to see a part of the island I would think most don’t see. We even got to “open it up” at the end which was a blast. Highly recommend and would do it again.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MariA54Miami
Miami, FL8 contributions
How long time wise are you from Cruise Port (Celebrity Equinox)?
Price per adult?
Kristina L
Grand Cayman3 contributions
From the George Town port, it would take about 40 minutes to drive to Crystal Caves in North Side. You could also go and view the Blow Holes in East End and visit the Botanical Gardens in Frank Sound to make a day of it.
Can you take your own photographs on this tour? Or are you required to purchase the tour operator's photos?
Kathy D
Lafayette, LA160 contributions
Yes, u take all your own pictures. No one takes pictures for u unless u are part of a cruise ship tour. The of course u could still take your own but then buy some from cruise ship as well. I took lots of pics as i was on the island a for a week and going back in July 2020.
Neelam95
New York City, NY474 contributions
Can you only access with cave with a tour guide? What is the price? Is it in walking distance from Grotto Resort? TIA.
DiverDown2019
2 contributions
These are guided tours only, small groups, by reservation. Make sure to call ahead to reserve. We drove up and luckily found a spot in a later tour that afternoon. $50/13-adult and $40/12 and under. 1.5 hours. Our guide, Rudy, was great! About 15 minutes from Rum Point and 45 min from George Town. Only opened about 3 years ago. This is a must see! April 2019
Is this a good trip for my husband and 6 month old who I strap to my back?
Bitty007
Bayside, NY318 contributions
Definitely!
Renee G
Calgary4 contributions
How far are the caves from where the cruise ships dock? Can we take a some form of transportation if we are not with a tour from the ship?
Lisa G
6 contributions
I think you'll be fine as long as you wear sneakers or good walking sandals. The terrain is mostly even but there can be loose rocks and gravel and some uneven parts. If you get too tired or something during the tour (there are three caves and it will take about 1.5 hours of walking) you can always go back to the bar/gift shop area to rest and wait for the group. There are mosquitoes in the caves and it can be very warm and humid.
Keli F
Manassas, VA9 contributions
Did you pre-book this tour or just go on the fly? We are coming in by a ship to the island and we're not sure what we want to do so don't know if we need to pre-book. Thanks.
AngelaJetsetter
Boston, MA44 contributions
I did pre-book through TripAdvisor, but it wasn’t necessary as they have very frequent tours (every 30 minutes I believe) and they weren’t at capacity. If you have a limited window to go then I suggest you book in advance (especially if you go during a peak time). We noticed a lot of tours/beaches were very crowded when there were a bunch of cruise ships in port (usually 10am-3pm) so we tried to go early or late to things to avoid the crowds. I would guess your cruise line could tell you if there will be many other ships at port when you’re there; that could help you make a better decision.
mdwright1035
4 contributions
Hi! We also have a rental car. Can we drive ourselves to the venue? Or do we have to book one of those tours where someone picks you up and shuttles you back and forth. I would definitely prefer just to drive ourselves!
fionaj8692018
St. Kitts and Nevis6 contributions
You can drive to the beginning of the caves
Vale
Province of Cordoba, Argentina15 contributions
Hola! queria saber a qué distancia se encuentran las cuevas del lugar a donde llegan los cruceros. Y qué precio tiene el paseo pro el lugar. Se puede ir por cuenta propia?
sh0regal
Connecticut131 contributions
The caves are on the Northside of the island. Port is near Seven Mile Beach which is on the western side. I would say its a 30 minute drive. Unfortunately taxis have a destination flat rate usually per 2 persons instead of by miles. Rum Point is the nearest reference to the caves and it tends to go for $75 one way. You might want to look into a one day car rental from port. If you do a morning tour which I suggest, you could stop in at the botanical garden one your drive back towards port and enjoy that as well before returning to ship.
Las cuevas están en el lado norte de la isla. El puerto está cerca de Seven Mile Beach, que está en el lado oeste. Yo diría que es una unidad de 30 minutos. Desafortunadamente, los taxis tienen una tarifa fija de destino por lo general por 2 personas en lugar de por millas. Rum Point es la referencia más cercana a las cuevas y tiende a costar $ 75 por trayecto. Es posible que desee considerar un alquiler de un día desde el puerto. Si usted hace una excursión matutina que sugiero, puede hacer una parada en el jardín botánico una vez que maneje de regreso hacia el puerto y disfrutarlo también antes de volver a embarcar.
אירית ג
2 contributions
looking for a tour guide to visit the caves. coming with the carnaval cruise end of sep. the begining of oct.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cayman Crystal Caves
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Cayman Crystal Caves:
- Cayman Crystal Caves Tour in Grand Cayman Island (From ₹ 10,511.58)
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