A shimmering pool in the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

CAYMAN ISLANDS CRYSTAL CAVES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO IN 2024 (FROM AN EX-LOCAL)

Curious to know if the Cayman Islands Crystal Caves are worth it?

Grand Cayman may only cover 76 square miles (196 km) but doesn’t have a shortage of activities. With limited vacation days, how do you decide what makes it onto your agenda? After visiting the caves and living on Grand Cayman for five years, I can tell you this is worth the trip.

The Cayman Islands Crystal Caves offer a glimpse into an underground system of caves filled with crystal formations and shimmering pools. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know before you go, from booking a tour, what to expect, how to come prepared, and what you can do nearby.

Get ready to explore the Cayman Islands Crystal Caves and discover why this hidden gem is a must-see destination. This is your guide to the Cayman Islands Crytal Caves.

CAYMAN ISLANDS CRYSTAL CAVES FACTS

The Cayman Islands Crystal Caves are a hidden gem. Tucked within a lush tropical forest, these caves reveal dazzling stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear underground pools that are captivating.

Here are the facts about the Cayman Islands Crystal Caves:

Massive crystal formations in the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

WHAT ARE THE CRYSTAL CAVES?

The Crystal Caves in Grand Cayman are a popular natural attraction featuring a series of underground caves renowned for their impressive crystal formations. The caves are situated in a tropical forest and were discovered in 2015. After six years of excavation work, the caves are open to explore.  

Once underwater, these excavated caves now showcase a variety of geological features, including sparkling stalactites, stalagmites, and unique rock structures.

These crystal formations are formed as drops of rainwater become acidic as they travel from the sky through the earth. Eventually, they drip through the limestone ceiling of a cave, dissolving part of the limestone and leaving behind a calcium deposit. Over time, these calcium deposits form the stalactite and stalagmite crystal formations.  


WHERE ARE THE CRYSTAL CAVES?

This nature attraction is located in Northside’s Old Man Bay. It’s approximately 45 minutes from the George Town Port, depending on traffic and transportation methods.


HOW DO YOU GET TO THE CRYSTAL CAVES?

The Crystal Caves require a drive unless you stay in neighboring Old Man Bay.

Transportation options to the Crystal Caves include:

✅ Driving yourself

✅ Shuttle services

✅ Taxis (not the most affordable option)

✅ Public Buses (not the most time efficient option)

✅ Guided Tours (Viator or Tripadvisor)

There is only one main road to Northside, which makes navigation easier but increases the chances of delays due to traffic or construction. Even if the drive is slow, most of it is along the water, so you’ll enjoy the views.


WHO OWNS THE CRYSTAL CAVES?

Two families privately own the Crystal Caves in Grand Cayman. In the early 1990s, Christian and Ole Sorensen, an experienced cave excavation family, began exploring the caves and working with the government to develop a cave attraction. Years later, Caymanian and Turkish business entrepreneur Ergun Berksoy became an investor. Together, they worked to create the attraction we experience today. 


EXPLORING THE CRYSTAL CAVES

Exploring the Crystal Caves by guided tour is the way to experience the Crystal Caves. There are plenty of tour and transportation options available.

Here is what you need to know so you can find the tour option that’s right for you:

CAN YOU GO TO THE CRYSTAL CAVES WITHOUT A TOUR?

No, a guided walking tour is the only way to see the Crystal Caves. The caves are a five-minute drive into the forest from the ticket office. It is only possible to reach or access them through a guided tour.

The view of the road leading back to the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

I know many of us aren’t ‘tour’ people. But this was a great experience. Justin helped excavate the caves, so he was highly knowledgeable. He is also a self-proclaimed stand-up comedian. He made the tour interesting and fun. Also, there are so many cave systems that you’ll want the guide’s navigation and knowledge as you tour each one.


WHAT ARE THE TOUR OPTIONS? HOW MUCH IS IT?

The Crystal Caves offer a range of tour options, including group and private tours. Some companies bundle the guided group tour with other destinations on the island, while others provide a direct shuttle service. You’ll have no problem selecting an option that matches your budget, preferences, and time allowances.

Here are the tour options and prices through the Crystal Caves website. Note all prices are in USD.

✅ Drive yourself and join a group ($45 per adult and $35 for children 4-12) or private ($150 per adult and $140 for children) guided tour.

✅ Take a shuttle from East End and take a group ($55.28 per adult and $45.22 for children 4-12) or private ($160.80 per adult and $150.75 for children 4-12) guided tour.

✅ Take a shuttle from the island’s west side and take a group ($80.40 per adult and $70.35 for children 4-12) or private ($185.92 per adult and $175.88 for children 4-12) guided tour.

Here are the tour options through travel sites. Prices are also in USD.

✅ Book your tour through Viator or Tripadvisor. Prices start at $126, and the duration is approx. 3.5 hours. These providers are non-refundable, and each site requires a minimum of two guests.


HOW LONG IS THE CRYSTAL CAVES TOUR?

The walking tour is approximately 90 minutes. Your tour group will assemble in the meeting area adjacent to the parking lot. You’ll get into a van for a 5-minute ride to the cave system site. You will tour three different caves and get a chance to wander the gift shop before returning to the van.

Tours are available daily at the hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. November through August and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. September and October. Check the schedule to confirm times and availaiblity. 


WHAT WILL YOU SEE ON THE TOUR?

Natural vegetation seen from the Tree House at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves
Bats hanging from the ceiling at Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

On your guided walking tour of the Crystal Caves, you’ll experience a variety of fascinating sights and features.

Here’s what you can expect to see:

Stunning Cave Formations: You’ll see beautiful stalactites (formations hanging from the ceiling), stalagmites (formations rising from the floor), and other unique mineral formations created over thousands of years.

Crystal-Clear Pools: The caves are home to pristine underground lakes and pools with crystal-clear water.

Unique Rock Structures: The tour guides will point out interesting rock structures, including flowstones and draperies, which are formed by mineral deposits over time.

Tropical Flora and Fauna: The caves are located in a lush tropical forest, so you’ll also see various types of local plants and potentially some wildlife, including birds, insects, and bats. Yes, there will be bats!

The tour is designed to be both informative and visually captivating. Without the guide, the experience would not have been as fun and memorable.


ARE THE CAVES SMALL?

The opening of Roots Cave at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves
The pathway inside a cave at Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

None of the three caves we toured was small enough to evoke my claustrophobia. They were tall and wide enough to feel like you weren’t locked into a cave system that would trap you. Many times, the area was open, and the sky was visible. Not to say that you wouldn’t experience claustrophobia, but know the caves are not cramped and small.


CAN YOU TOUCH OR TAKE HOME THE CRYSTALS?

The rules posted about touching the crystals at Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

No, you cannot touch or take the crystals. Management takes the preservation of the crystals very seriously. Touching the crystals is discouraged to preserve their natural beauty and integrity. Oils, dirt, and other contaminants from hands can damage the delicate formations.

As you can see, they will impose a hefty $10k fine and lifelong banishment from the attraction if you touch or remove a crystal.


IS THE TOUR KID-FRIENDLY?

Yes, the tour is kid-friendly. I would not advise bringing a stroller due to the stairs, inclines, and unpaved pathways. A 7-10 year old who can walk independently for 90 minutes will have no problem on this tour. There is also fun vegetation, reptiles like lizards, and crystals for them to experience.


WHAT ELSE TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Before you arrive for your tour, you’ll want to know where to park, what to wear, what to bring, and whether food is on site. These details will help you be better prepared and enjoy your experience.

Here is what you need to know before your Crystal Caves tour:

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO THE TOUR?

Here is a list of items I recommending bringin on your tour:

Closed towed shoes: all the walking will be done on dirt pathways

Bottle of water: there is refill area on the property

Mosquito repellant: they do have it available if you forget or don’t want to make a separate purchase. Most of their bottles were out and I think they had the cheapest kind. If you are prone to bites, I would buy your own.

Sun screen: you’ll still be exposed to the sun on this tour

Cash to tip


HOW SHOULD YOU DRESS ON THE TOUR?

Woman walking through a cave at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

This is an outdoor event. I recommend wearing cool, comfortable, light clothing. Think gym wear instead of jean shorts. You could wear a swimsuit and a modest coverup. There is a fair amount of walking, inclines, and stairs, so you’ll want to wear closed-toed shoes.


IS THE PARKING FREE?

The ticket office at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

Yes, parking is free. You will be given a parking ticket when you check in at the ticket office in front. Present the ticket around the corner, to the right, to the guard, and you’ll be granted access to the large parking lot.


IS THERE ANYTHING TO EAT?

The snack shack at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves
The drink menu at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves snack shack

There is a concession stand adjacent to the parking lot. They sell snacks and adult and kid-friendly beverages. The water refill station is also in this area.


ARE THE CRYSTAL CAVES WORTH VISITING?

For most of us, a tropical beach vacation is a time to unwind and relax by the water. But most destinations offer more than a sandy experience; the decision just has to be made on what is worth to take you away from that. What is a better way to help decide that see what other’s had to say.

Here is my Crystal Caves review and opinion if it’s worth visiting:

A large crystal formation inside a cave at the Cayman Islands' Crystal Caves

MY TRIPADVISOR REVIEW

Here is my review left on Tripadvisor:

“Justin was our tour guide. He offered a wealth of knowledge as he’s worked in the caves since he and a team excavated them. We explored three unique caves; each one was given the right amount of time. It was fun to see all the formations and guess what animals or characters they resembled. We got great photos, and this tour made for a memorable experience. It was a nice change of pace from water-based activities.”


SO, ARE THE CRYSTAL CAVES WORTH IT?

I do not agree that the Crystal Caves are the #1 thing to do, but I believe it is worth visiting. The tour is only 90 minutes, and there is nothing like this on the island. The guides will teach you a lot about the caves and the island’s history. 

The drive to Northside is beautiful and a great way to see and experience Cayman culture. The tour also puts you on Northside, close to other must-see adventures, like the ones listed below. I recommend going to the Crystal Caves and Northside and making a day out of it. 


WHAT TO DO NEARBY THE CRYSTAL CAVES

Again, one of the great things about the Crystal Caves tour is that it places you near so many other must-do activities in Northside -my favorite part of the island. Northside’s vibe is laid back and serene, utterly different from Seven Mile Beach.

A woman lying on the beach at Starfish Point, Grand Cayman
Starfish Point

Whether before or after your Crystal Caves tour, here’s a list of what to do and were to eat nearby:

☀️ Eat lunch and enjoy water activities at Rum Point (Read my complete guide to Rum Point)

☀️ Eat lunch and swim at Kaibo

☀️ Swim and the serene Starfish Point

☀️ Eat at Tukka East End

☀️ Eat lunch and swim at the Morritz Tortuga Club

☀️ Visit the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary

☀️ Tour the Queen II Elizabeth Botanical Park

☀️ Hike the Mastic Trail

☀️ Snorkel at Barefoot Beach

While these are all excellent choices for a post-Crystal Caves activity, I recommend Rum Point. It has it all! There’s fantastic food, drinks, snorkeling, other water activities, a shallow wading area, and incredible views.


THE WRAP-UP: CAYMAN ISLANDS CRYSTAL CAVES

Well, that was a lot about one tour. With the insights shared in this guide, you’re well-equipped to decide whether to visit the Crystal Caves. Knowing what to expect before you go, you can fully appreciate the stunning formations and crystal-clear pools that make these caves a must-see attraction. 

I hope you embrace the opportunity to explore this hidden gem and create lasting memories in one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting natural sites. Safe travels!