stingrays in Nassau

[bawsmom]

Can anyone tell me about Balckbeard's Cay Beach and Stingray Adventure?

The reviews in the new Passporter didn't sound too hot eventhough they gave it a "9". Some of our friends just came back and loved it.

so give me the scoop....

TIA

 

[o0lissa0o]

We did it in January and I wasn't overly impressed. It's basically a beach day at a second rate beach with a chance to snorkle with the rays and feed them. You take a walk to the docks, board a boat, and ride about a half hour out to a small island. Theres a netted area to the left where the stingrays are, and a beach to the right. They give you a token for lunch and a drink, and set you on your way. We headed for the stingrays first, where my DS (5) enjoyed it for about 35 seconds, but the water was a little too deep for him, and the waves kept knocking him in the face every time he tried to bend down to touch a ray, and he got frustrated. He tried to be a trooper about it, and when it was time to feed the rays he gave it a shot, only to get cut on the leg but one of their tails (they're supposed to be de-barbed, but apparently this one wasn't). We gave up on the rays and spent the rest of our time on the beach until the boat came back to pick us up. I wasn't particularly impressed, and neither were many others on our excursion. I wouldn't spend the money to do the same one again. Next time, I'd either do Atlantis, or just stay on the boat and enjoy the pools and activities.

If you children are good strong swimmers and are REALLY interested in interacting with the rays it may be worth it for you, but make sure you take sand toys and stuff to keep everyone occupied on the beach-you won't be just swimming with them the whole time!

 

[bawsmom]

thanks for your honest opinion; that's what i wanted. we were going to do Atlantis but then when our friends told me about this.... i was undecided. plus i wasn't real sure how the kids would do. now i think i know. thanks

 

[Tinkbellfan]

Hi - just got back on Thursday and we did do the Blackbeard Cay day. The previous posters description of the island is correct, but I did want to add that we did enjoy the excursion. Our group had no desire to do the Atlantis day and we just wanted to relax on a beach, let the kids play in the sand and read a book. We found the island to be pleasant and the kids could have alittle freedom (8,8, and 13) because of the beach size.

I think their age also helped them enjoy the stingrays more as they didn't get knocked over.

So, depending on your needs I wouldn't dismiss Blackbeard's Cay. We just had five days of the parks at very high capacity and wanted a quite day and that's what we received.

 

[bawsmom]

Hi - just got back on Thursday and we did do the Blackbeard Cay day. The previous posters description of the island is correct, but I did want to add that we did enjoy the excursion. Our group had no desire to do the Atlantis day and we just wanted to relax on a beach, let the kids play in the sand and read a book. We found the island to be pleasant and the kids could have alittle freedom (8,8, and 13) because of the beach size.

I think their age also helped them enjoy the stingrays more as they didn't get knocked over.

So, depending on your needs I wouldn't dismiss Blackbeard's Cay. We just had five days of the parks at very high capacity and wanted a quite day and that's what we received.

thanks. sounds like you may have been on the same cruise as our friends!! i think we may have to sit down and do pros and cons on both excursions!! at least with this one the whole day wouldn't be tied up and you can do other things.. SHOP!!!

oh what to do.... what to do!!???!?!?!?!

 

[stsomewhere]

We have been there twice. The first time was a 5 years ago. We had a great time. The beach was lovely. The kids had a great time playing in the sand and swimming. There is also a playground. we only did the beach break.

We did it again in Jan/08. It was run down some. It was cold and overcast the day we went. DD -7 was terrifed of the rays and climbed up us to get away. DS-9 thought it was cool. But, was a little intimidated when the rays start circling you.

Once you get to the island, you can not return to the ship until your scheduled time. It is about a 35 minute boat ride each way.
Half of the isalnd is Black beards and the other half is a private island for Sandals resort.

They do have a small shop and a few girls selling jewlery and hair braiding. The guide at the sting rays will pull a ray to the surface for a group shot. It was $10. Both kids took this to school and thought it was very cool.
You will not be hassled and can relax on the beach.

hope this hepls.