Grand Cayman - Dolphin Encounter and Stingray City

[CisforCookie991]

Has anyone done the dolphin and stingray adventure? We're thinking about doing it on our cruise next year, but have some concerns, specifically about the dolphin portion. My husband and I did Stingray City years ago and assume it'll be about the same. Is the whole adventure too long for kids? They'll be 10 and 7 at the time. Also I read some complaints on another message board about the lack of changing facilities, can't wear water shoes to get to the dolphins so have to walk on metal barefoot, etc. Did anyone find anything about the dolphin adventure to really be a problem? We're wondering if we're better off doing just one or the other rather than the 5 hour combo tour. Thanks!

 

[DWillowBay]

We did not do the Stingray part, but did do the Dolphin encounter. I remember that you had to wear your swimsuit there (coverup, of course) but believe me, I'd remember if I had to walk on metal barefoot. We did not, for sure. It was great fun. Our group was about 10 people and everyone gets a turn doing whatever trick, etc. Our dolphin was very playful, so I'm sure if you get a cranky dolphin, (???) the experience could be different. For us, it's a great memory.

 

[MomOTwins]

Our dolphin was very playful, so I'm sure if you get a cranky dolphin, (???) the experience could be different.

That is actually a thing--we had an aggressive dolphin the first time and they brought another, but we were really shaken by how sad the animal was. Made us heartbroken knowing the animals are unhappy and we couldn't enjoy it after that. Beautiful, intelligent animals deserve better. I thought we would love it but we'll never do that again. That whole segment of the caribbean tourist industry really lost our respect. Maybe we would visit somewhere in the states where it is a genuine rescue center/treatment facility rather than a photo op with mistreated animals.

 

[CisforCookie991]

Thanks to both of you for your input, and very good to know about the sad dolphin. My son cares very much about animals and the environment, and that would definitely upset him a lot. I bet most people have a good experience, but not sure I want to take the chance on this happening to us.

 

[Quellman]

Thanks to both of you for your input, and very good to know about the sad dolphin. My son cares very much about animals and the environment, and that would definitely upset him a lot. I bet most people have a good experience, but not sure I want to take the chance on this happening to us.

How did you visit stingray city last time? Was it a group catamaran? I would totally recommend what we did - private excursion. We deep sea fished along the way, caught barracuda, arrived to sting ray city when there weren't large catamarans of 70+ people, and then motored to star fish point. Many will customize if you want to snorkel on a reef instead. We did a private tour with a 6 and 2 year old. Would totally recommend especially if you aren't dolphin touring.

 

[CisforCookie991]

How did you visit stingray city last time? Was it a group catamaran? I would totally recommend what we did - private excursion. We deep sea fished along the way, caught barracuda, arrived to sting ray city when there weren't large catamarans of 70+ people, and then motored to star fish point. Many will customize if you want to snorkel on a reef instead. We did a private tour with a 6 and 2 year old. Would totally recommend especially if you aren't dolphin touring.

It was an excursion through the cruise line, so I'm assuming group catamaran. The private thing sounds awesome! Did you do it through Disney or directly through a touring company?

 

[Quellman]

It was an excursion through the cruise line, so I'm assuming group catamaran. The private thing sounds awesome! Did you do it through Disney or directly through a touring company?

We booked directly outside of Disney. They picked us up right outside of the port entrance, drove us to the docks, and back at the end of our trip. They also did grocery pick up for us before we got there. We ordered a platter of sandwiches (that we shared with the 2 person crew) drinks, chips, and beers. Everything was kept cold for us and after they showed us the receipt it was charged to our card on file.

 

[CisforCookie991]

We booked directly outside of Disney. They picked us up right outside of the port entrance, drove us to the docks, and back at the end of our trip. They also did grocery pick up for us before we got there. We ordered a platter of sandwiches (that we shared with the 2 person crew) drinks, chips, and beers. Everything was kept cold for us and after they showed us the receipt it was charged to our card on file.

That sounds great! Do you mind sharing the name of the company you used?

 

[Quellman]

double post

 

[Quellman]

From DCLFan "Based on general history with DCL, my guess is... we’ll see sailings opened up for reservations starting Monday, May 3rd. "

Has anyone sailed on a DCL Maiden voyage? Any pros/cons to sailing on the Wish maiden voyage versus waiting 1-2 months? Very exciting!

Cayman Snorkel Co https://caymansnorkelco.com/