Grand Cayman Excursions

[Canadiancruiser2]

I called DCL, and they told me that a few excursions were not available on Grand Cayman due to the recent storms. These were:

1. Atlantis Submarine Expedition
2. Atlantis Deep Explorer
3. Rum Point Beach Adventure
4. Rum Point Beach Adventure and Stingray City

Does anyone know which excursion is good for people who aren't able to swim/snorkel but who would like to experience Stingray City's stingrays? We would like to visit the Rays, feed them, and wade in the water (our 5 year old can't swim!).

Did Stingray City receive any damage from the hurricanes that went through? What's the difference between the DCL Stingray City excursions and ones that you can book directly through Captain Marvin? Is it possible just to take a taxi directly to Stingray City, and visit on our own without joining a Snorkel/Swim tour?

 

[jel0511]

Is it possible just to take a taxi directly to Stingray City, and visit on our own without joining a Snorkel/Swim tour?

No, as Stingray City is FAR away from shore. It's located at a natural sandbar, where the water is about 4 feet deep. We took our 6 and 3 YO (we were on the 11/6 sailing), but the water was choppy that day, and the stingrays swimming around them freaked them out. Neither swims very well, the company we used (Nativeway) provided them with life vests (we did bring our 3YO's) and they didn't have a problem with the water depth, just the waves. Personally, I wouldn't do it again since they truly hated it.

What's the difference between the DCL Stingray City excursions and ones that you can book directly through Captain Marvin?

Really, nothing except price (not booking with DCL will save lots of $$$) and maybe where they take you after Stingray City. Also, Captain Marvins takes a much smaller group out than DCL, so it is a slightly more personal experience.

Did Stingray City receive any damage from the hurricanes that went through?

Not that I could tell. We were on Grand Cayman 11 years ago, and Stingray City looked the same. Since it's located in the ocean, it really was somewhat protected from the elements.

Does anyone know which excursion is good for people who aren't able to swim/snorkel but who would like to experience Stingray City's stingrays?

If you're just talking about the 5YO, find out if she'd have a problem floating in water deeper than she is tall, and if it would freak her out. Also, as I said earlier, it is not a guarantee the water will be calm, when we were there it was pretty choppy, even too choppy for me. I've been snorkling many times before and do fine in calm waters, but this was too choppy even for me. I didn't mind staying on the boat with my kids, because I woulnd't have enjoyed snorkling in those conditions, since I don't consider myself a very strong swimmer.

 

[2kidz&adog]

We just returned from the 11/6 Western, and Stingray city was fine. Grand Caymen had a lot of damage, but we were still able to visit the rays. You are out in water about waist high(adult), so it may be deep for your five year old, but they give you life jackets. My husband and I, and our 12 year old loved it, but by 9 year old was really scared. She got back on the boat and just watched. Hope this helps.

 

[epermar]

I thought I heard the turtle farm on Grand Cayman had been destroyed by the hurricanes. Can anyone confirm this? Looking for inexpensive but fun things to do w/7 & 9 yo kids. Any other suggestions - best beach trip?

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by epermar
I thought I heard the turtle farm on Grand Cayman had been destroyed by the hurricanes. Can anyone confirm this? Looking for inexpensive but fun things to do w/7 & 9 yo kids. Any other suggestions - best beach trip?

I met someone on the 11/6 sailing who went to the Turtle Farm, so it is open, but I can't comment on it's state. The only beach that currently is open on Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach. Rum Point is still closed and will be for awhile. Most of the sand from Rum Point was washed away during the hurricane, so Seven Mile Beach is basically the only show in town now. There was TONS of damage done to the surrounding hotels on Seven Mile Beach, so there are very limited facilities available. The public beach at the end was open, but there did look to be limited things available there.

 

[Canadiancruiser2]

Thanks Lori and 2kidz for all the info. We are leaving in 2 weeks so I was trying to decide what to book for our shore excursions.

It's so nice to get some first hand info from someone who has been there recently. Do I have to prebook thru Captain Marvin's before leaving or can I just sign up after docking?

Also is the island tour worth it? Is there much to see after the hurricane? If the Stingray city is not be a good option for the little ones, we could try the Stingray City Observatory and Island Tour.

 

[jel0511]

Do I have to prebook thru Captain Marvin's before leaving or can I just sign up after docking?

I'd definately book before leaving. Captain Marvin's also takes out small groups, and they could be full if you wait until the day of. Go to their website at www.captainmarvins.com and you can either call them, or book through their on-line form.

Is there much to see after the hurricane?

IMO, no, but I've also been to GC before and seeing all the destruction is disheartening. The turtle farm and Hell are open, so those might be places the Island tour is planning on going. I'd ask Captain Marvin's for more details.

 

[2kidz&adog]

We did the Stingray city tour only, and booked onboard. You may want to book ahead though. We tried to do so before we left home, and it was all full. Then we checked when we got onboard, and there happened to be an opening. We actually did the early morning tour, then went to Seven Mile beach for a few hours. The public beach wasn't bad, they've actually gained beach, and there are restrooms there. My kids enjoyed swimming there because the water was calm and pretty warm. I have been to GC before as well, and the destruction is very sad, but if you can look past that, the beach was very nice.

If your looking for somewhere to take kids, I highly recommend Chanknaab(sp?) National Park in Cozumel. The park is wonderful with lots to do(even if you don't do the Dolphin Encounter, you can take a cab the short distance). My husband and I have been there two other times years ago, and they have really added to it. The snorkling is wonderful for kids because it's all blocked off and as clear as a pool. It is, however, very deep, but you can get life vest, and there's a guard on duty. My nine year old did not want to leave, and this was only her third time snorkling. They begged us to come back, so we booked for 11/06, having orginally planned to do the Eastern. Hope this helps!

 

[Canadiancruiser2]

Thanks for all the replies!

We were also looking at these two excursions on GC:

1. Seaworld Exporer Semi-Submarine (1 hour)
2. Nautlilus Undersea Tour (1-1.5 hours)

Does anyone know which tour is better? Do they travel to different spots?

I noticed online after searching Google that the two watercraft apparently are the same! Each resembles a submarine on top, but they have an area that is 5 feet below where you can sit and view out windows:

Nautilus:

Seaworld Explorer: