OK, so how deep is the water at Stingray City really?

[il-gander]

We're thinking of doing the DCL excursion "Island Tour and Snorkeling with the Stingrays" in Grand Cayman. I've read a lot on these boards about Stingray City, and I keep seeing conflicting reports on how deep the water is. Some say it was waist deep and they stood the entire time. Some say it was 4-5 feet deep and therefore children or "height-challenged" adults might have trouble.

This is important to us as our younger DD is not an accomplished swimmer and is only 6 so 4-5 ft water would be difficult for her. I'm sure some of where the boats stop has to do with weather conditions, etc. on any given day. Do you find that it also makes a difference whether you are taking, say, a Captain Marvin's excursion as opposed to the DCL one?

Carla

 

[yamahaboy]

im 5 foot 7 and id say its probally about waist deep. NOT over my sholders for sure.

 

[RKB]

I am 5'6" and it was almost up to my chest. When we watched the DVD later we saw that the water heighth varied by were you were standing - ie you could move to a shallower spot. This was with Captain Marvins. My DS 10 stayed attached to my back the whole time - I would say this is most common for kids. They still enjoy it, but feel safe with a parent to hold on to. Everyone wears life jackets and the boat ladder is very near by if needed. If I did it again I would take DS back to the boat for the last 15 minutes so that I could enjoy it without him hanging on me! We loved the excursion. We booked through shoretrips.com. Hope this helps!

 

[dznybound]

We did the Island Tour & Snorkeling with Stingrays last month through Disney. The water seemed to be between 3 to 4 feet deep. I'm 5'2" and I remember that at some spots, the water was just waist high, however, at other spots I wandered to, it was definately chest high.

Hope this helps!

Mary

 

[mark & sandra]

The one difference I saw was that in Grand Caymen you have to tender in to shore. If you book an early excursion directly instead of through disney you might have a problem making your time. Disney lets those who book excursions with them to board the first boats and you could miss your time. Also when we sailed 1/17/04, the seas were very choppy and the tenders were called off. The ship sailed to the other side of the island and then started tendering. Disney outright cancelled all there morning excursion. When we finally made it ashore Capt. Marvins had a bus waiting and a crew member holding a sign to alert us where to go. They didn't care that we were late and said that they never charge you if you don't make it anyway.

The water is about 5' deep where they drop anchor, but there are areas that are only 3' deep just a few feet away. It seems kids spend most of there time freaking out and climbing on top of moms and dads. Half the fun is watching them freak out anyway. As for your 6 yr. old, she'll probably spend most of the short time you're there in someones arms.

 

[mmouse37]

These pics we took on our Captain Marvin Excursion may help you get an idea of how deep the water is. I would assume the tide as a lot to do with it as well.

http://community.webshots.com/photo/47984596/48723599OZCRSM

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48731914ZhBAek

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48731982ojyNxN

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48732013Vsgszl

http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48732141PeVoTW

Hope these help!!!

MJ

 

[mrsfuzzmo]

mmouse, Great answer, and not only does it have to do with the tide, but where the boat actually anchors. This is not a zoo, it is the middle of a sandbar in the ocean and your depth will vary, though it was just above waist deep when we went, it really depends on where your boat anchors. Don't fret it, don't regret it, don't miss it! Go and deal with whatever happens. You'll enjoy it no matter what (I'd Hope!)

Mrsfuzzmo

 

[inkkognito]

I am 5 foot 2 and a timid swimmer, so I was worried about this, but it was only chest deep on me. Of course, as others said, that varied to some extent depending on where I was standing. It was a little wavy, too, so at times it was hard to balance, but the flotation vest kept me up.
Barb
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