Please help me plan Western shore excusions

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

We were on the 12/04 western. We did Stingray City (our second time with Captain Marvin) and it was wonderful. Our children (DD6 & DS5) loved it. Both happen to be strong swimmers, but as others stated, they would of loved it even if they weren't strong swimmers. We did the 3 hour tour and it went by very fast. I also think this really should not be missed. We went back to the ship afterwards--as Lisa stated, the island is still recovering.

In Mexico, we went to Paradise Beach. After five hours on the beautiful beach, my children did not want to go back to the ship. Now, two weeks later, they are not asking when they are going back on the Magic, but when they can go back to "that beach". It was the best day for all four of us. I will try to post pictures of it for you if you are interested.

Have a great time!!

 

[LindaBabe]

We were on the 12/4 western as well. The husbands did the stingray snorkel with NativeWay, booked on the internet - $25 each plus tip = they LOVED it. The wives took the city bus (van) out to the west end and back ($10 rt but we gave the driver 20 because she had shared so much of her knowledge of the island with us.) There were people from the ship who took the bus to a place on 7 mile beach - it cost them $3.00 each. The beach looked fine to me. There's a lot of destruction around to be sure - we saw one whole forest lying at a 30degree angle - but the stores are stuffed with things to buy and the tourist areas are rapidly recoverying.

 

[MImom]

Thanks for all the replies. Lisa, you made a good point, was wondering how much Grand Cayman has recovered. The devastation they (and others) experienced must be overwhelming. I'll read trip reports until we leave. We are going in Feb. Gloria, I would LOVE to see any pics.
DenverVal, thanks for the tip about goggles and sharing your experience.
I wonder if my kids or DNephew and DNiece will freak out. I guess if they do, I'll know they weren't the only ones These boards are soooooo helpful.

 

[RKB]

We booked Captain Marvins on our own. And we did the Chankanaab Dolphin Swim on our own booked through shoretrips.com We loved them both wouldn't change a thing. My DS 10 rode on my back for the stingrays. I basically walked with him on my back. You do have to swim for the Dolphin Swim.

 

[Red71]

With all that said, my two DDs, ages 11 and 8, were completely freaked out by the stingrays and decided to watch from the boat. I handed them cameras, and so we have photos of DH and me holding stingrays that I otherwise wouldn't have. The water is very shallow, and swimming was not necessary even for DD8 (for the few minutes she was in the water). Don't bother messing with the mask and snorkel, just take a set of swim goggles and hold your breath. We took the Rum Point Beach/Stingray excursion through Disney and it would be great for young kids. The water is very shallow and protected and there are fish to see with the snorkel equipment (or swim goggles ). You want to get a seat before going to see the rays though, or you won't get a chair at all. In that case, have a beach towel handy. We weren't able to any other sightseeing due to the length of time this excursion took.

Was this the Stingray City Snorkel Tour ? Did you book thru DCL? They have the trip leaving at 7:30am and lasting3-3 1/2 hours.

I am worried that DD6 and DD7 will freak out about the Sting Rays. Sometimes DD7 freaks out at a petting zoo. The boat is low and open right? Is it any kind of close to shore that you mentioned getting a chair?

They say they want to do it,( saw something on TV) but I'd like it if I knew they had a "safe" (where they could see and call to me) place so at least watch if they changed their minds.

 

[jfis1020]

They can sit on the boat and look down and watch. The boat we were on (through DCL) was like a pontoon style, so there was a lot of deck space. My DS6 sat on the boat and watched us for a while before getting up the nerve to give it a try. He LOVED it!

 

[#1Mouse]

We will be stopping in GC in March on our cruise. If we book the Stingray City excursion with Captian Marvins, Nativeway etc... how far of a walk is there from the ship to where you have to meet to get on the boat. I'm asking because I'm going to try and talk my parents in going on this excursion with us. My mother is 71 and my dad is 81 and had two minor strokes this past summer. He is able to walk without help, but I'm not sure how stable he would be on a long distance walk. Can anyone give more details on which company is closest to the ship?

Thanks, Gail

 

[MImom]

Bump. I am also interested in finding this out. Thanks

 

[disneyfan551]

I would also like to see photos!!!

 

[UGAFan0829]

We did the Dolphin Encounter (which we booked directly thru DCL). It was awesome and would definitely be on my list of "DO NOT MISS". As for the depth of the water, there were some smaller kids there, probably 7 or 8 and they had no problem in the water. You stand at one point, and the water is right below your waist, and then kneel at one point and the water is up to your chest. If I can remember right, at the kneeling point the smaller kids just kept standing and they were fine. Of course you could always hold your child on your lap or knee...the staff there seemed to be very accomodating!