Prices for Stingray City Excursions

[cathie]

I was wondering if anyone has been to Stingray City to snorkel & swim with the stingrays & if so how much did it cost? I keep getting different prices & didn't know if we should book through our TA or directly through Stingray City. Thanks Cathie

 

[GenieDana]

Check for yourself:

Nativeway
http://www.nativewaywatersports.com/about.html

Capt. Marvin
http://www.captainmarvins.com/

Capt. Bryan
http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/StingrayCityCaptBryans.htm

Disney:
http://grandcaymancruiseexcursions.com/DisneyMagic.htm

 

[traycie2201]

HI Cathie, we booked ours for october through nativeway 45 mins at stingray sandbar and 45 mins at coral gardens then dropped off at 7 mile beach (taxi back to ship $4pp ) we paid $85 for 3 people.

 

[fireguy5620]

I just did Stingray City on the May 8th cruise. I think we paid 45.00 for adults and 35 for kids, booked through the excursion desk on the day of boarding.

It's a nice concept, but can't say that I would do it again. My DD's 9 and 10 really enjoyed it but I think it was still not adventerous enough for them. You really don't even need snorkle gear. The water is so shallow, lucky if it hits knee deep at times. Plus there are about 3 other excursion boats out there at the same time, with others waiting in line (and we were on the first one of the day) so it's too crowded....BUT there are more than enough stingrays to touch and feed. It was impressive as to how they would come right up to you and there were HUNDREDS of them...

It was fun, but I found it was a waste of money and I wish we would have found something different to do.

 

[palisa]

Originally posted by fireguy5620
I just did Stingray City on the May 8th cruise. I think we paid 45.00 for adults and 35 for kids, booked through the excursion desk on the day of boarding.

It's a nice concept, but can't say that I would do it again. My DD's 9 and 10 really enjoyed it but I think it was still not adventerous enough for them. You really don't even need snorkle gear. The water is so shallow, lucky if it hits knee deep at times. Plus there are about 3 other excursion boats out there at the same time, with others waiting in line (and we were on the first one of the day) so it's too crowded....BUT there are more than enough stingrays to touch and feed. It was impressive as to how they would come right up to you and there were HUNDREDS of them...

It was fun, but I found it was a waste of money and I wish we would have found something different to do.

I would have to agree with fireguy. It definitely wasn't worth the money paid. It is more of a "stand w/ the stingrays" than a snorkel excursion. They want you to keep your feet on the ground at all times and the water was never more than knee deep. As a side note, once the photographer took everyones picture, they had you get back on the boat (really no more than 30 minutes in the water.)

Red Sail Sports (www.redsailsports.com?) is another company you might want to look into. We took a 65 ft catamaran out to deeper waters (15 ft) and were able to swim and snorkel with the stingrays.

After the excursion, we took a taxi down ($20 for 4) to a place called cemetery reef (on seven mile beach). Not very many people on the beach and great snorkeling. We took the #1 bus (more of a van) back to the pier ($2.50 US Dollars/Person).

Lisa

 

[4nana]

We recently did the Stingray excursion.
It was our first time swimming w/stingrays, so it was quite an adventure for us!
They are amazing warm blooded, gentle creatures!

Did not book thru the ship - booked 'Nativeway Watersports' via internet @$30pp. Sharon Banks (owner) met us at dock. We only had 6 people on our boat, plus 2 guides who were just the greatest! Nativeway got us there early, had our own lil spot and was not crowded at all. Would do it again in a heartbeat!! Hope you enjoy!

~ Sandie

 

[cathie]

We may be going on the 1:30pm swim & snorkel with the stingrays with Captain Bryan's. Has anyone ever gone with Captain Bryan's? It sounds pretty good. Cathie & The Gang

 

[aprilgail2]

We did a three hour snorkle/stingray city tour with Captain Marvins and I have to say it was the highlight of trip. It cost about $37.00 and we went snorkling in two spots then did stingray city....the water at the snorkle place was 8-10 feet deep and the stingray city was very shallow. You didn't snorkle with the stingrays, you just fed them squid and petted them. At coral gardens and the barrier reef you went snorkling in deep water. It was the best excursion we ever took on a cruise!

 

[Clam Catcher]

I agree that Stingray City was a highlight of the cruise. We booked directly through Capt. Marvins and saved quite a bit ($40-50?) doing it that way. The water depth at the sandbar is great, because it is knee-deep for small kids, but quickly drops off to deeper water, and you can snorkel around wherever you want to go. Most of the stingrays were in 2-6 foot deep water, which was ideal for underwater photos. In my opinion, definitely worth the money for such a unique experience. Don't forget your underwater camera.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

I have to add my two cents in here. We did Captain Marvins on our honeymoon and it was a wonderful experience. We are going to do it again with our children in December.

That said, I think it depends on what tour you go on and with what tour operator. The 3 hour trip with Captain Marvin stops in three different spots.

 

[grlzmom]

We booked with Capt. Marvins and did an all day trip and it was definately the HIGHLIGHT of our cruise. We are going again in June. I highly recommend them.

Maybe it had to do with the time of the day/tides etc. but there was no knee deep water at Stingray City when we were there. It was about 3-4 feet and then the waves. I am 5 foot 8 and still couldnt just stand still the whole time.

Their website offers several times, choices and prices.

The excursion was not crowded or rushed, very nice.

 

[cathie]

Thanks everybody for your advice. Does anyone know if Captain Marvin's does an afternoon (12 or 1pm) excursion? We travel with a handicapped friend who will be staying on board with my sis (I've heard the tender boats cannot accomodate wheelchairs) and it takes a while to get him ready in the AM. I've gone to the website but couldn't find out if there was an excursion in the afternoon. Thanks! Cathie & The Gang

 

[aprilgail2]

There was a older woman in a wheelchair on the tender after us. I am not sure how they got her on and off but she was in a wheelchair the whole cruise. Capt. Marvins boats are not handicap accessible but the tenders are if they jsut wanted to get off and see Grand Cayman.