Stingray City Snorkeling - Does everyone have to get in the water?

[Thumper1]

My bother (39), myself (older than that) and my Dad (who's on oxygen) would like to go on one of the Stingray City tours. My brother and I would like to get in the water, but Dad doesn't want to. Do all members of the party have to get in the water? Would Dad still enjoy the excursion if he just watched? Are there places to sit down? Is getting in the water the only difference between the snorkeling trip and the tour with the semi-submersible. I believe they both have the city tour as well. Are the city tours the same?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[tkd lisa]

You don't have to get in. My DS got freaked by a teenager yelling shark at the first stop, so wouldn't get in the water at all! We were on the Capt. Marvin's excursion, and for our boat, there were sit down areas along both sides of the boat, and at the front part (as well as some up top). But, if you don't get in the water, you basically just see the stingrays from about 10 feet away. You have to anchor in the deeper water, then swim over to the shallow area where the rays are.

Sorry I can't answer about the submersible.

Have fun!

 

[bkstarbabe]

I recommend that you don't use Disney for this excusrsion if your father will not go in the water. We were on the Magic on 9/7/02 and when in Grand Cayman, we walked a few blocks to the left of the port...we came up with a shop who sells excursions for only 39.99 a person (Includes gear, and 2 additional stops for snorkling(guided). The place is called SOTO's, they were AWESOME!! First, you are in a 10 person boat. Second,you have 3 experienced guides (one of which is currently on the cover of Sport Diver magazine). Third, they didn't make you swim out to the rays- because they are on a smaller boat, they can pull right in on the "sandbar" as they call it. Also, they have some great techniques to attract the rays, and they are very good with them (almost like snake charmers)- the guides are full-time dive instructors so they know what they are doing to every degree. On our boat there was only 8 people, 3 of whom did not once get off the boat but were there with family...they still had a great time with the rays (you really get to know the people with you when you're on a boat less crowded). I would recommend them, not only because they are less expensive, but they also make you feel at ease with everything, and they really seemed to take pride on everyone's enjoyment. You could see the rays as if you were in the water with them. I know this because I was a bit scared at first, and it took a good 20min before I got in the water.
Hope it helps you out, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

 

[sjm]

I have seen the stingrays twice, once on the semi submersible and once on the sand bar(not Disney, one Princess, don't remember the other). We did not enjoy the semi submersible at all and that was our first stingray experience. The second time, we were on Princess and took the ships excursion to the sandbar. I didn't stay in the water long, since I was just recovering from surgery. Even sitting on the boat, I had a wonderful view and could enjoy watching the stingrays.

Capt. Marvin's has a website and I have heard wonderful things about him. You might send him an email or call him and see what excursion he would reccommend, with your father in mind.

Sue

 

[inkkognito]

We did the Disney excursion...there are two with similar descriptions, but we did the one that is supposed to have smaller groups. We were broken down and taken in our groups onto boat to head out to the stingrays. You did not have to get off the boat if you did not want to, and there was shade and also cold drinks. One little boy did not want to go in the water and stayed on the boat for most of the time, but his parents finally convinced him (forced him) to come in. We really loved this excursion and are planning to do it again when we sail in January, although we might try Captain Marvin's for that one.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[AnnMorin]

My son is not the best swimmer. I was under the impression that Stingray City was on a sandbar and he could stand up. We are doing captian marvins, I wonder if I should cancel, He (DS) might freak if he has to swim in deep water to the rays.

 

[magic cruiser]

Do you know if SOTO's has a website ? The sandbar sounds great. I'm not a great swimmer and I don't know about having to swim in deep water over to the rays

 

[Thumper1]

inkkognito -

What was the name of the excursion that you took? Was it the one that costs $5 more: Island Tour and Snorkeling with Stingrays?