Stingray snorkeling in the Caymans

[Mtdewbuzz]

I just wanted to know which is the best way to go- through Capt. Marvin's, Capt. Bryan's, or through DCL's excursion?? Anyone that has done one of these with the Western cruise please let me know. I just want to get an idea for the advantages/disadvantages of each, as well as the overall experience, so I can decide which I'd like to try when I go on my cruise in August.

Thanks!!

 

[atigeg]

We just got back (literally) from the 5/25 Western, and we did the DCL excursion called "Island Tour and Snorkeling With Stingrays" (there are a couple with similar names). I liked that one...the group was pretty small so there was plenty of interaction with the stingrays and assistance from the boat driver. He held the stingrays over people's heads for photos, passed out food, coaxed reluctant youngsters into the water, etc. It was a really neat excursions...snorkeling with the rays is the best! They were like big puppies, but they can really bump you when they know you have food!
We heard from some people who did Captain Marvin's, and they highly recommended it. We did it through DCL because we wanted it to go as smoothly as possible, but from what they said, Captain Marvin's would be good too.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Pugdog007]

We did Capt Marvins and it was incredible! There were only about 15 people on our boat, and you snorkel at a reef first, then go to stingray city. We had 2 guides (plus driver of the boat) that I was a little apprehensive about at first meeting, but they turned out to be wonderful (looks can be deceiving

I think everyone on our boat was terrified at first, as the rays kind of storm you when you get in the water and it can be quite frightening. They rub up against you and are so large can feel like they're pushing you. It was absolutely incredible!

Warning though about Grand Cayman... they drive crazy there and I felt my life was in danger a couple of times on the ride! I heard one van full of DCL cruisers had an accident in a Capt Marvins van and I'm not surprised.

 

[GOOFY D]

How deep is the water you are let out in for the Stingray feeding? Is it intimidating for a "not so good" swimmer?

 

[disvaclub92]

Which one is better for a six year old - Capt. Marvins or the DCL or does it really matter?

Thanks

 

[lespaul55]

Stingray City is on a sandbar. I'm 5'2" and the water was up to my shoulders at the deepest. It is a not to be missed sight and you can always get back on the boat if you are feeling at all apprehensive. Since it is a sandbar, the bottom is uneven so the depth varies but you would be only a foot or so away from a area you can stand in.

Leslie

 

[GOOFY D]

The boat drops you off near the sandbar? Sounds nice. Other than the stingrays, are there corals or reefs anywhere nearby?

 

[twiceasnice]

we booked with cpt. marvin's- ruth & her husband (they own it) were great! they have a very clean & efficent operation. I would not hesitate to recommend that you book with them- we saved 80.00 by not doing the disney excursion. you can walk to the office from the pier- very convienent. on the way you pass a couple stores that sell the rum cakes. once your at the office they drive you to the boat. the crew was very patient. i did not get off the boat at stingray city!! i took lots of great pictures -- -- the snorkeling was awesome. if you can, get the earliest trip because there are alot of boats doing the same thing

 

[inkkognito]

Although I can swim, I am a total wimp about deep water, and the depth and location of the stingray sandbar were not at all intimidating for me. The boats all dock right there, and with the type of craft we had, you just climb down the ladder right into the water. It's kind of wavy, but not enough to have water flying in your face. The stingrays will bump you when they know you have food, but they won't hurt you. It's a weird feeling when they brush against you, but very neat to be in their midst...their tameness is amazing. There is nowhere else to snorkel there...you just stay on the stingray sandbar. I was surprised at the number of boats and people who were there, but it didn't seem overcrowded when we got off the boat. When the stingrays know that a new boat has arrived, they flock to it as they know that it is suppertime! If you are afraid in the water, you can always climb back on the boat and watch from the deck, but I think that even a timid swimmer would be fine. We have lots of photos that I'll post when hubby finishes uploading them.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[mmouse37]

I checked out Captain Marvins website and the prices are cheaper than the DCL stingray excursions. I thought I read on these boards that DCL uses Captain Marvins as their vendor for their excursion to stingray city. Anyone know if this is true?

MJ