The Awesome Sting Ray City Excursion with Native Way Watersports- A Belated report

[Dave in the Frozen North]

Swimming With the Sting Rays – Up Close And Personal – Our Private Grand Cayman Sting Ray City Excursion with Native Way Watersports – A Terrific experience on a Norwalk Cruise Gone Bad


I’m long overdue in posting this and wanted to share our experience with our sting ray swim in Grand Cayman on our February Cruise. With the cruise as a whole being a write-off for us, due to Norwalk, and Disney's subsequent about-face in it's promise to make amends, I was inclined to try to forget about this year's vacation. However that would mean failing to report our terrific experience with the sting rays and Native Way Watersports. So read on folks.

Prior to our 7 day Western Caribbean Disney Cruise, I had, as always, researched these boards for the comments from DCL cruisers who had booked their own private sting ray excursion in Grand Cayman. One of the common comments seemed to be that the Disney excursion, while certainly a terrific choice, usually involved joining the “stampede” for sting-ray city. Although a stampede on water is not really an appropriate analogy, my impression was that if it was to be a busy day in port with a number of ships docking, it really might be a really crowded event. Sort of a “show-down at the sting-ray corral” as all of the excursion operators jockeyed into position.

After discussing it with Kathy, we agreed that it would be worthwhile to book a private excursion. We had, after all, had huge luck in the past, in booking our dolphin swim. Our dolphin swim was, and will continue to be, one of the vacation highlights of our family’s collective Disney Vacation life span. We has also decided that we would not book any other excursions on this 2003 cruise, in order to slow down the pace. We voted unanimously to spend our money on one “Spoil-us-rotten-look-at-us-on-our-own-private-boat” tour in Grand Cayman.

So…with mouse poised and ready, I clicked away over the months and decided that we would book with Native Way Watersports, operated by Eldon and Sharon Ebanks. After a number of emails exchanged with Sharon, who was terrific, we were booked. Our Dave in the Frozen North family of four would depart from the dock for our trip to Sting Ray city, followed by some snorkelling at the reef. Kaitlin and Carly were thrilled at the prospect.

BUT….sadly it was not exactly the excursion we had planned. Or at least not for all of us. That nasty, miserable terrible, horrible, no-good very-bad microscopic (insert bad word here) which plagued our cruise struck down our daughter Kaitlin at midnight the evening before our docking in Grand Cayman. Norwalk came a’walking. And my poor daughter went a hurlin’. Kaitlin was slugged down and literally knocked into bed, and quarantined to cabin.

The next morning was not a happy event. We had all looked forward to this. We were uncertain as to what to do. Kaitlin was too sick to care. As the anal-retentive Disney Planner I was devastated that we would not be doing this again as a family. Carly was upset. My wife Kathy took control of the situation, said she would stay with Kaitlin, and shoo-shooed Carly and I out the door, telling us that it made no sense for all four of us to stay behind.

So Carly and I were off. Carly was excited. Although certainly commiserating with her poor sister’s condition she was after all a pragmatic 13 year old and was soon of the attitude – “Hey Cool! I’m on a boat to see Sting Rays! Who cares if Kaitlin’s barfing”.

Despite Carly’s obviously easy adaptive little-sister approach, I couldn’t help but feel that our long-awaited cruise vacation had suddenly taken a turn for the worst. But, I figured we might as well put that aside for a few hours. We headed to shore in the tender.

Eldon himself met us at the dock. With only Carly and I in the small bus, we chatted as we drove the short distance to the marina used by Native Ways. We were met by Captain Dean. A young guy, Dean was full of energy, friendly, charming, and a terrific tour guide. I’d already heard good things about this fellow on the net. Feeling somewhat conspicuous with two people, one captain and a very large boat which could likely take 20 people, we boarded the boat and headed out from the marina tucked back in a very quiet cove. The boats are great, roomy, well-maintained, and easily accessible from the back.

As we headed out to sea, we passed the very impressive beach front mansions and rows of big-money yachts. I knew I was indeed in Grand Cayman the island of money as Dean calmly pointed out Sylvester Stallone’s digs. Carly strained her neck looking for the Big Guy but the curtains were drawn and Rambo wasn’t on the back-lawn sunning that day (perhaps he was inside planning his campaign for Governor of the Caymans - the next Hollywood Muscle Man making the move!)

In any event we proceeded along the canal and headed out to Sting Ray City. I was surprised at the distance we travelled from shore. Sting Ray City is, of course, a rather sizable sand bar adjacent to a large reef, but I imagined it being fairly close to the island. In fact, it is multiple kilometers out from shore (couldn’t guess how many) and when you are later standing in the water, less than chest-deep, it feels a little weird so far from land.

Dean explained the history of Sting Ray City, and how the fishermen years ago began to clean their catch in this area around the sand bar, thus attracting the local sting ray population for feeding. As Dean slowed the boat down, I looked around and realized that we were by our lonesome. We were two tiny Canucks from back-woods northeastern Ontario entering the big city – a Sting Ray City – all by ourselves. It became even more surreal, almost creepy for a minute or two. I asked Dean where the City was located. He pointed ahead and said “Right there – they’re waiting for you”

Now I know that it was just nice-guy Dean’s lips saying – “They’re waiting for you.” But the voice I heard was Boris Karloff’s saying…..”THEY’RE WAITING FOR YOOOOOU”. Carly and I looked ahead. Carly looked a bit like a deer caught in the headlights. I know I gulped. The music suddenly in my head was something akin to the shreeky strains of the violins in a classic horror movie – you know - like Psycho “Skreeee Skreeee Skreee. Only the fear factor wasn’t what was behind the shower curtain waiting for us – it was what was in the water waiting for us. It was the 40 PLUS dark hovering shapes with the looooooong pointy tails, in one large “pack” (“school” just didn’t fit – it was more like a “pack” I tell you) floating ominously in the clear, aquamarine water.

Okay, okay, so I’m being over dramatic. Later, of course, once Carly and I were in the water we realized how gentle and harmless these creatures are, but as our solitary vessel came to a stop and the sting rays surrounded us, Carly and I were a little uneasy. I mean c’mon people – they ARE called “STING” rays for a reason.

Captain Dean immediately set to work for his crew-of-two. As Carly and I watched, Dan was cutting up squid to feed the sting rays. The water was calm and it was very quiet. The rays moved in behind the boat. Dean explained that the rays know the routine at this time of the day and are always expecting “The Feeding” when the boat’s engines stop. He said Feeding. Carly and I heard “Feeding Frenzy”. Carly was whispering to me, concerned about what would happen when we got in the water. I put on the brave face (cause thats my job) and said it would be fine.

And it WAS fine. It was more than fine, it was wonderful. Carly said it was cool, and I agreed. Dean jumped in and told us the routine. Once in the water, the rays immediately bump and glide in and around your feet which is a little unsettling at first. The only thing to do is to ensure that you don’t stumble and step on one accidentally – that’s the only thing that may make them react. For feeding the rays, Dean showed us how to hold the squid pointed up so that the ray could glide over our hand and suck in the squid.

It was an awesome experience. Carly and I hung on to each other as one after another the sting rays maneuvered and rubbed up against our legs and sides. A lot like my cat back home,….except our cat isn't hard….and slippery….and the size of our kitchen table…..with a weapon attached

Since we were the only ones around for a square mile, that made us the Squid Buffet of choice at the moment, so both Carly and I were the center of attention. It took some getting used to. It was a bit hard to keep our balance, but by spreading our legs we relaxed and got used to positioning ourselves. The rays are very slow and gentle in their movements, and there was no splashing or sudden harsh actions. It was all very graceful and relaxed. Sort of a sting ray feeding ballet.

Carly was better at feeding them than her father. The ray’s mouth is situated on the bottom of it’s flat disc-like winged body and found some inches back from the front edge of the ray. The eyes are positioned near the front. The sting rays would pass by with their undulating wings moving in the water, and we sort of tried to have our hand with the squid positioned under the ray. The ray’s mouth is without teeth, but it is sort of a hard gummy edge with a powerful lot of suction. I seemed to screw up every time and my thumb kept getting a little of that Sting Ray Hoover action, followed by a little nip on my thumb. (No worries – didn’t hurt. I’m tough).

As part of the experience, Dean helped us to hold the rays for that real close-up intimate sting ray encounter. By holding out our hands palms up, Dean would gently move one of the rays facing our bellies or chests. The ray would then simply let itself be held for a few moments, in essence, swimming against our body. The rays are smooth and slippery, much like the covering on dolphins – which is the only other large sea creature I’ve had the good fortune to caress. The sensation of having this large creature up against your body, with these large thin wings softly moving over your arms is something that is difficult to explain. I was very proud of Carly who, although understandably a bit hyper at first, quickly calmed down and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I got some great pics (if you go you must bring a waterproof camera).

Dean was great in describing the sting-rays. He briefly lifted them out of the water to show us their mouth areas and (what I would describe as) gills. I had read that this practice may not be well-appreciated by the rays, but for the brief period he lifted the rays, there appeared to be little distress. What was also really neat, was how Dean displayed the stinger. Up until he showed us, my impression was that these very long whip-like tails on the rays were themselves the weapons used in the event you end up ticking off a sting ray. In fact the stinger is imbedded within the tail, much farther up on the tail, more or less enclosed in a fold of skin. When the ray goes into cranky mode, the tail flips forwards and the stinger protrudes and strikes the unlucky sting ray-appointed pin cushion. The stinger is indeed one wicked stinger – think reeeeally BIG hypodermic needle.

But not too worry. Notwithstanding a mighty stinger, the fact that Dean was holding the ray, bending the tail and exposing the stinger while the ray placidly cooperated was self-explanatory in itself that the rays are completely harmless.

Carly and I loved the experience. It was of course all the more wonderful in the fact that we are enjoying a very private, unhurried, peaceful one-on-one experience that morning. We felt special. And the timing could not have been better. Just as Dean was winding things up and we were getting ready to climb back on board……..they came.

In my head (and you can tell that as a film fanatic, movie themes factor big in my sensory experience) I heard the William Tell Overture echoing in my ears as not one but FOUR big tour boats thundered towards Sting Ray City from the shore, PACKED with cruise ship passengers. They pulled up about 100 feet off of our boat and dozens of bathing suited bodies spilled onto the sand bar. It was very quickly obvious from the shrieks and peals of giggles and splashing and thrashing that everyone was certainly enjoying the experience just as we had. But considering the quiet, intimate “Sting Ray Threesome” we had just had the good fortune to enjoy, I would have to say that the private Charter, if you can swing it, is really the way to go. Certainly sharing a boat with a small group would be great as well – and just as expensive, if not cheaper than the Disney excursion. (You do however have to make all the arrangements yourself of course!) We were indeed lucky that day to beat the crowd and enjoy the experience. Just Carly and me!

Of course as we pulled away from the congested streets of Sting Ray City, I again remembered that half of our Disney Cruise Vacation family had missed out on this amazing experience, and that Kaitlin was unfortunately having too much of a hands-on experience with the stateroom toilet instead of sting rays.

The excursion was not over. As part of the package, the sting ray encounter was followed by a private snorkeling trip to the near-by reef. It was awesome and once again Captain Dean made the experience exceptional. Dean pulled up at the reef and in we jumped with bigger feet and masks and snorkels. Carly and I lazily meandered here and there pointing out the wonderful kind of marine eye-candy that makes snorkelling so great – fish, coral, shells, rocks, plants, all in a zillion colors in water-shimmering sunlight. It never ceases to amaze a land-locked lubber from Canada like me, how cool the ocean can be. We pointed here and there, Carly trying hard not to squeal with excitement (which is a really bad thing to do underwater).

Dean however had a few treats lined up. He motioned us over to a couple of spots and I was amazed to find him swimming down and coaxing out a Moray eel with a bit of fish. THAT was cool. But a few feet over, and a few minutes later, I was even more astounded to see him maneuvering a fair sized shark from behind some rocks for a better view. And THAT was cool too! By this time another boatload of cruise passengers had arrived nearby and were swimming in to benefit from Dean’s bonus snorkeling demonstration.

We weren’t hurried and enjoyed close to an hour, if not more, at the reef. I wasn’t checking my watch. Soon, Dean motioned us on board, offered us refreshments and off we went, back to the marina. Carly bubbled and burbled her opinions on the experience and said she was sorry Mom and Kaitlin had missed the experience. She had that right.

We puttered along through the channel to the marina past Rocky’s Place. Sly STILL wasn’t out mowing the lawn or sipping daiquiris by the pool so we had to settle for glimpses of the Lifestyles of the Wonderful & Wet that day instead of the Rich and Famous. As we pulled up to the dock the next small group was ready to come on board. We thanked Dean, tipped (I hope) generously in appreciation and walked the dock up to the cement dock.

As we were preparing to leave Native Way Watersports had yet one more awesome, but unscheduled, sight for us to see. Sharon Ebanks had pulled up along side the dock in an SUV and indicated she would drive us back to the downtown docks. Carly climbed in the back, but as I went around to the other side I was horrified to see Mrs. Ebanks step up onto the concrete wall alongside the vehicle and suddenly waver and disappear over the wall. Fortunately (so to speak) the poor lady missed the lower concrete edge of the dock and landed in the water. Captain Dean dived in to help her and she emerged a little shaken. Sharon said she was okay, but her soggy cell phone was, I think, toast.

One of the other fellows with Native Way had pulled up in a small bus, so we headed back into town and back to the ship.

Our Sting Ray City Excursion was both the highlight of our cruise, and ironically the beginning of the end of our Disney Cruise. Kaitlin remained very ill and confined to bed for the remainder of the cruise. We missed out on Cozumel the following day and the rest of the 7 day cruise was, to say the least, NOT the vacation we had planned. For many other reasons that week’s cruise vacation, in fact, strayed into the category of “Downright Horrible”. As anyone who remembers our prior trip reports in years gone by will know, our prior Disney Vacations have never been anything less than terrific. Disney had previously never disappointed us. Not this time. With a very sick daughter too ill to move, confined to the stateroom and adjacent to some awful neighbours we paid a lot of money that week to be miserable. Kaitie emerged on the last day, having lost a considerable amount of weight, pale and a little shaky. We stuck to the beach chairs on Castaway Cay. She did manage to get her hair braided on the island – something she really wanted to do and we made it to supper on the last night.

For Carly and I, our private tour of Sting Ray City came a very close second to the Dolphin Swim as a memorable Disney Vacation Experience. Now that Norwalk has passed we HAD planned on returning to Sting Ray City, for a full family experience -- if only Disney Cruise Line had honoured their on-board commitment of a free replacement Cruise, and not later reneged on their promise. Such is the other unfortunate corporate money-oriented side of Disney that I guess takes priority, illustrating the hazards of cruising when Norwalk ruled the seas this past year.

Don’t miss Sting Ray City. A top-notch private charter such as the one with Native Way Watersports is the way to go, but the regular Disney Excursion is certainly not a shabby second and swimming with sting rays is an experience unlike any other.

Dave in the Frozen North


IF YOU ARE INTERESTED – check out Native Way Watersports web site at http://www.nativewaywatersports.com. They have some great photos, including Captain Dean, the boats you will sail on, and the sting ray encounters. You can also check out other reviews that might still be around on the most-excellent DIS Discussion Boards and also on the Cruise Diva’s forums (find your way to the discussion forums for the individual Ports on her boards – and Grand Cayman).

 

[Ginny]

Dave -

So good to see you posting again. DH and I have always enjoyed your wonderful writing style and have relied upon your advice and experience on many occasions in the past. We have incredible photos matted and framed in our bedroom of dolphins kissing DD thanks to your past reports!!

Thanks for sharing your experience with Native Sports as we are just now looking at excursions for our Christmas Cruise!! Take care -

 

[dianthus]

Dave~

Thanks for posting this terrific report! We are going on the 11/8 Western & have booked with Native Way becasue of all the great reports on this board. Thanks for going into such detail about the Rays, as we now know better what to expect. This sounds great!

So sorry to hear about your daughter's illness on your cruise. I hope you & your family can get back there for a true family experience.

Thanks for your very enjoyable and informative report! We are looking forward to a similar experience. They seem so nice at Native Way, just dealing with them so far! I'm really glad we booked with them based on your report!

~ Linda

 

[Surfergirl]

Dave, Thanks for the great report. Can you give me an idea how much the private tour cost?I did not find any prices on the web site. we are also a family of 4 from the frozen north.

 

[cruisnfamily]

We also booked a private tour to stingray city and snorkeling when in Grand Cayman. It was $300 for 8 people for our own private boat. We booked with Clint Ebanks(apparently Ebanks is the last name of about 50% of the folks who live on Grand Cayman) and it was fabulous. Clint himself met us at the dock when we got off the tender and held a sign with our name on it. He drove us to his boat and off we went. It was not a luxury boat by any means but it was clean and served its purpose. He even let the kids ride on the top of the boat and drive the boat if they wanted. We had stopped on the way to boat and he bought water and soda for us. He also had a fresh water "shower"(basically a hose hooked up to frest water somewhere). We got personalized attention from Clint at Stingray City and he had food for all of us to feed the stingrays and helped us all hold one.

The next part of the tour was the snorkeling...we went to two places and it was absolutely fabulous. I really cannot do it justice with words. He didn't just dump us off and tell us to snorkel either. He got in with us and led us all around the reef and fed the fish and it was just so, so cool! We also were treated to see an eel, a shark and something that looked like a baracuda. This was the highlight of our 7 day cruise and we have booked another cruise for next year just to go back to Grand Cayman and experience this again.

His name is Clint Ebanks. Email capclint@candw.ky . Phone is (345)949-1016 or (345)916-5234 . I don't know if he is related to the other Ebanks but he was really friendly and helpful and made the trip so much fun for the kids. We like that it wasn't a "big operation" it was just a one man show and we loved it!

 

[Dave in the Frozen North]

Thanks for the Comments and hello Ginny!

Surfergirl - I'm not a 100% sure on the cost - can't seem to put my finger on the amount but I'm fairly sure it was around $400.00 US$. The amount may very well vary with the number of people on board (size of crew?). I recall I simply emailed Sharon for the quote. Once you know how many people and when you will be there, I'd drop her an email for an exact amount - but likely in that range for a half-day excursion.


Linda - you will have a blast when you go. Don't forget the waterproof cameras (though I think they will sell them on board) and save at least one pic of Sly Stallone in his back yard.

Dave

 

[Ginny]

Hi, Dave -

Well, you've done it again!! We just booked with Native Way Sports and will be spending Christmas Eve heading to Stingray City and snorkeling with them.

I sent Sharon an e-mail with a link to your trip overview and she was very appreciative.

You have steered us in the right direction twice before on two different cruises so we are feeling pretty confident.

Take care and thanks so much for the timing on your review. It may have been later than you planned but perfect for us.

 

[d'Isigny]

WOW!! what an experience...sorry to hear the whole family was not able to enjoy this.

PS...Dave - it's great to see a post from you...I, and others - sooooooooo much enjoy your writing style.

High regards, K

 

[heart]

Thanks for a great report! You have a wonderful writing style--

I am so sorry that Disney has so severely disapointed such a fan and advocate. Every time I go, I worry a little, "what if things go so bad, and I have to get angry at Disney, and I can't go back?" I don't want that to happen! I hope someone's VERY bad decision hasn't ruined future trips for you.

Thank you again for sharing!

 

[Credit Man]

Dave, Thanks for the report.

 

[jwann]

Great report!
Very funny!! (except the sick child part )

 

[DMOMof3]

Thanks for the report, I will be looking into it for our cruise coming up in Feb.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Thanks Dave.....enjoyed your TR very much....a wealth of information & very entertaining. So sorry your daughter got so ill and Disney went back on their word. That's such a let-down after what should have been a magical vacation for you all.

 

[Grumpy's Mom]

Dave - what a shame that your child should become so sick, and that Disney should not honor their word.

Your writing is great - a real pleasure to read. Could you post a link to the company you used for the Dolphin swim? Our oldest is interested in doing that on our cruise in December.

Thanks.

 

[Dave in the Frozen North]

Hi all:

Glad you liked the report. Realized afterwards that this might have been better on the other cruise trip reports board. If I could figure out how to do it, I'd post one of the pics with all of the sting rays hovering ominously in the water around our lonely boat.

We could certainly never turn our backs on Disney fully, but the whole experience left such a bitter taste that we felt we needed a good long break before we hit Disney again. After years of repeat visits and acting as a walking advertisement for Disney Cruises, it did hurt a little to have a bust-out on our cruise, get the promise for amends and then have it yanked back. Part of the problem is simply the great distance and expense for us to travel south from our area. I may follow-up with DCL. The lesson learned for us is that if something like Norwalk reared it's ugly head again as it did this past year I would NEVER again gamble my vacation and would cancel and wait until the bug was good and gone. I would pass on my two cents on the subject to anyone.

But hey, life goes on. Whatever happens, you can't beat a Disney Cruise...just make it a Norwalk-free cruise! DCL is still an awesome product for families and people who love a terrific wholesome classy, first-rate vacation experience. That's the more important overall message I'd want to send out than me being grumpy about wasted vacation dollars.

Hey Grumpy's Mom - the URL link to my old Dolphin post is still hidden away. At the bottom are all the links and info. I give you the caution that this is a dated report so the contact info might be a little old. As you can see from the report and posts from others such as Ginny, the Dolphin swim is still a really great thing to do with kids.

Here's the link:

Dave in the Frozen North

 

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font face="Comic Sans MS"><font color=navy>Thank you for the great report, Dave!

I'm sorry your dd was so ill, and the ensuing troubles, but it seems you made the best out of it and got some quality father-daughter time with the stingrays.

I love your perspective.

 

[S. C.]

Great report Dave. We had a sting ray excursion booked in 1998 when we were on a different cruise line and the water was so rough that the excursion was cancelled.