Which stingray excursion on Grand Cayman?

[McTigger]

We are going on the Western cruise leavin 8/17/02? This is our first sail on Disney and need more information in order to book the excursions. Is Captain Marvin's stingray excursion the best? Which one is it? There are 3 listed.

 

[nancyz]

Don't feel the need to limit yourself to Capt Marvin's as there are many operators of the Stingray excursion. Thanks to my sister-in-law, tinkerbell4two, she found a group excursion for the 8 adults in our group on Red Baron. You can always check out www.cruisecritic.com for other opinions of cruisers from other ships on the Stingray. I found good feedback from this board and that one as well on excursions.

If you need further info, let me know and I can email you our research.

We'll be on the 8/3 cruise, 14 of us in all, and are really looking forward to the Stingray excursion.

Hope this helps!

nancy

 

[Wavegirl]

Love 'em...Mikey & Neil have the best thing going...nothing beats sailing to stingray city...the have a coupon offer too. Book early as only fill up fast. They are fairly new but getting really popular

Red Baron Charters

 

[nancyz]

Thanks for the vote for Red Baron. I know the whole family is really looking forward to this excursion. We really liked the fact there will only be the 8 of us, rather than a large group.


nancy

 

[McTigger]

Thanks but we were under the impression these tours are snorkeling not just a boat ride. We want to swim with the stingrays. Thanks for any additional info.

 

[inkkognito]

Disney has a couple of island tour/snorkeling with stingrays excursions, and I was wondering what the difference was. At the shore excursion talk, we were told that the one that is titled "Island Tour/Snorkeling With Stingrays" has smaller snorkeling groups than the other and is therefore good for families with little children. That's the one we took, and the groups were split into vans for the island tour portions and then split among several boats for the snorkeling trip. Our group was comfortably small, and the guide was able to spend plenty of time helping people with photographs, passing out stingray food, coaxing in reluctant kids, etc. We did see some very large boats out there too...not sure what tour operator they were from, but I preferred the smaller, more personalized experience.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[Wavegirl]

Stingray city trips usually consist of a boat ride or sail in the North SOund of Grand Cayman. They usually stop at a few amazing locations to snorkel and then you go to the sandbar where you stand in waist to chest deep water and get to interact with the Rays They are incredible. You can snorkel with them or just stand and have them swim past you and glide against you. You must feel them underneath, it is the most incredible thing. Magnificent creatures. You'll love it.

The difference with Red Baron is that you sail there in your own charted sail boat with two guys who really know the North Sound. I found it much nicer than going out in a motor boat as I have always been intriged with sailing. Phenominal

 

[McTigger]

thanks very much for the clarification. shall i book it now or wait until we get there???

 

[McTigger]

thanks very much for the clarification. shall i book it now or wait until we get there??? how much is it???

 

[nancyz]

I would suggest booking before arrival in port. That way you are sure to get the excursion, and you sometimes can find coupons on the websites. Here are some the rates and length of times we found.

Red Barron: 3 1/2 hr. tour - 8:30 to 12 $50pp (8 people)
The cost for 8 people will be $400 (this is only $5 more per person than DCL). With 8 people a taxi should cost between 2 to 3 dollars per person.

DCL: 3 1/2 hr. tour - 7:45 to 11:15 $45pp (25 or more people)

Capt. Marvins: 2 hr. our - 8:30 to 10:30 $34pp (14 people) www.captainmarvins.com

Capt. Dexter: 3 1/2 hr. tour - 8:30 - 12 $30 pp (best value;18 people)
http://www.dexters-fantaseatours.com/about_our_tours.htm

Capt. Bryan: 3 hr. tour - 9:30 to 12:30 $37.50
http://www.cayman.org/captainbryan/

There may be more time slots available, but this is what we were looking for in times. Check the websites for more times.

nancy

 

[rgionet]

thanks for the great info Nancy!! That will make the decision easier!