DIVE INTO THAT CARIBBEAN VACATION!

Taking a dive into a Grand Cayman vacation

This is one spectacular dive off of Big John - Starfish Point was the site where we were stopped during the tour on January 17. Happy to welcome cruise guests from the Aida Bella, and overnight island visitors from Villas of the Galleon and George Town Villas - the above image provides an idea of the general feeling on the boat for the excursion!

Grand Cayman was putting a great show of beautiful tropical weather, although, as it is "winter" for us, the sun was not "biting" as much as usual, and the tropical breeze was soothing and fresh.

The Aida Bella at Anchor in George Town, Grand Cayman

Captain Mario spotted a small turtle whizzing by under the boat but it happened too fast for him to show the guests. However, while at Starfish Point, we were treated to a rare visit of Brown Pelicans - they were wonderful to watch splashing around and then gracefully taking to the air. Captain Mario was unable to catch pictures of them today, but went back on Sunday and managed some then.

Lovely conditions, and the stingrays were enjoyed by all - especially one exceptional little adventurer who was thrilled to touching them at the sandbar - the stingray handing out kisses today was Frosty.

If you would like to read more news on Grand Cayman and our tours, check out the Captain's Log - we hope you enjoy!

Last touch before we leave!

IS STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN SAFE FOR CHILDREN?

I doubt that there are any visitors to Grand Cayman in the Caribbean who are not aware of the world famous Stingray City Sandbar. Excursions take guests to interact with, feed and even kiss the Southern Stingrays here, and many of these visitors are families on vacation.

This begs the questions "is the sandbar safe for children"? 

We would be foolish to take this concern lightly - these stingrays are after all armed with their barbs so that they can defend themselves against predators. They are not "trained", and interact with visitors  of their own free will. Some may disappear for months and then suddenly (and to our great delight) make a reappearance for daily kisses. Some never return (and we have our suspicions about them), but that is another story entirely.

Read up on the history of Stingray City, and you will learn that our stingrays have had over 30 years of interaction with human beings and do not automatically see us as either predator or prey. A reputable tour operator will know how to treat the stingrays, and should be in the water with you to show you how to do the same. Respect is key - no "cowboy" antics should be tolerated, from anyone, ever. That is asking for trouble.

So, we would advise that this attraction is no more dangerous for children than it is for adults, and we have hosted countless children from 3 months of age and up. In fact, our experience is that the kids have an enormous natural respect and awe for these beautiful sea creatures and become mesmerised when holding the stingrays. Of course, every child is different and each one has a different taste for adventure, so while we encourage all of them to partake in this experience, we never force it upon anyone, no matter the age.    

A child holds a stingray at Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Ultimately, it is the decision of the parents whether to take their children or not. Us? We love sharing it and feel it can only be a good experience and can't wait to do it again with the next young adventurer!

This youngster snorkels with Barbara

STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - IS IT DANGEROUS?

Am I going to die?

This is a question Captain Mario hears often when taking excursion guests to visit the Stingray Sandbar in Grand Cayman.

His answer?

"Yes, we are all going to die, but hopefully not today, and not with us."

Cuddling a stingray at Grand Cayman's stingray sandbar

Years after the paradoxical death of dedicated conservationist Steve Irwin, Grand Cayman - home to the wondrous Stingray City Sandbar, still feels the sting. It is no small task to remove the barb of this memory from the island guests when faced with the life changing opportunity to interact with, feed and even kiss, our stingrays.

Our company and crew considers itself privileged to observe their guests transforming from fear-filled, intrepid visitors to awe inspired ambassadors of the stingrays. Each giggling guest is seen as a stroke against the tide of ill repute regarding these ethereal creatures. The magic belongs to the Cayman stingrays and their azure Caribbean Sea arena - we are there simply to help you experience the moment.

Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Stingrays will react defensively if perceiving danger. None of the stingrays are forced into this interaction, they are there of their own free will - some will disappear for weeks, others are regulars whom we see daily. Our "girls" have had over 35 years of contact with humans - just listen to your tour guides and treat the rays with respect and you will have an experience that you will not only live through, but never forget.

STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - "THE GIRLS" # 3

Fall in love with a stingray? Possible? We do.....every day......

Stingray City in Grand Cayman is a world famous attraction. No Cayman Islands vacation itinerary is complete without this item - a top of the list thing to do!

There are many tours to the sandbar where you can commune with, feed and even kiss these beautiful stingrays (earning 7 years good luck while doing it!). 

Every day, North Sound in Grand Cayman lures travellers from cruise ships, luxurious island hotels and expats to the many attractions found here. You have a choice of excursions to snorkel sites and the Stingray City Sandbar, or private chartered tours to gorgeous spots such as Starfish Point, Rum Point and Kaibo Yacht Club.

But the best activity is visiting the "ladies" at Stingray City. We have taken numerous guests to this spot, and have yet to find one person who does not fall under their spell. No-one leaves without a smile on their face - no-one.

We fall in love with them every day, with the stingrays revealing their individual personalities over time. Today, we introduce you to "Snowflake" - she is one of Dwayne's favourites, with a shy, gentle and endearing nature. Covered with a  sprinkling of little white marks, she looks as if she has floated through snowflakes and collected some on the way - an impossible scenario in this tropical surrounding, but romantic nonetheless!

The gentle and endearing stingray called "Snowflake"

Stingray City Sandbar, Grand Cayman

So, add this to your bucket list......you'll be SO glad you did!

STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - "THE GIRLS" # 2

"Scarface". As photos of our beautiful ladies (the stingrays at Stingray City) become available, we will introduce you to them. Scarface is named for her very obvious injury - a great big gash along the left side of her "nose". Thankfully, she has healed well.....but it is a very graphic reminder of the boaters who use the North Sound with reckless abandon and disregard for the creatures who live there. These "cowboys" earn no respect, unlike the "girls" who deserve all the respect in the world!

LOVE YA SCARFACE!