LEAVING THE BEST TILL LAST- EXCURSION TO STINGRAY CITY

They say revenge is best served cold. However, there is no best way to serve disappointment. Trust us - we know.

Taking island visitors to meet, feed and kiss the stingrays at the sandbar in Grand Cayman is not only a privilege, but a genuine delight for our crew. First time visitors arrive with a range of emotions - fear, trepidation, curiosity, bravado or simply daring - and all with the under current of excitement. For some, this visit is a bucket item list, for some it is a dream come true for which they have saved a long time, for some, just an attraction which they have "heard" about.

Enjoying Stingray City Sandbar in Grand Cayman

Whatever your motivation for visiting this world famous attraction, our ONE piece of advice would  be :

"DO NOT LEAVE YOUR SEA TOUR TO THE LAST DAY OF YOUR VACATION"

This is the Caribbean, we live in the tropics. Living in the tropics means weather conditions can do a complete u-turn in just a few hours. Annoying? Yes. Predictable? Nope. Controllable? Well, if we could control the weather we would no doubt be far more financially secure.

It sounds rather noble for us to say that we put safety before financial consideration, but we honestly don't want take you on an excursion where you are in the water and have a 40 foot boat being tossed around you by 6 foot swells and matching waves. We also don't think it's too much fun for guests to enter and exit the water in these conditions. Are there tour operators who will take you out despite all of this? Yes. But we will not.

So, given all the above information, it can be plainly seen that it is not wise to book your sea tour for the last available day of your vacation. If weather prevents this from happening, you do not have a (safe) alternative option. Rather book your excursion during the earlier part of your holiday - that way, you have the flexibility to arrange for another day and won't miss what could have been the highlight of your visit. 

IN A RUSH TO RELAX?????

CAN'T THIS BOAT GO FASTER????

Our crew are faced with many interesting questions which they love to answer, but the above question is without doubt one that causes some serious confusion for them.

It would be safe to say that 100% of our guests are on excursion with us to visit some of nature's most beautiful sites. Even if they are living on island, and are not on Grand Cayman for a vacation, surely it can be safely assumed that they are with us to relax, breathe in the salt air and commune in surroundings which are not man-made nor of concrete structure.

Has life become SO busy that we can no longer slow down? Does nothing count unless it can be done in a New York minute? Do we really want to live our lives in an instant?

So, to answer your question, oh yeah baby, it sure can, but why would we want it to? Why would we want to rush you past all this beauty? And with only a couple of feet of water under our helm, why would we want to leave a path of disturbance behind us?

Nah. Enjoy your time with us. Relax. Breathe. Sigh. But most of all ...... stop and smell the sea air.

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!

SNORKELLING & STINGRAY CITY IN GRAND CAYMAN - BARBARA ENTERTAINS

Stingray kiss fail - Grand Cayman Sandbar

Local operators and visitors to Grand Cayman alike have been getting a thorough blasting from the winds since the end of the hurricane season .... that's somewhat ironic, isn't it? Whilst it is normal in December for us to experience climatic mood swings that can rival the most hormonal teenager, we have had to keep a low profile for longer than is accustomed. 

The water at the sandbar where our excursions take island visitors to meet, feed & kiss the stingrays is usually around 3-5 feet deep, depending on the tide. As smooth as a good rum in calm weather, certain winds stir up big swells and respectable waves in the North Sound ...... proof perfect above.

But while the surface may not be all we wish for vacationers to our Caribbean paradise, you can still count on snorkelling your way to a bit of fun. 

There are a number of sociable Southern Stingrays who cavort with our guests at the various snorkel sites which we frequent - and if you keep up with our Captain's Log, you will be very familiar with Barbara. She's the one without the tail. She is also the Captain's favourite.....

The pictures below show just how friendly this lovely lady is, playing tag and chase with our tour guests at Coral Garden yesterday. She is an absolute delight and definitely not camera shy. We are certain that people who have experienced playing with her will never forget the moment, and hope that the photos that we managed to capture (and provide for free) will keep this very special holiday memory alive for a long time to come!

Stingray City in London!!

STINGRAY CITY IN LONDON?

Seems that the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism is spreading the love....

STINGRAY CITY EXCURSION......JUST ENJOY

Watch.

Breathe.

Escape.

Dream a little.

Stingray City tours and snorkel excursions - Grand Cayman

CHEAP TOURS TO STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN

Tours and excursions to Stingray City Sandbar in Cayman Islands come in all sizes and packages with the corresponding prices (and experience!), and you can choose reputable operators charging from around US$45 for a 2.5  hour trip, to US$1200.00 per hour for the ultra luxurious experience.

Of course, you can ALSO find them cheaper................ Exhibit 1

For some great tips on finding the excursion that suits your pocket and desires,

we hope that this post can help you out.

Happy Caribbean vacation planning!

STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - "THE GIRLS" # 4

"LILLY" the stingray

Today is Lilly's turn!

We have previously introduced you to some of the stingrays at the Sandbar in Grand Cayman - today we talk to you about Dwayne's favourite girl.

Lilly the stingray puckers up for a kiss

Our excursion guests are amazed at how the stingrays recognise the different boats and  crew members, swarming over to meet their favourites! Dwayne has a soft spot for Lilly (and she for him) - she is such a gentle giant and really puckers up for those kisses.

This young adventure seeker on yesterday's tour was intrepid at first, but Lilly just patiently hung in there until the magic happened - we think they both deserve 7 years good luck!

Stingray City Sandbar in Grand Cayman

Lilly is in excellent condition and has very few marks on her - life in the seas can leave a few scars.  However,  Lilly's gentle & sweet nature must affect everything around her - hence the almost flawless complexion!

We adore you Lilly - stay safe and happy!

STINGRAY CITY AND SNORKELLING - A TASTE OF WHAT YOU CAN ENJOY!

Don't know what to expect on an excursion to Stingray City?

Practice that vacation feeling....

switch the cellphone off, put your feet up and dream for a minute and a half!

Happy weekend to all!

GRAND CAYMAN TOURS

Today, we simply want to share a beautiful photo of a starfish (now known as Sea Stars), taken at the stunning Starfish Point in Grand Cayman. We include this spot on our tours - some guests find it too tranquil, but 99% of our guests fall in love with it.....so without further ado.....enjoy!

Starfish Point - stunning stop for Grand Cayman Excursions

HAVE A BLESSED WEEKEND!

KISSING STINGRAYS IN GRAND CAYMAN....OOOOH LA LA!

Fun is essential to living! Where would be without our occasional vacation away from work and pressure??

We share our tours and excursions to Stingray City in Grand Cayman with guests from all over the world, each with their own motivation for being here. Many are enjoying cruise holidays, some are hankering for sun after too much winter, we entertain guests visiting for a destination wedding, and we host business visitors grabbing a few hours to enjoy their time. Our crew enjoy meeting each guest!

Private Tour guests enjoying Rum Point in Grand Cayman

The beautiful Caribbean waters of Grand Cayman Island take your breath away. The snorkelling sites literally leave you breathless.....so much awesome coral and tropical fish to watch swimming around you. Concrete is just an unpleasant memory in these surroundings.

Snorkelling in Grand Cayman

And of course, no Caribbean vacation in Cayman Islands is complete without a kiss from a stingray! Legend has it that you earn 7 years good luck.....and even if you don't, the stingrays like it and keep coming back for more! So break out of your comfort zone and come on out with us - we can't wait to welcome you!

Stingray City Sandbar, Grand Cayman

STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - BEST TOUR #1

How do I find the best excursion to Stingray City in Grand Cayman?

Grand Cayman has loads of fantastic things to do, and a wide choice of excursion operators to do them with. Finding that special one can leave travellers exhausted before they even start their Caribbean vacation - naturally, each island guest wishes to get the best experience that their hard earned money can afford!

The many tours and excursions to Stingray City Sandbar (easily the best attraction in the Cayman Islands) offer something for each island visitor - options that can suit your particular holiday budget, quest for adventure or passion.

Tips for finding YOUR best excursion

Ask yourself:

• What are my favourite things to do? If you love snorkelling and the sea, find a tour that includes those activities - don't waste precious time looking at land-based excursions
• How long do I have? Cruise passengers are often restricted by the length of time their ship is in port - work out your itinerary and how much time you want to dedicate to a tour
• What is my budget? A vacation budget is essential - work out what you are happy to pay, save for it and stick to the budget!
• How fit am I? Water sports and outdoor activities are main attractions on Caribbean holidays - choose excursions which suit your level of physical fitness - vacations are for relaxing, not exerting yourself beyond healthy limits. And remember - it is hot out there!
• How do I want to experience this? These options are limitless but deciding this beforehand  will help define your search. Do you want to round up a group of people to do a private tour? Is your preference a motor boat which is faster and allows you to see more? Are you an extrovert who aims for maximum crowds or do you want a more personal tour?

This is a great way to start narrowing your search to find the excursion that best suits your tastes and pocket. Tomorrow, we shall write more about choosing the excursion for you.....till then, happy vacation planning!

Want to read a bit more? Check out our follow up POST.