Stingray city, how to avoid the crowds?

[ladeeesquire]

we did stingray city with capt marvins last sept. It was a wonderful experience for the first 5 mins we were with the animals and then, the onslaught of cruise visitors decended including the ship excurision boat which was huge and PACKED to the gills. After that, we just had to go.

 

We were off the ship early but had to wait around for capt marvins to open and then leave.

 

Does anyone know of a company that leaves earlier than all the rest hoping to avoid the ship excursion madness? or maybe we should try to go later in the day after the big crowds have died down? Any suggestions would be apprciated.

 

susan

[JohninDC]

We used Moby Dick the last two times in GC - they snorkeled on the reef first, and then moved over to Stingray City as most of the other boats were leaving. Great service, boat was not crowded, and no pressure to buy photos or videos - can't say enough good things about Mark and his crew. :cool:

 

If there are a number of ships arriving in port at different times Stingray City can be mobbed all day. :( Good luck! :)

[ladeeesquire]

thanks for the info! I had given some thought to taking an afternoon tour thinking that most of the trips were probably in the am.