Thoughts on this NCL excursion in grand cayman?

[jyt822]

Has anyone taken the Nature Adventure and Stingray City excursion in Grand Cayman through NCL? The price is excellent ($35) but not sure if it is any good. We are a group of 4 - one couple in mid 30s and one couple in late 60s. Below is the description of the 4.5 tour. Any thoughts??

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoy a short drive in air conditioned comfort to Dolphin Cove where you‘ll experience Cayman wildlife at its best. Join the guided tour through a jungle of trees and plants that flourish in this tropical environment. Watch as your informative and entertaining guide point outs interesting Cayman wildlife along the way. You may encounter - wild iguanas, chickens, frogs and hermit crabs that call this beautiful nature trail home. You'll come face to face with some of the most beautiful birds in the world. Mingle with, talk to, touch and even feed these amazing gifts of nature. You will then be led to the touch tank where "Captain Don" will allow you to interact with and learn about exotic sea creatures, including lobsters, starfish, sea urchins and small fish.

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the beautiful family of bottlenose dolphins at play in their natural habitat, the Caribbean Sea. Continue your adventure on board a well-appointed motor cruiser, from Dolphin Cove's pier to the world famous stingray city sandbar. Upon arrival, enjoy standing in 3 to 4 feet of water while swimming, playing and interacting with dozens of wild Atlantic Stingrays. Your guide will be with you to help you get the most of your stingray experience. After your amazing adventure, enjoy a refreshing cruise back to Dolphin Cove, where you can relax and stroll through the gift shop for unique souvenirs. Board your air-conditioned bus back to George Town for shopping or return to your awaiting ship. Tour may operate in reverse.

 

 

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[jjikids]

The actual price is $100 more per person. We didn't do it when we cruised but some people did and enjoyed it.

[jyt822]

Hmm...weird, NCL has the excursion price listed as $35. Too good to be true?

 

 

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[punkincc]

We did an excursion to the sandbar, but not through NCL, no Dolphin Cove Experience included. You might want to compare the tours/prices for the private excursions that go there.

 

We did enjoy the stingray experience very much. It is a little startling when the hungry rays ( barbs intact, unlike some tours which have penned rays ) start bumping you en mass like a bunch of frisky puppies. Our tour was good about telling us in advance what to expect, and how to avoid the barbs. ( don't step backwards onto a tail and don't "pet" the ray downward toward the tail ).

 

Unfortunately our tour was cut short prior to the hand feeding part due to a thunderstorm. Would love to try this again.

Edited September 28, 2014 by punkincc

[#1TravelMom]

Just to interject. We just did Stingray Sailing snorkel excursion. 45+ cruises and I have to say, this is one of our favorite excursions ever. We really had a spectacular day. They only take a few people on a beautiful sailing catamaran. Their equipment is great. The stingray stop and reef snorkel are both spectacular. I can't imagine having such an enjoyable day on a ship excursion. We saw their boats at the stingray sight - crowds of people on those boats! With Stingray Sailing, you can also get dropped at 7-mile beach for an hour or so on your way back. What a perfect day!

[GORDONCHICK]

That's a steal at $35 per person!

[Coasty]

If you can get a tour for $35 a head, TAKE IT. Stingray City is one of the best tours we have ever taken. If you do a little research, you may find a private tour for a little more and not have to do the cattle boat. Either way, go, you will talk about it for years to come.

[danacline]

As the others mentioned, Stingray City is a MUST DO tour. The other place worth visiting is the turtle farm.

 

Grand Cayman is home to 7 Fathoms rum, IMHO the best rum in the world. When you get off the tender, turn left, walk about 3 blocks, look for a bar with signs for 7 Fathoms. You can likely get a distillery tour from the owner as well.