Lou2204 Posted July 10, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 10, 2017 I'm checking out excursions in Cayman Island and see two companies mentioned, Captain Marvin and Native Ways. Not sure which one to choose, they seem very similar...? Anybody here that has maybe tried both of them? and / or has a preference..? Many thanks in advance Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southnam Posted July 10, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 10, 2017 I believe Nativeway is a bit cheaper. I've done Nativeway 2 times and have had great experience both times. I love how the groups are smaller so much more attention given to you. Nativeway alway has group rates if you can get more than 10 people. Sent from my STH100-1 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourseventeen Posted July 12, 2017 #3 Share Posted July 12, 2017 Not too sure what the difference is. I have used Captain Marvins about 10+ times and not once have I been disappointed. I will be using them again when we go back out there in 2 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
je2001 Posted July 12, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 12, 2017 I booked Captain Marvin for August based on so many good reviews. I'll post about it after our trip. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourseventeen Posted July 13, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I dont think you will be disappointed. Let us all know how your trip went with them once you are back Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaga04 Posted July 13, 2017 #6 Share Posted July 13, 2017 I've been out with both - several times with Capt. Marvins. Both are great tours. The workers for both are extremely helpful and friendly. I thought the Nativeway boat was a bit nicer. Also, Capt. Marvins is a larger operation. The day we went, the Nativeway boat was less crowded, but I've heard that is not always the case. Have a great time, whatever you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourseventeen Posted July 19, 2017 #7 Share Posted July 19, 2017 I have been on numerous boats that Marvins runs. Some are nicer than others and of course certain dates are less crowded than others. I have been on their boats with less than 10 and I have been on their boats with approx 30. Of course less is best but for $40 per adult...as long as I have a seat I am good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou2204 Posted July 19, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Thanks for your insights!! In the meantime we have decided to go with Stingray Sailing, so none of the above ;-) Warm regards, Lou Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fourseventeen Posted July 20, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 20, 2017 Enjoy. I am sure you will have a great time regardless who's boat you get out on. A day in Grand Cayman will always be better than a day at work! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whoop98 Posted July 20, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 20, 2017 Good choice Lou2204, we just did our 3 trip with Chip and again it did not disappoint. Stingray City was crowded our day (we were only a boat of 11) so we did the snorkel, starfish and then the stingrays. He makes sure you get the best experience on your trip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drew sailbum Posted July 21, 2017 #11 Share Posted July 21, 2017 Both are long established tour operators with good reputations for running a solid tour. Nativeway includes a lunch stop at Rum Point for at least some (perhaps all, not sure) of their stingray tours. I don't recall seeing Captain Marvin's boats pull in for a lunch stop at Rum Point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightOne Posted July 24, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 24, 2017 Captain Marvin's does tours to the captive dolphin place therefore I personally would never use them. (vote with my wallet) Just making you aware in case that is a factor for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou2204 Posted July 26, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Enjoy. I am sure you will have a great time regardless who's boat you get out on. A day in Grand Cayman will always be better than a day at work! :D Haha, that is very true indeed;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou2204 Posted July 26, 2017 Author #14 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Captain Marvin's does tours to the captive dolphin place therefore I personally would never use them. (vote with my wallet) Just making you aware in case that is a factor for you. Thanks for sharing that, Carl. A very good point and I wasn't aware. We visited dolphins once in Bali, and decided there and then with the family we'd never do it again. I booked with Stingray Sailing in the end, especially because they were recommended for their respect for the animals. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou2204 Posted July 26, 2017 Author #15 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Good choice Lou2204, we just did our 3 trip with Chip and again it did not disappoint. Stingray City was crowded our day (we were only a boat of 11) so we did the snorkel, starfish and then the stingrays. He makes sure you get the best experience on your trip! Thanks Whoop98, that's good to hear! I did think they would be flexible and respectful of the animals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightOne Posted July 26, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 26, 2017 Thanks for sharing that, Carl. A very good point and I wasn't aware. We visited dolphins once in Bali, and decided there and then with the family we'd never do it again. I booked with Stingray Sailing in the end, especially because they were recommended for their respect for the animals. Thanks! I went with Captain Chip and Stingray Sailing last time out and he was awesome. I had read that all the stingrays seem to know him and that they leave other boats and come to him when he shows up. I took that with a grain of salt when I read it but after going I can say from first hand knowledge that it is indeed true. He doesn't interact with them in the way that other tour guides do. You'll see when you go. (he is better) :) I had a great time with them. The boat is great too. (Far Tortuga) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou2204 Posted July 26, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted July 26, 2017 ☺️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlscruise2011 Posted July 31, 2017 #18 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I am in Grand Cayman in May 2018 and reached out to Nativeway for availability 3xs and have yet to hear back from them. Has anyone ever had this issue who has used them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted July 31, 2017 #19 Share Posted July 31, 2017 I am in Grand Cayman in May 2018 and reached out to Nativeway for availability 3xs and have yet to hear back from them. Has anyone ever had this issue who has used them? Honestly, if I had not heard back after ONE try, I would not give them my business. THREE tries??? Go to Captain Marvin. Wonderful!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlscruise2011 Posted July 31, 2017 #20 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Honestly, if I had not heard back after ONE try, I would not give them my business. THREE tries??? Go to Captain Marvin. Wonderful!!!! Unfortunately Captain Marvin cannot accomodate us for the excursion we want due to the time our ship docks. One of my group used Nativeway and had a wonderful experience. None of the others have excursions with lunch/drinks which is what we want to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southnam Posted July 31, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 31, 2017 Every once in a while I hear people complaining about Nativeway not responding so it's not a one off. That being said, used them twice with no issues at all. Great price and service. Sent from my STH100-1 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightOne Posted August 1, 2017 #22 Share Posted August 1, 2017 I am in Grand Cayman in May 2018 and reached out to Nativeway for availability 3xs and have yet to hear back from them. Has anyone ever had this issue who has used them? How long a period between e-mails? Check your junk mail/spam folders. Have you tried contacting them via the web page form too? They are on "island time" but I never had issues exchanging e-mails with them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
girlscruise2011 Posted August 1, 2017 #23 Share Posted August 1, 2017 How long a period between e-mails? 2 DAYS Check your junk mail/spam folders. YES several times Have you tried contacting them via the web page form too? YES in addition to the emails. They are on "island time" but I never had issues exchanging e-mails with them. See answers above. I actually just heard back from them today, about an hour ago. A little late though. We've booked with Captain Marvins since they were very responsive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
je2001 Posted August 7, 2017 #24 Share Posted August 7, 2017 I had booked with Captain Marvin for last week. Unfortunately the Carnival Paradise changed itinerary and went to Costa Maya instead of Grand Cayman. I've since heard that that happens fairly often. I was able to contact Captain Marvin from the ship to cancel. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreadpirate3 Posted September 15, 2017 #25 Share Posted September 15, 2017 How long a period between e-mails? Check your junk mail/spam folders. Have you tried contacting them via the web page form too? They are on "island time" but I never had issues exchanging e-mails with them. I'm having the same issue. I've emailed and filled out the form on their site (Native Way) and still have not received a response, two weeks later. I'm going to book with someone, just wanted to have all my excursions booked a few months out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now