Moby Dick Tours

[christi29]

Can anyone tell me how much the Moby Dick Tour is for the Stingray City Tour?

[mQQsehead]

Here's part of the email response to my request to them before I booked:

 

"I meet you at the cruise ship dock (SOUTH Terminal) and escort you to our transport. We take care of transport to and from our boat, a 10 minute drive and the boat journey is 35 minutes each way. You have ample time at each stop. We can even drop you off at the beach on the way back so you can get your toes in the sand! At this stop there is a beach bar restaurant, ideal for lunch, and maybe enjoy a cool tall drink.

 

We have openings for this date and will be happy to make a reservation for you. I just need to know the ship you are arriving on and how many people. I take cash or credit cards (+ 5%) on the day of your trip, we do not take a deposit. We charge $35usd for adults and $30usd for children under 12. Under 4yrs old free.

 

Duration of the tour is 3hrs. We leave at approximately 9:30am local time for the first tour and we have 3 other boats to accomodate different ship arrivals."

 

Hope this helps

Cheers

[TravelWorks]

Stingrays~snorkel~& Beach

I wanted to post this review to everyone looking to have an amazing experience! AND I WANT TO SAY THANKS!!!!

We had a huge group of friends on a cruise and wanted to have our own "pre-booked" private excursions...<not through the ship>...and we had so much fun everywhere we went thanks to Cruise Critic and others whose suggestions and experiences helped us avoid so many pitfalls! Not only did we save money at each stop...but each day got better and better! I feel like we did the best of everything and that we really had it all!

 

In Grand Cayman...I really wanted it all...I wanted to shop~stingrays~snorkel the northwall~ and go to the beach...

Ask and you shall receive!

 

BEFORE WE LEFT:

I started to contact all the different charter companies and with over 20 people in our group...I didn't want to have to provide 20 different credit cards to reserve our spots...plus if the weather turned I wanted a plan B without our $ being tied up! So after emailing several different companies...the only one that would give me what I wanted w/o a deposit was MOBY DICK's Charters! I personally had over 15 emails in the course of 3 months from the owner Mark Button....and he even sent me some photos of Captain Zac(from Canada), William (from Italy) our Stingray guide, and the Moby Dick(our boat)...if someone had a question he personnally handled it! His email is info@mobydicktours.com and there website is also www.mobydicktours.com

 

AT THE PIER off the tender:

We arrived off of our tender at around 8 am in Grand Cayman(we got up early to get the first tender off after the cruise tours were gone)...the weather was a bit overcast, but warm around 82 degrees. WE walked two blocks to the right of the pier...past all the crazy chaotic huge crowds of "cruise sponsered" tours that they were trying to lead with sandwich boards signs...We found the umbrella and the gals who were taking payments for Moby Dicks...it was $30 a person if you paid cash...$31.50 if you used a credit card....most of us had our own snorkels and she informed us that the bus would be leaving at 9am sharp and to meet at the fountain across the street. We had one hour to jewelry shop before we left~ Perfect to not lose my husbands attention~ But not enough time to over spend! We met two wonderful couples from Alaska on the tender and they ended up tagging along with our group!

 

AT THE FOUNTAIN:

We met our driver at the fountain 5 minutes to nine and walked past the shops to a small converted yellow school bus! Note: Sit towards the front....the driver is from Philly-USA and he tells a pretty animated history of the island during the 15 minute crowded school bus ride. There was people standing between the seats because it was so full. IT was an adventure in and of itself! I asked the driver, as Mark had informed me to do, to please drop off our group (now 24 of us) at 7 mile beach at the end of the tour. He said no problem.

 

AT THE BOAT:

 

We walked passed a condominium under contruction and along a dock in a small inner water way to our boat the Moby Dick...she was a nice boat that looked to hold around 65 people(there were about 40)...she has a small toilet room with a door that shut in the hull of the ship if you needed the restroom. They have fresh water to drink...and if you don't want your stuff to get wet store it under the seats towards the back of the boat! Captain Zac introduced himself and William the co-captain. On our slow wakeless way through the waterway out to the ocean he had his co-captain William stand on the bow of the boat to demonstrate everything you needed to know about Stingrays on a puppet...It was rather entertaining and it really did prepare you for the whole experience....when his show was over everyone that didn't want to get wet moved to the back of the boat....and I of coarse along with my husband and all the boys...stayed put in the front at we got slammed with the most wonderful warm water on our 30 minute boat ride out to Stingray City to the sand bar!

 

STINGRAY CITY/Sand Bar:

 

It was great timing~ our arrival was just as most of the huge tour groups from the ships were about to leave! The ships sponsered tours were on these two story double decker boats that looked top heavy and very crowded... We got into the water and were immedietly surrounded by a dozen stingrays...that were very tame and waiting to be fed. The water was around 3 feet deep on the sand bar and at my waist level almost the entire time I was out there...I only had my mask on to observe them under water...I didn't need my fins or my snorkel.

 

One of the things that struck me as funny was how some people were terrified even though there is 100's of people here everyday feeding, holding and swimming with these amazing creatures. One man in another tour group was holding a 6 or 7 month old infant in his arms and letting her touch them as they swam by...it was beautiful and after William caught a little male stingray he taught me how to hold it and keep it from swimming away! I cannot tell you how amazing this felt. They felt kind of like wet porte bella mushrooms...and the big larger females would even put up their noses for a kiss! Some women where screaming/half laughing and this seemed to make the stingrays more interested in them! That really was funny! If I just stood with my legs apart they would swim through them. It was amazing!

 

My friends cameras were going the whole time and...they thought I was a genious for arranging this tour for so cheap! They loved Zac and William and could not ask questions fast enough! My one friend held my hand the first five minutes...she was so terrified! By the end she was feeding them squid from her hand~and she is not that kind of girl! We were playing with the stingrays for at least an hour and a half and then sadly it was time to go. The wind started picking up and the boat really began to rock in the waves...on the sand bar...you had to be careful not to have your feet under the ladder as it came down hard into the sand~ Captain Zac wanted everyone on board quickly...he didn't want to accidently hurt a stingray that might swim under the boat...you could tell he was glad to move further away once everyone was on board.

 

SNORKELING THE NORTHWALL:

 

A lot of people didn't want to snorkel the North wall with the waves getting choppy in the wind. Almost Everyone that did go used a snorkel vest...even the more experienced divers on board. I don't like snorkeling in rough waters but went anyway. I had a good time but a lot of my friends aren't strong swimmers and got tired very fast! The Northwall was beautiful however for those who were strong enought swimmers to get past the breakers along the reef through the channel...I really enjoyed all the life open and reaching for nourishment along the wall...it was as good as a current dive...and some in our group saw a turtle. It was a very hard swim back to the boat and afterwards I felt spent. I know first time snorkelers would probably have much more fun here on a calmer day. But many in our group didn't seem to mind and were happy about the whole thing.

Our boat ride back was great and we all just talked about how great it was. THe sun came out in full force and it was beautiful the rest of the day. William told us about his home in Italy and we took his card when we left. I would (as well as my 20+ friends) recommend this company to anyone! We had every age in our group 20-70 and I saw young children as well as an elderly woman in her 80's in the water. We also had every walk of life in our group from college kids to lawyers and a biologist to homemakers...everyone of us thought it was awesome! We all tipped our captain on our way off the boat!

 

AT 7 MILE BEACH:

 

I had been here before and wasn't all too happy that he dropped us off at some beach club...there is a better more quiet public beach access location further down the beach about a 1/2 mile, but since I hadn't been specific I didn't complain. Some in our group wanted to do more shopping so they continued back to Georgetown on the bus. (Mostly this was the wives-and the husbands went along quietly---sometimes I feel sorry for men-NOT!) We walked a bit down the beach and passed out under a self made palapa of shade which was actually someones' private deck above and then we swam for a while and watched a storm out at sea in the distance. The water on this side of the island was actually colder at the beach than it had been in the middle of the Sea at the sandbar! Wierd. Anyway the most entertaining thing here at 7 mile was a 60+ year old man in a neon orange speedo that had obviously taken an entire bottle of ***** and was on the prowl up and down the beach showing his stuff...I will forever be making fun of this poor love starved man!

 

At an hour and a half before our ships last tender...we caught a cab back to Georgetown for $4 a person and shopped at the Pirates Grotto for 15 minutes before getting in the longest tender line...it was at least 3 blocks! I was so content however knowing we had all had the most amazing day that I spent my entire time in line trying to imagine living in Grand Cayman! This was our first stop for our week and It only got better everyday!

[deputy836]

Travelworks,

 

Thank you so much for the great detailed review. I have been trying to decide which company to use for this tour...you helped me decide! A quick question though, what time did your boat arrive at the dock when you got into Grand Cayman? I don't want to schedule for the wrong time and niss our tour. Our boat is due in at 8:30 am, and I've been told that there are due to be 6 boats in port that day...so I assume the tendering will take a while. Thank you in advance for the help.

deputy836

[TravelWorks]

Travelworks,

 

Thank you so much for the great detailed review. I have been trying to decide which company to use for this tour...you helped me decide! A quick question though, what time did your boat arrive at the dock when you got into Grand Cayman? I don't want to schedule for the wrong time and niss our tour. Our boat is due in at 8:30 am, and I've been told that there are due to be 6 boats in port that day...so I assume the tendering will take a while. Thank you in advance for the help.

deputy836

 

Our ship pulled in that day around 7:30...we were on GC by around 8 am(even waiting for our tender behind those with priority)...there were I believe 5 boats there the day we were there....

 

You should probably email Moby Dick and ask what time his tours are leaving the day you are there....they have more than one boat...but I went on the actual original Moby Dick boat...I would tell them of your concerns and ask what the time frame should be...for your particular ship...since they deal with the boats week in and week out repeatedly.

 

What ship are you on? Some are better at tendering than others.

[deputy836]

We are coming in on the Carnival Victory. I have e-mailed Moby Dick and they said they have a 10:30 tour also, so I think we'll try to aim for that one. If we do that one...do you think we'll have enough time to shop before getting back to the boats? One of the girls in my group is set on wanting to shop. Do we have the tour bus drop us off near the docks then..will we be close to the shops from there? Thanks for answering all me 'dumb' questions.

Deputy836

[TravelWorks]

We are coming in on the Carnival Victory. I have e-mailed Moby Dick and they said they have a 10:30 tour also, so I think we'll try to aim for that one. If we do that one...do you think we'll have enough time to shop before getting back to the boats? One of the girls in my group is set on wanting to shop. Do we have the tour bus drop us off near the docks then..will we be close to the shops from there? Thanks for answering all me 'dumb' questions.

Deputy836

First of they are not dumb questions...

and secondly yes all the shops in George town are within a 4 block radius of the pier/docks where your tender lands...They all open by 9 am...so you just might be able to get some shopping done before the tour...I am not sure what time your last tender is back to your ship...but you should have plenty of time to do what you want. Do you know what time the ship leaves GC?

 

They usually take you back to the dock/shopping area at the end of your tour....WE asked them to stop and let us out at seven mile beach (public beach) ....WE went to the beach after the stingrays...& then took a taxi back to the docks for around $4 a person and still had some time to shop in a couple of my favorite stores there before we got in line to take back the tenders...It really depends on the Victory's schedule that day...

 

and What does your friend like to shop for? Because jewerly take more time..

[AndrewM]

WE went to the beach after the stingrays...& then took a taxi back to the docks for around $4 a person and still had some time to shop in a couple of my favorite stores there before we got in line to take back the tenders...

 

Where a long the beach can you hail a taxi? Are they easy to find?

 

andrew, 15 days to go

[TravelWorks]

Where a long the beach can you hail a taxi? Are they easy to find?

 

andrew, 15 days to go

 

At Public Beach or Seagrape Beach....these are both beach locations that are on the long 7 mile stretch of sandy beach called the 7 Mile Beach and yes there are taxis that wait in the parking lots there for customers....

It is a little more money from Seagrape...around $6 a person

[cruise.mode]

@TravelWorks:

 

Your review helped us decide as well. We've made a reservation with Moby Dick for June. I still have some questions though, mostly because we are relative cruise newbies (this is only our 2nd), and we've never tendered before.

 

We're on the RCCL Navigator, scheduled to arrive in port by 8:00 a.m, with a 4:00 p.m. departure. The Carnival Triumph and the RCCL Freedom are supposed to be there at the same time.

 

Mark Button at Moby e-mailed me and said that we'll probably be ashore by 8:30 and that we'll be able to get on the 9:30 tour. Does that sound realistic with two other large ships in port at the same time? About how long does the tour take? The website says 3 hours -- does that sound about right? (We're not interested in the beach stop).

 

Since we've never been here before, we have no concept of geography or how long it takes to get from point A to point B. And frankly, I'm a little paranoid about not getting back to the ship in time. Any info you have would be appreciated!

[TravelWorks]

@TravelWorks:

 

Your review helped us decide as well. We've made a reservation with Moby Dick for June. I still have some questions though, mostly because we are relative cruise newbies (this is only our 2nd), and we've never tendered before.

 

We're on the RCCL Navigator, scheduled to arrive in port by 8:00 a.m, with a 4:00 p.m. departure. The Carnival Triumph and the RCCL Freedom are supposed to be there at the same time.

 

Mark Button at Moby e-mailed me and said that we'll probably be ashore by 8:30 and that we'll be able to get on the 9:30 tour. Does that sound realistic with two other large ships in port at the same time? About how long does the tour take? The website says 3 hours -- does that sound about right? (We're not interested in the beach stop).

 

Since we've never been here before, we have no concept of geography or how long it takes to get from point A to point B. And frankly, I'm a little paranoid about not getting back to the ship in time. Any info you have would be appreciated!

 

Okay what you need to do is:

1. Do not worry

2. When you get on board your ship ask this question at the shore excursions desk....

"I am going on a privately booked tour to write an article for Cruise Critic(they hate this...because they are afraid you will mention them in your review!) in Grand Cayman....I need to know exactly where to get tender tickets(or numbers...some boats do this differently)that morning because I want to be one of the first people off this ship after your scheduled tours leave?????? Where do I do this and what time does it start that morning???"

 

And then go there 30 minutes sooner than what they told you!!!

 

If the person hesitates answering this question at all...or has to ask someone else...ask somebody else the same question~ Like the Cruise Director...they always know!

 

If the boat really anchors around 8 am....it means it is actually there around 7:30 out in the bay and waiting for clearance from the port authority....

 

In one of the huge lounges on board...there will be "ships booked tour groups" gathering & waiting for their tour to be called....You need to get a ticket(or Number) and wait until they call you and go ...and YES if you are in line by 7am-7:30am & ready to go...you should be over there by about 8:30.... (That said... if it is the same week as the FREEDOM of the SEAs innaugeral sail....it might be hectic...because she is a huge ship!!! But I have also seen RCCL use their own life boats to suppliment the GC tender situation and make things go faster...so you might just be fine!

 

The tender rides are really only about 9 minutes or so long and they go continuously!!!! One is pulling away full as another is pulling up and filling up!

 

I really do not think it will be that bad!....There are days in GC that there are 10 ships there at the same time...so 3 or 4 is great!

 

3. TIME FRAME: Leaving at 9:30....(We left at 9 am)...so if you do get their by 8:30 and there is room on an earlier tour...I would take it.

 

The BUS ride to the dock where you get on the boat is maybe 15 minutes....The time out to the stingrays sandbar is about 40 minutes boat ride....the time with the stingrays is about 45 minutes- 1 hour.....the time to snorkel at the reef is about 30 minutes...then back about 25 minutes boat ride....takes less time because you are not going against the current.........and then the bus ride back again which drives past 7 mile beach.

 

So if the tour leaves at 9:30 am....and you are not stopping at the beach to relax but go back to Georgetown to the pier I would say you will be back in Georgetown around 12:40-1:10pm.....

 

I would shoot to be at the pier to get in line for your tender back around 3:00 to 3:10.....NO LATER!

 

Whether you saw the beach for an hour or shopped at the shops next to the pier....You only have about two hours to play with after your tour....the shops are right next to the pier....the beach is about a 10- 14 minute taxi ride back from 7 Mile Beach...so you see you are kind of tight!

 

*If you are going to look in the shops...Tortuga Rum Cake is really a popular buy here...as well as a stop at the Pirates Grotto for a kids/grandkids suvineers pirate flags/t-shirts (Some big kids....buy "Black Dick Rum" here)

 

 

I hope this helps....

 

4. Enjoy every minute....the stingrays are an awesome wonder....

What are your other stops this cruise?

[cruise.mode]

@TravelWorks:

 

You are an angel! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond in such a detailed manner! This information is golden and will definitely help us plan the day with more confidence.

 

As to the other stops on this cruise:

 

We depart Miami with stops at Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

 

This is only our second cruise, and we still have so much to learn. We are so grateful for CC participants like yourself who have helped us so much!

[momofzeke]

That was a wonderful review, Travelworks! Is it true that you aren't supposed to wear sunscreen before swimming with the stingrays? That information wasn't in the email I got from Moby Dick Tours. What if you put it on before you leave the cruise ship? Thanks for any info you can give.

[Diane F]

Can you tell me if the boat is easy to get off and on if you are not fond or kind of afraid of swimming? Do you have to climb down a latter to get off? We are considering taking this tour and would also like to know if you do not want to snorkel, what can you do while the others are snorkeling?Is a worthwhile going if you do not snorkel? Have heard that it is a wonderful adventure?

[TravelWorks]

Can you tell me if the boat is easy to get off and on if you are not fond or kind of afraid of swimming? Do you have to climb down a latter to get off? We are considering taking this tour and would also like to know if you do not want to snorkel, what can you do while the others are snorkeling?Is a worthwhile going if you do not snorkel? Have heard that it is a wonderful adventure?

 

There is a ladder and it isn't deep once on the sandbar you are only in about 3 to 3 1/2 feet of water...you are standing on sand...with water at your waist.... It is easy to climb the ladder back on board.

 

The one non-swimmer we had on board liked the stingrays but later just took pictures of everyone with their cameras at the reef while they were snorkeling...

 

They also do have inflatable snorkel vests....but they are not as effective as this:

 

If you are really afraid of the water, but want to try snorkeling at the reef after seeing the stingrays try this:

 

...tell them beforehand via email and see if they will get you a full life jacket to keep you above the water so you can float around and still see the fish if you want to at the reef...

 

You can wear a full size orange life vest around your waist and stay above the water like a duck....just tell them you want this and see if they can bring one along for you to use like that...and have them help you put it on in this fashion.... There is no shame in taking precautions that make you feel safer and help you to snorkel if you want to try it...

 

This is an old trick used for first time snorkelers that is actually very safe...I would request it just like I explained it to you. Tell Mark Button you NEED it...and make sure to remind him to have it on board a couple days before you leave for your cruise...

 

I actually like this method because you are completely supported and can float quite nicely and have your arms free to paddle around without much effort....

 

SAFETY FIRST...

 

Have fun!

[TravelWorks]

That was a wonderful review, Travelworks! Is it true that you aren't supposed to wear sunscreen before swimming with the stingrays? That information wasn't in the email I got from Moby Dick Tours. What if you put it on before you leave the cruise ship? Thanks for any info you can give.

 

I always wear waterproof sunscreen, except on my face when I know I am going to be snorkeling because it can cause your mask to leak...I apply that later when I am done snorkeling in the water... I wear a baseball hat if I can between snorkels until I am done...

 

Applying sunscreen before you leave the ship is the best idea...because it has a long time to really sink in and be working long before you ever get to the stingrays....Plus less will wash off into the sea water...

 

I wouldn't put it on 5 minutes before you get in... it would end up in the sea.

 

I hope that helps.

[TravelWorks]

There isn't any coral at stingray city(so you aren't damaging coral with sunscreen if you wear it)...and the stingrays are friendly with everyone..especially people with squid to feed them..they get around 100-500 visiters a day feeding them...they like the people! SUNSCREEN doesn't make them aggressive! That is just crazy... Think about how many white people trying not to get burned are there everyday?

 

Also there is a really good thread about "enviromentally friendly" sunscreens here:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=304444

 

Like I said before.... I apply sunscreen an hour or so before ever leaving the ship...by the time I get in the water 2 to 3 hours later...I doubt much is coming off in the water...more likely the chemicals are in my bloodstream and affecting my brain...not the brain coral!:)

 

My thoughts on Sunscreen damaging the trillions of gallons of oceans of water and coral like what is suggested in the above thread.....

 

Large Ships dump garbage and human sewage into the ocean the world over...:eek:

 

...and we are worried about less than a 1/8 teaspoon of sunscreen???

 

I find this to be highly unlikely...why would sunscreen stick to anyone spot of coral for more than 5 seconds???

 

It doesn't last very long on a human body outside before it breaks down its effectiveness against blocking out the suns rays...let alone in ocean currents!????

 

Isn't that why we have to keep re-applying it and have to get into the shade after too much time?

 

It just seems improbable...

and a good "scare tactic" way for someone to market a new sunscreen.... plus...

 

HOW DO THEY KNOW THIS???

&

How do they test the newer "friendly" sunscreen to make sure it isn't bad too?

Are they actually smothering it on thick on any live coral? Just to make sure???:mad:

 

 

 

Just my thoughts, but I am no expert. Although, I am sure there are many marine biologists and scientists who probably do not even agree about this....experts argue more amongst themselves than anyone else ever can!

 

Sorry runaway rambling again!

[SomewhereBeyondTheSea]

Travelworks: Great review!!

 

In your search for this excursion, do you recall finding a tour that goes to Stingray City AND Rum Point Beach? I'd like to do both if possible.

[momofzeke]

Travelworks: Great review!!

 

In your search for this excursion, do you recall finding a tour that goes to Stingray City AND Rum Point Beach? I'd like to do both if possible.

 

The Rays, Reef and Rum Point excursions do just that. There are lots of reviews about them (Nativeway is the company, I believe) on this board. :)

[TravelWorks]

Travelworks: Great review!!

 

In your search for this excursion, do you recall finding a tour that goes to Stingray City AND Rum Point Beach? I'd like to do both if possible.

 

That is done by another tour operator...I believe it was Nativeway that offers this tour.

[TravelWorks]

My email is cruisephotos@gmail.com

if you have any questions....

I sometimes don't look at the boards for a few days but i check my email more often...

Have fun in Grand Cayman!

Amy