Just back from Stingray City (4/23/06)

[celo626]

Hello,

 

I'm just back from my Carnival Cruise, which featured a stop at Grand Cayman.

 

Being with another couple, the girls decided to check on the shopping, while me and my buddy headed off to Stingray City.

 

Tendering was a bit of a pain getting to the island, and seemed to take forever.

 

When you first get to the port, it is rather tumultuous, with various guides all trying to sell their tour. We arrived about 9am, and booked a tour with "Dockside" tours. These people were wearing bright red shirts. The cost of the tour was $40 and included transportation, the boat ride, food to feed the stingrays, water and punch, snorkel equipment and a light snack.

 

I must say our first impression was of dissapointment with "Dockside" Tours - we were told that the tour was always, "ready to leave," but we stood around wasting time for about 45 minutes. I think they do not leave until the tour is filled up.

 

Next, we walked about 3 blocks to the transportation which was a run down school bus, with no AC.

 

When we did arrive at the dock, the captain and the crew met us with smiles. (Captain Vernon was his name). The boat seemed in good shape, and had a cover over it.

 

We rode about 30 minutes out over the calm, clear, blue waters to Stingray City. There were a mob of people out there, (probably due to all our delay in leaving.) However, it was no worry, since we anchored at a spot all to ourselves, and soon had many lively and friendly stingrays swimming all around us.

 

Our guide "caught" one fairly quickly, and I was the first in line to hold the Stingray. The ray was very soft and rubbery (much like a dolphin's skin, but more flexible and soft). I had my picture taken in several poses with the stingray by the on-board photographer with a waterproof camera.

 

People were a bit freaked out, when the rays brushed by them, but if you are comfortable and don't panic, you will be fine. I rather liked it. Trying to catch one is another story though, as it is difficult. Later, I tried my hand at feeding one, and it was a strange sensation as the ray sucked the calamari from my fist like a Dyson.

 

After everyone had their turn with the rays, we were taken a short distance away to some reefs, where our guide was able to lure a Moray Eel out of it's home, and we all got a good look at it. We were impressed with the knowledge of the captain in knowing this spot. While there, he also picked up 4 conch shells and put them on the back of the boat.

 

We finished up snokeling at another reef teeming with colorful tropical fish for about 45 minutes. Amazing!

 

On the way home, the captain prepared the fresh conch for us and made us a tasty snack. Even the people were were apprehensive at first went back for more.

 

The photographer ended up selling me the 14 photos she took. While pricey, I did want to remember this moment and felt that it was worth the $55. She gave me her card, and took my address to mail me a CD of the pics (within ten days she said).

 

We left the boat and were escorted back to town (this time on an air conditioned bus). Made it back to our ship with an hour to spare. (Watch out for huge tender lines though!!!)

 

If anyone has any questions, let me know, and I'l try to help! - Jeff