How best to book Stingray tour?

[DEB010]

we will be taking our (grown) children on the Carnival Valor in January 2005 as a family Christmas present and the only shore tour they asked for was the stingray encounter. what is the best way to book this, through Carnival? if so they offer two, does anyone know if one is better then the other? or is it possible to book directly? we will be in port 9am - 5:30pm (ship's time). All helpful hints appreciated. Thanks.

[Nanatravel]

I would book with a private vendor: Saving Money and Offering you a better total experience. There are many private boat operators; Nativewaywatersports.com, Captain Marvin, Capt. Bryan, Capt. Crosby, Soto's, etc. Some are just getting their email systems back like Soto's, so be patient for a response. We are booked with nativeway who charges $40 for a 2 hr. grand island land tour and 2 hr. Sting Ray City swim tour. Sharon is very prompt to respond.

 

At Cozumel, just take a taxi to Paradise Beach club ($15 per taxi) and have a great day. Entry is free, but rental of water toys, mats, etc. if just $5 per person. Enjoy drinks and food on their beautiful beach.

 

If your cruise includes a stop at Jamaica, contact Belinda at a-zjamaicaplanners for a great day in this country.

Bon Voyage.

[golfknut]

Nanatravel:

You menitoned Paradise Beach Club at Cozumel. Is this just a nice restaurant/bar which owns some beaautiful beach frontage and allows anyone to use it, provided they eat and drink there? How far is it from where the cruise ships tender to shore? Is the $15 per taxi the cost for as many people you can fit in the taxi (how many can be fit in a taxi?) or is that per person?

[Cruisekrazy63]

Deb,

I just booked with Sharon at Nativeway and we got the stringray city and island tour for $40.00 in January. Sharon was awesome to deal with. I recommend Nativeway. WE went to stingray city in April with another tour company and it was not a real pleasant experience. The sandbar was great but we waited for the captain of the boat to get to the dock for about 45 minutes.

 

Mindy