Stingray City on a Catamaran

Grand Cayman Stingray

Last spring, we took a Caribbean Cruise aboard the Carnival Magic. Our favorite port was Grand Cayman.  What made Grand Cayman stand out, beyond it's welcoming attitude, was the excursion we booked to Stingray City aboard the catamaran Allura.  The entire excursion, from beginning to end, was professional and efficient.  Most importantly, the staff of the Allura made sure that we got an up-close and personal view of the stingrays.  


What to Expect
After disembarking from the cruise ship, a shuttle bus driver met us at the port and gave us a brief but humorous tour of Grand Cayman on the way to the catamaran's dock.  Once on board the Allura, the staff welcomed us with a brief introduction and explanation of the tour.  We were told what to expect from the stingrays, how to feed and pet them, and assured of the safety of handling these stingrays. Once they had answered our questions, we began the short ride out to Stingray City Sandbar.  

In less than an hour we, were at Stingray City Sandbar, which is a gathering place for Southern Stingrays and tourists alike.  If you are hoping for some time alone with the Stingrays, you are out of luck, as Stingray City is an all-out tourist trap. By the time we arrived, there were already a dozen tour boats anchored at the sandbar.  Despite the crowds, there was still plenty of opportunity to interact and pet the stingrays.  The stingrays were clearly accustomed to tourists, and seemed to relish the attention.  Several stingrays leisurely swam near our feet as we explored the sandbar.  The Allura staff caught a couple of large stingrays to give us a chance to hold and pet them.  We were told that they (the stingrays, not the staff), loved to be pet on the belly.  The staff took photos with their own professional camera but also let you take photos with your own camera.

Stingray City is crowded

After about 45 minutes at Stingray City, which was plenty of time to see the stingrays, we re-boarded the Allura.  The conditions were favorable, so the captain raised the sails so we could sail back.  I enjoyed relaxing on the deck of the ship as we sailed back nearly as much as petting the stingrays.  Once docked, we were back to the cruise port in less than a half hour. The entire tour was efficient, but not rushed, and more than exceeded the expectations of everyone in my party.  I have been on a half dozen cruise excursions, and this tour ranks at the very top.

Just the Basics

• Cost: Adults $71, Children $64
• Duration: 3.5 hours
• Allura Website:  http://www.nautilus.ky/allura.php   
• Carnival Website: http://www.carnival.com/Activities/Excursion/417037
• What to Bring: Swimsuit, sunscreen, and a camera (waterproof if possible)
• Good to Know: There is a basic toilet available on board.