Stingrays AT LAST!
Trip Start
Apr 08, 2006
1
4
11
Trip End
Apr 16, 2006
Stingray City, Grand Cayman,
Cayman Islands
Thursday, April 26, 2007
We're on the first tender out and as soon as we touch shore we're out of the gate and running to the rendezvous point. The shuttle bus pulls up about a minute later and off we go.
We decided to bypass RC for this portion of our trip and went with Soto's Cruises. I give them my highest recommendation. They take about 15- 20 passengers and that's just great! We got to sit pretty much wherever we wanted, even on the bow. We made two stops, to the Cayman Reef and then Stingray City. We got brief instructions on how to snorkel and how to behave around the rays.
When we got there it was like school let out, the rays come swimming toward you like so fast! Captain Soto's crew held them for us to touch and showed us how to feed them (I didn't even cringe when holding the squid in my hand for "my" ray and he (or she) sucked it up so hard and fast that my hand bumped up against its mouth. My hand hurt for a little while, but I think he (or she) was just trying to show his (you get it) appreciation by kissing my hand).
The crew told us that kissing a stingray (yes, me kissing it) would bring me good luck in the casino, so, of course, I kissed it. A few minutes after that I kissed the husband, Joe. (Well, I didn't win any money, but Joe did! So they were right). Stephanie kissed the stingray, too; we'll see how she does when she's old enough to gamble.
My friends, it was truly an experience and my FAVORITE part of the whole cruise. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
"My" Stingray
Comments
Snorkeling Grand Cayman Style
Have you ever wondered what great snorkeling the Cayman Islands have? Plan your trip now to Grand Cayman and reserve a spot on Soto's Cruises. The Cayman Islands have some of the most breathtaking underwater scenery in the world and since 1985 Soto's Cruises have been escorting people to the Coral Gardens and Stingray City. Millions of visitors come to the islands for these very reasons. The warm tropical weather and crystal clear water are so inviting that you would be foolish not to take this opportunity. Two trips are offered daily so you can plan your day around them and see more in Grand Cayman. Call us now or reserve your spot online.
Stingray City and The Coral Gardens have become legends with the Cayman Islands. The Coral Gardens offer a close up look at fascinating coral formations and an interesting variety of fish and other interesting sea creatures such as giant lobsters. If you tell somebody you went to Cayman, the first thing they will ask is, "did you go to Stingray City?" The definitive answer must be YES and it was AWSOME. Stingrays are some of the most fascinating creatures that you actually can get up close and personal. For many years these creatures have become domesticated with all the human contact they encounter on a daily basis. We also provide food for the Stingrays so they never shy too far away. Don't miss the opportunity of a lifetime and make a reservation today.
If you are concerned about your swimming abilities; don't be. Both destinations on the cruise offer a non-threatening environment to the skilled and novice swimmer. The Coral Gardens reach a depth of 10 feet and Stingray City is a sand barge that reaches from 3-5 feet. Soto's Cruises provides lifejackets for children and for anybody that has trouble continuously swimming. The Sea Hunt crew watches over you and is prepared to help snorkelers in distress. Both locations provide gentle waters to create a feeling of swimming in a giant pool.
Are you afraid of being stuck on a boat for two hours? Our 40 foot cruiser "Sea Hunt" has all the accommodations to make your snorkel and stingray City trip a pleasant experience. We provide a hospitable environment aboard our cruiser. The "Sea Hunt" is equipped with the following facilities.
· Freshwater rinse
· Rest room
· Shaded areas
· Sun area
· Wide platform with dual ladders for easy access to water
The cost of the two-hour trip includes,
· Round the trip transportation
· Snorkeling gears
· Complementary beverage
· Food for the stingrays
· Professional snorkeling guides
http://www.sotoscruises.com