Top Excursion in Grand Cayman
Stingray City
World Famous Stingray City
Stingray City in Grand Cayman is the most popular location visited for the exception of our beautiful beaches. Grand Cayman actually offers two distinctly diverse Stingray Cities, a largely unknown fact to the majority of future visitors to Grand Cayman. This article will help you decide which Stingray City is right for you, the Stingray City Sandbar or The Valley of the Rays, the Real Stingray City.
For many years fisherman returning from their day at sea anchored in the shallow and protected waters of the North Sound to clean their catch. The area, just behind the Barrier Reef, created the optimal location to anchor a boat without the discomfort of waves. At the "Real" stingray city the anchorage area was very close to the main channel of Barkers, and a few paddles away from famous Fisherman Rock. The area is a few minutes away from the shores of West Bay, one of the largest populated areas at that time, giving fisherman the ideal spot to clean their catch away from the billions of dreaded mosquitoes found on shore at that time.
The second fish cleaning area was also protected by the Barrier Reef and on a sandbar barely 4ft in depth. The beautiful, pure, white sand made for an easy anchorage, and a few conchs would also have been taken for the family following the daily fish cleaning.
"It was as if they knew we were coming" said one fisherman. Indeed, every day, late in the afternoon, all the Stingrays would gather beneath their sailboats to enjoy all the fish parts their friends above would drop in the water. This ritual continued for many many, years until two Dive Instructors finally decided to pay the Stingrays a personal underwater visit.
The honor goes to 2 Dive Instructors in 1981, Jay Ireland and Pat Kenney. Jay Ireland was the very first. After noticing the daily Stingray feeding ritual, Jay took it upon himself to jump in the water armed with a camera and a bag full of courage. Jay found the Stingrays shy, gentle and not aggressive (contrary to popular belief at that time) Following daily feeding he finally earned the Rays trust to the point of being able to hand feed them and pet them.
As soon as Pat Kenney heard of the feedings he became immediately involved and started documenting the Stingrays, naming the animals and kept track of the feedings as well as movements. In 1986 Pat Kenney wrote an article named "The Valley of the Rays", and the now "Stingray City" was born. Underwater Photographer Geri Murphy visited The Valley of the Rays shortly after, upon her return to her California home she also immediately wrote an article of this phenomenon at a location she self named Stingray City, hence the name we now know was born.
The Stingray City dive site quickly became popular, especially with the help of articles also written in the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic (featuring Pat Kenney) and Skin Diver Magazine. It was not until a few years later that the same "taming of the Stingrays" occurred at the shallow sandbar enabling a simple "walk with the Stingrays" to be conducted. The sandbar was also named by locals "The Stingray City Sandbar".
The "Valley of the Rays" or the "REAL" Stingray City:
The 12ft Stingray City is optimal for Scuba Divers as well as Snorkelers. Located very close to the Barrier Reef, the area contains many Coral Formations as well as sponges, Sea Fans, colorful Tropical Fish, Eels, Nurse Sharks sleeping under the many Coral ledges and more. The Stingray Interaction is not isolated to "The Stingray experience", it also offers a fantastic opportunity to view and interact with a variety of marine life as well as a chance to view some of the best snorkeling to be found in the North Sound. One will find all of the Scuba Diving Excursions visit this area, as well as the bigger sail boats due to the depth of the water, but do not allow the water depth to discourage you, the Stingrays will visit you on the surface and the water clarity and marine life will astound you.
The 12ft Stingray City (12ft to 15ft of water) is perfectly suited for scuba divers as well as snorkelers as the entire area offers an "everything in one" opportunity. The Valley of the Rays is especially suited for avid snorkelers and for visitors who have been to the sandbar in the past.
The famous Grand Cayman Stingray City Sandbar:The Stingray City Sandbar is by far one of the most beautiful locations on Earth.
Families leave the island with wonderful memories and lots of pictures that bring joy!
SNUBA Cayman
Stingray City in Grand Cayman is the most popular location visited for the exception of our beautiful beaches. Grand Cayman actually offers two distinctly diverse Stingray Cities, a largely unknown fact to the majority of future visitors to Grand Cayman. This article will help you decide which Stingray City is right for you, the Stingray City Sandbar or The Valley of the Rays, the Real Stingray City.
For many years fisherman returning from their day at sea anchored in the shallow and protected waters of the North Sound to clean their catch. The area, just behind the Barrier Reef, created the optimal location to anchor a boat without the discomfort of waves. At the "Real" stingray city the anchorage area was very close to the main channel of Barkers, and a few paddles away from famous Fisherman Rock. The area is a few minutes away from the shores of West Bay, one of the largest populated areas at that time, giving fisherman the ideal spot to clean their catch away from the billions of dreaded mosquitoes found on shore at that time.
The second fish cleaning area was also protected by the Barrier Reef and on a sandbar barely 4ft in depth. The beautiful, pure, white sand made for an easy anchorage, and a few conchs would also have been taken for the family following the daily fish cleaning.
"It was as if they knew we were coming" said one fisherman. Indeed, every day, late in the afternoon, all the Stingrays would gather beneath their sailboats to enjoy all the fish parts their friends above would drop in the water. This ritual continued for many many, years until two Dive Instructors finally decided to pay the Stingrays a personal underwater visit.
The honor goes to 2 Dive Instructors in 1981, Jay Ireland and Pat Kenney. Jay Ireland was the very first. After noticing the daily Stingray feeding ritual, Jay took it upon himself to jump in the water armed with a camera and a bag full of courage. Jay found the Stingrays shy, gentle and not aggressive (contrary to popular belief at that time) Following daily feeding he finally earned the Rays trust to the point of being able to hand feed them and pet them.
As soon as Pat Kenney heard of the feedings he became immediately involved and started documenting the Stingrays, naming the animals and kept track of the feedings as well as movements. In 1986 Pat Kenney wrote an article named "The Valley of the Rays", and the now "Stingray City" was born. Underwater Photographer Geri Murphy visited The Valley of the Rays shortly after, upon her return to her California home she also immediately wrote an article of this phenomenon at a location she self named Stingray City, hence the name we now know was born.
The Stingray City dive site quickly became popular, especially with the help of articles also written in the Wall Street Journal, National Geographic (featuring Pat Kenney) and Skin Diver Magazine. It was not until a few years later that the same "taming of the Stingrays" occurred at the shallow sandbar enabling a simple "walk with the Stingrays" to be conducted. The sandbar was also named by locals "The Stingray City Sandbar".
The "Valley of the Rays" or the "REAL" Stingray City:
The 12ft Stingray City is optimal for Scuba Divers as well as Snorkelers. Located very close to the Barrier Reef, the area contains many Coral Formations as well as sponges, Sea Fans, colorful Tropical Fish, Eels, Nurse Sharks sleeping under the many Coral ledges and more. The Stingray Interaction is not isolated to "The Stingray experience", it also offers a fantastic opportunity to view and interact with a variety of marine life as well as a chance to view some of the best snorkeling to be found in the North Sound. One will find all of the Scuba Diving Excursions visit this area, as well as the bigger sail boats due to the depth of the water, but do not allow the water depth to discourage you, the Stingrays will visit you on the surface and the water clarity and marine life will astound you.
The 12ft Stingray City (12ft to 15ft of water) is perfectly suited for scuba divers as well as snorkelers as the entire area offers an "everything in one" opportunity. The Valley of the Rays is especially suited for avid snorkelers and for visitors who have been to the sandbar in the past.
The famous Grand Cayman Stingray City Sandbar:The Stingray City Sandbar is by far one of the most beautiful locations on Earth.
Families leave the island with wonderful memories and lots of pictures that bring joy! |
SNUBA Cayman
One of the best Cayman activities that all ages and stages can enjoy without being a certified diver is to learn how to SNUBA! It takes snorkeling to the next level! We decided to catch up with Becky Lucas, an Operational Manager with SNUBA Cayman to find out more about this interesting way to get closer to the fish and coral reefs.
PP: So Becky, what exactly is SNUBA?
BL: SNUBA is an acronym for Surface Nexus Underwater Breathing Apparatus. SCUBA is Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. So the biggest difference between SNUBA and SCUBA is we supply your air from the surface through a hose to you, as opposed to you wearing a tank on your back.
PP: What do you need to get certified?
BL: SNUBA is run all over the world and it is a great way to get under the water without needing to be certified. It’s safe and easy even if you have neversnorkeled or have only basic swimming skills. The only things we ask of our guests is that they are comfortable in the water, and of good health.
PP: What is the minimum age to SNUBA dive?
BL: Here at SNUBA Grand Cayman we are proud to offer the SNUBA-DOO program for children aged 4-8, and children over the age of 8 can participate in the full Shipwreck SNUBA tour.
BL: Sure, but make sure you make reservations ahead of time so we can accommodate everyone in your group.
Cayman Kayaks
While the most well-known outdoor Cayman adventures may be Stingray City and scuba diving, one adventure that is an absolute Cayman "must do" is the Bioluminescence tour. After sunset, a relaxing paddle by kayak from Rum Point treats you to a magical underwater light show in Bioluminescent Bay. A phenomenal experience. As this month's Passenger Pick of the Month, we wanted to learn more about the story behind Cayman Kayaks, so recently we caught up with co-owner Thomas Watling.
PP: Tom, when did you get started with this tour?
TW: We started paddling with our guests through Cayman's wetlands and the fascinating Bioluminescent Bay back in 2006.
PP: That's a good many years. How long have you been here on Cayman?
TW: Grand Cayman is my home. My parents came here for a Honeymoon in the early 80's and decided to stay. So I grew up here.
PP: What drives your passion to run the Bioluminescent Tours?
TW: When I first discovered the glowing water by throwing a coconut into the bay, I was shocked with wonder and amazement. As I got older and started working in the tourism industry, I instantly discovered my passion not only for teaching, but also to share my passion of nature with guests.
PP: So what is it that makes the bay glow?
TW: The bay has an abundance of microscopic organisms, which use Bioluminescence to avoid predators. When agitated, they glow brighter creating a breathtaking underwater display. On the tour your guide will be sure to give you more in- depth information about how things work.
PP: Yeah, that glow is just spectacular! It's unexpected! So what can island guests expect from the tour you provide; what will they see?
TW: I wouldn't use the word expect, as everyone's appreciation for this phenomenon is different. Everyone has his or her own unique way of enjoying this experience. Some guests explain their adventure as magical, while others say it is informative for all of those science buffs out there. What we do guarantee is an easygoing kayak tour that is safe, comfortable and of course fun while you play with the Bioluminescence.
TW: You know, growing up here I never pictured myself sitting in a kayak being a tour guide. But I really enjoy being on the water and sharing knowledge of the bioluminescent bay ecology as well as the flora and fauna inhabiting the mangroves. So bringing guests into the bay each night does not feel like a job to me. I get to share my home and all of its wonders, but I am also able build an awareness of the island's fragile ecosystems. Specifically
on this tour I explain how combustion engines and other chemicals are harmful to the organisms and how we can help save Bio Bay.
PP: So is that why you choose only to use kayaks to explore and experience the bay?
TW: Yes. Kayaks use clean fuel. Kayaks are also close to the water's edge allowing us to interact more closely with the glowing water without having to swim in it. Combustion Engines, diesel or gasoline both use ocean water to run in and around the engine to keep it cool, the water picks up grease and oil and then spits it
back into the ocean. Also, the exhaust is under the water so all the fumes from the exhaust goes straight into the ocean. This is a cause for concern inside of the Bioluminescent Bay. Studies of boats with combustion engines going into the Bio Bays in Puerto Rico and Jamaica have shown to be detrimental. If tour boats are going to continue to go into the bay, they should care enough to be using electrical propelled engines. Skin lotions also harm the bioluminescence and we encourage our guests to not wear lotions and to use only DEET free bug sprays if they choose to spray. Please search and sign the petition online to "Save Bio Bay". "Travel By Paddle" is our slogan!
PP: Do you allow folks to get out of their Kayak and swim?
TW: We ask our guests not to swim as there are jellyfish all over the belly of the bay and we don't want to see anyone get hurt. Skin lotions and bug sprays harm the glowing organisms. We are trying to preserve the bay's existence so we ask our guests to be very cautious of the chemicals used on their bodies.
PP: So you got married recently. Congratulations! Would you introduce us to Lisha?
TW: Sure. Lisha is originally from Canada and she is awesome! She'll help you make your reservation a smooth process and will gladly assist you with any questions you have regarding the tour, places to eat and other things to do on island.
PP: Does Lisha share your same passion? And how has getting married changed Cayman Kayaks?
TW: Lisha shares the same passion of what God has created here on the earth for us to enjoy. She is creative, always coming up with great marketing ideas and fun things to incorporate into the tours. She is kind, courteous and has an attractive phone voice. Her experience in business administration and the systems she's put in place has made our process smooth and efficient now. Together we are able to share our passion with our guests.
PP: How long is the tour and where do guests meet you?
TW: We meet our guests at Rum Point. Cayman Kayaks can only be found at Rum Point at night when the tours are running. The duration of the tour is 1.5 hours. Rum Point is about 45 min.-1 hour drive from George Town – Seven Mile Beach. We will gladly help you out with arranging transportation for your tour.
PP: What are the best conditions to experience the Bay, or do you do the tour all month long?
TW: The Bioluminescence is always in the bay and you can see it whenever you go, however we have studied the cycles and chosen only the best nights of the month to go. "Quality Over Quantity" is what we go by. The dates we have scheduled the tours are on ach the bay?
TW: It is only a 10 minute
This one-of-a-kind, 23-acre adventure marine park is one of the most exciting Caribbean attractions. The Cayman Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman celebrates Caymanians' stewardship of the seas and relationship with nature through tactile, colorful, educational and memorable experiences. The park allows visitors to experience the rich history of Caymanian life in a fun and safe environment while providing opportunities to observe and interact with native flora and fauna. The expanded facilities ensure visitors continue to learn more about these amazing sea creatures as well as our new additions including the predators, birds, caiman, and other exciting creatures. The new park also houses a world-class research and educational facility that focuses on the conservation of sea turtles. Visitors can now enjoy a refreshing, cool dip in the ever inviting Breaker's fresh water tidal lagoon and dine on a scrumptious meal at Breaker's Snack Shack. Items on the menu include jerk chicken and pork, hamburgers, sandwiches, and desserts amongst other delights. Everyone will enjoy the experience of the finest Caymanian cuisine at a variety of locations throughout the park. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel with fish and other marine life in its 1.3 million gallon salt-water lagoon. Guests can also peer into the predator tank and come nose-to-nose with sharks and eels. Let your imagination soar as you wander through the beautiful free-flight bird aviary or stroll down an historic Caymanian street complete with porch side artisans. Children and adults alike will delight in interacting with starfish, urchins and crabs at the touch pool, for a Caribbean vacation unlike any other. The only one of its kind in the world, the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm is home to over 11,000 Green Sea Turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds each. Visitors can tour an actual working farm, which is both educational and entertaining, and turtles are available for guests to hold for an amazing and unique photo opportunity. For those wanting to take a little of The Cayman Turtle Farm home, visit our 3,500 square foot retail centre located in the reception building. (345) 949 3894
Passengers love this family friendly snorkel adventure Pirate Adventure Tour! Take a two hour costal tour back in time a few centuries as you watch their crew reenact pirate trials, sword fights, wage attacks on in-port cruise ships and other swashbuckling antics. Kids and adults alike will love helping hoist the mainsail, firing the canon and walking the plank! Don't forget to bring your snorkel and swimsuit! They'll be making a 40 minute swim stop so you can explore the spectacular reefs and explore the exotic sea life beautiful Cayman offers. Grown-up swashbucklers will enjoy their complimentary Rum Punch - while the wee-ones may enjoy the "rumless" version. Another cruise on the Jolly Roger is the Sunset Cruise. My passengers feel this is the best sunset cruise on island! The Pirate ship is comfortable, fun and has a smooth sail. Cocktail Cruise includes: Complimentary Open Bar and Snack (Chicken Wings, Pasta Salad and Vegetable Sticks) Suggestions: Dress casual and wear comfortable footwear. During winter, the evenings tend to cool down after sunset, so a light sweater may be advisable. The Jolly Roger cruises depart from the South Terminal located in George Town Harbor, next to Atlantis Submarine. Many of my passengers enjoy a light dinner from Guy Harvey's or The Creperie, then walk right across the street and jump on the ship. Transportation is available at a cost of US$5.00 return trip per person for evening cruises, from the Seven-mile Beach area only. If the weather does not cooperate for your trip, you will be notified in advance. They will do their utmost to accommodate you at the earliest opportunity. Note: Friday Nights are attracting many adults for a way fun pirate cocktail cruise you may want to ask owners if children are welcome that night. Cocktail Cruise Rates: Adults - US$44.95, Children (6-16 years) - US$29.95, Children (0-5 years) – free. (345) 945-7245, info@jollyrogercayman.com.
Don't miss:
PP: Tom, when did you get started with this tour?
TW: We started paddling with our guests through Cayman's wetlands and the fascinating Bioluminescent Bay back in 2006.
PP: That's a good many years. How long have you been here on Cayman?
TW: Grand Cayman is my home. My parents came here for a Honeymoon in the early 80's and decided to stay. So I grew up here.
PP: What drives your passion to run the Bioluminescent Tours?
TW: When I first discovered the glowing water by throwing a coconut into the bay, I was shocked with wonder and amazement. As I got older and started working in the tourism industry, I instantly discovered my passion not only for teaching, but also to share my passion of nature with guests.
PP: So what is it that makes the bay glow?
PP: Yeah, that glow is just spectacular! It's unexpected! So what can island guests expect from the tour you provide; what will they see?
TW: I wouldn't use the word expect, as everyone's appreciation for this phenomenon is different. Everyone has his or her own unique way of enjoying this experience. Some guests explain their adventure as magical, while others say it is informative for all of those science buffs out there. What we do guarantee is an easygoing kayak tour that is safe, comfortable and of course fun while you play with the Bioluminescence.
TW: You know, growing up here I never pictured myself sitting in a kayak being a tour guide. But I really enjoy being on the water and sharing knowledge of the bioluminescent bay ecology as well as the flora and fauna inhabiting the mangroves. So bringing guests into the bay each night does not feel like a job to me. I get to share my home and all of its wonders, but I am also able build an awareness of the island's fragile ecosystems. Specifically on this tour I explain how combustion engines and other chemicals are harmful to the organisms and how we can help save Bio Bay.
PP: So is that why you choose only to use kayaks to explore and experience the bay?
TW: Yes. Kayaks use clean fuel. Kayaks are also close to the water's edge allowing us to interact more closely with the glowing water without having to swim in it. Combustion Engines, diesel or gasoline both use ocean water to run in and around the engine to keep it cool, the water picks up grease and oil and then spits it
back into the ocean. Also, the exhaust is under the water so all the fumes from the exhaust goes straight into the ocean. This is a cause for concern inside of the Bioluminescent Bay. Studies of boats with combustion engines going into the Bio Bays in Puerto Rico and Jamaica have shown to be detrimental. If tour boats are going to continue to go into the bay, they should care enough to be using electrical propelled engines. Skin lotions also harm the bioluminescence and we encourage our guests to not wear lotions and to use only DEET free bug sprays if they choose to spray. Please search and sign the petition online to "Save Bio Bay". "Travel By Paddle" is our slogan!
TW: We ask our guests not to swim as there are jellyfish all over the belly of the bay and we don't want to see anyone get hurt. Skin lotions and bug sprays harm the glowing organisms. We are trying to preserve the bay's existence so we ask our guests to be very cautious of the chemicals used on their bodies.
PP: So you got married recently. Congratulations! Would you introduce us to Lisha?
PP: Does Lisha share your same passion? And how has getting married changed Cayman Kayaks?
TW: We meet our guests at Rum Point. Cayman Kayaks can only be found at Rum Point at night when the tours are running. The duration of the tour is 1.5 hours. Rum Point is about 45 min.-1 hour drive from George Town – Seven Mile Beach. We will gladly help you out with arranging transportation for your tour.
PP: What are the best conditions to experience the Bay, or do you do the tour all month long?
TW: The Bioluminescence is always in the bay and you can see it whenever you go, however we have studied the cycles and chosen only the best nights of the month to go. "Quality Over Quantity" is what we go by. The dates we have scheduled the tours are on ach the bay?
TW: It is only a 10 minute
Cayman Turtle Farm
www.turtle.ky
This one-of-a-kind, 23-acre adventure marine park is one of the most exciting Caribbean attractions. The Cayman Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman celebrates Caymanians' stewardship of the seas and relationship with nature through tactile, colorful, educational and memorable experiences. The park allows visitors to experience the rich history of Caymanian life in a fun and safe environment while providing opportunities to observe and interact with native flora and fauna. The expanded facilities ensure visitors continue to learn more about these amazing sea creatures as well as our new additions including the predators, birds, caiman, and other exciting creatures. The new park also houses a world-class research and educational facility that focuses on the conservation of sea turtles. Visitors can now enjoy a refreshing, cool dip in the ever inviting Breaker's fresh water tidal lagoon and dine on a scrumptious meal at Breaker's Snack Shack. Items on the menu include jerk chicken and pork, hamburgers, sandwiches, and desserts amongst other delights. Everyone will enjoy the experience of the finest Caymanian cuisine at a variety of locations throughout the park. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to swim and snorkel with fish and other marine life in its 1.3 million gallon salt-water lagoon. Guests can also peer into the predator tank and come nose-to-nose with sharks and eels. Let your imagination soar as you wander through the beautiful free-flight bird aviary or stroll down an historic Caymanian street complete with porch side artisans. Children and adults alike will delight in interacting with starfish, urchins and crabs at the touch pool, for a Caribbean vacation unlike any other. The only one of its kind in the world, the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm is home to over 11,000 Green Sea Turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds each. Visitors can tour an actual working farm, which is both educational and entertaining, and turtles are available for guests to hold for an amazing and unique photo opportunity. For those wanting to take a little of The Cayman Turtle Farm home, visit our 3,500 square foot retail centre located in the reception building. (345) 949 3894 Jolly Roger
www.jollyrogercayman.com
Passengers love this family friendly snorkel adventure Pirate Adventure Tour! Take a two hour costal tour back in time a few centuries as you watch their crew reenact pirate trials, sword fights, wage attacks on in-port cruise ships and other swashbuckling antics. Kids and adults alike will love helping hoist the mainsail, firing the canon and walking the plank! Don't forget to bring your snorkel and swimsuit! They'll be making a 40 minute swim stop so you can explore the spectacular reefs and explore the exotic sea life beautiful Cayman offers. Grown-up swashbucklers will enjoy their complimentary Rum Punch - while the wee-ones may enjoy the "rumless" version. Another cruise on the Jolly Roger is the Sunset Cruise. My passengers feel this is the best sunset cruise on island! The Pirate ship is comfortable, fun and has a smooth sail. Cocktail Cruise includes: Complimentary Open Bar and Snack (Chicken Wings, Pasta Salad and Vegetable Sticks) Suggestions: Dress casual and wear comfortable footwear. During winter, the evenings tend to cool down after sunset, so a light sweater may be advisable. The Jolly Roger cruises depart from the South Terminal located in George Town Harbor, next to Atlantis Submarine. Many of my passengers enjoy a light dinner from Guy Harvey's or The Creperie, then walk right across the street and jump on the ship. Transportation is available at a cost of US$5.00 return trip per person for evening cruises, from the Seven-mile Beach area only. If the weather does not cooperate for your trip, you will be notified in advance. They will do their utmost to accommodate you at the earliest opportunity. Note: Friday Nights are attracting many adults for a way fun pirate cocktail cruise you may want to ask owners if children are welcome that night. Cocktail Cruise Rates: Adults - US$44.95, Children (6-16 years) - US$29.95, Children (0-5 years) – free. (345) 945-7245, info@jollyrogercayman.com.
Great pictures. It's a whole other world down there. I always enjoy and look forward to your underwater adventures.Thank you for sharing valuable information. Look here we provide custom, luxury, private trips to Stingray City, Starfish Point, the Bioluminescence Bay and more. If you want to avoid the crowds and experience the natural beauty of Cayman then join us. Visit Stingray city grand cayman. From our Owner/Operator care to our knowledge and service, you will have a day to remember
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing best activities on World Famous Stingray City tour..
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