First let me say, I have traveled quite a bit throughout the states, the Caribbean, Mexico and Europe. I am a reasonable, fair person, but I am not easy to please. This excursion far exceeded my expectations in every way. It was exactly as described. Not to mention Chip and his wife Michelle are nice people, which goes a long way when I am on vacation. I have been on excursions or tourist attractions over the years and the crew / staff are often times not polite or friendly, let alone concerned if you are happy with your experience.
I waited 15 YEARS to swim with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman and it was absolutely worth the wait!! When I was in Grand Cayman years ago, unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate and all excursions were cancelled. Obviously, I was extremely disappointed. Needless to say, I was excited to finally get to check this off my bucket list.
Chip who runs Stingray Sailing is HANDS DOWN the best way to see these really amazing, gentle creatures. He is a native to Grand Cayman, super nice guy and highly respectful of the stingrays. If you ever go, I would highly recommend doing this with Chip. FYI - he does not deal with the cruise ships. You have to book this on your own, directly with his company, which was very easy to do. Michelle was more than willing to answer my questions I had prior by phone and email.
He took us out on his large sailboat to the sandbar with only 25 people total on the boat. They provided us food to feed them. The best part about this was that we could take our own video and pictures, unlike the other excursions that forbid you to do so.
What was crazy was the stingrays swarmed our boat when we pulled in. Chips believes these intelligent creatures know that he and his guests will not harass them compared to the other operators. Sadly, the other boat operators and their guests were not as respectful of the stingrays. They were coming over and literally dragging them back to their boats for photo opportunities and holding them so people could touch them. It was totally not necessary.
It was by far one of the coolest things I have ever done! Worth the extra few bucks they charge. You get what you pay for... book with them. You...
   Read moreOur family's excursion with Stingray Sailing was absolutely phenomenal! From the moment we booked via WhatsApp to the unforgettable experience on the water, every aspect was top-notch.
Booking for our family of four was a breeze, and the $20 deposit per person via PayPal provided peace of mind. Confirming our pick-up location at the Royal Water Terminal was seamless, and Captain Chip's personal pick-up added a special touch to the beginning of our adventure.
As the only guests from our cruise ship, we joined three other families on the catamaran. Captain Chip's informative briefing on the stingrays during the cruise to our destination set the stage for an incredible experience. The crystal-clear waters delighted us with over 100 starfish sightings, captivating both kids and adults alike.
The highlight of our excursion was undoubtedly the interaction with the stingrays. Captain Chip's rapport with these majestic creatures was evident as they gracefully approached the boat upon our arrival. We were in awe as we fed and interacted with the stingrays, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Sadly, the experience was marred when other boats began to overcrowd the area, causing the stingrays to swim away. Unlike some of the other boats, Captain Chip prioritized the well-being of the stingrays, ensuring a respectful interaction that allowed us ample time with these magnificent creatures.
After enjoying our time with the stingrays, we were whisked away to another stunning snorkeling location, adding even more excitement to our adventure.
Without a doubt, this excursion ranks among the best we've ever taken. For those on a cruise ship, booking with Captain Chip is a must-do. The photos and videos we captured speak volumes about the incredible experience we had, and sharing them with fellow cruise guests left them in awe.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have booked this excursion and extend our heartfelt gratitude to Captain Chip for creating unforgettable memories. We can't wait to sail with Stingray Sailing again on our next visit. Thank you for an...
   Read moreThis excursion exceeded all of my hopes and expectations. I booked with Stingray Sailing during a recent Caribbean cruise because they offered a small group setting with humane treatment of the animals. The description was more than accurate. There was no being kicked in the face by crowded snorkelers on this tour!
Booking and payment was simple via email and paypal. Capt. Chip picked us up at the cruise port right on time. I was blown away by this experience. It was truly amazing. The stingrays definitely know when this catamaran is pulling up. They swarmed us. The stingrays know that they will be treated with love and respect with this crew. No grabbing or manhandling of these intelligent and beautiful creatures. I think that I giggled like a child the entire time. They are soft and so friendly. I now refer to them as "the puppies of the sea". After enjoying our time with the stingrays, we sailed to the reef where I snorkeled and saw amazing colorful fish, coral, and a possible friendly sea monster. Then it was on to a relaxing sail back to the marina.
Capt. Chip, Katelee, and the whole company treated us like family and I really cannot recommend Stingray Sailing enough. For those people that are nervous about interacting with the stingrays, please be assured that they are friendly, do not harm you, and are no threat whatsoever. Capt. Chip also makes accommodations for non-swimmers so that they can enjoy the fun too. It is a sandbar, so you can stand up in the water. If I am ever back in Grand Cayman, it will be the first thing that I book. Thank-you for one of the best...
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