Been to the island a few times always taken a tour offered by the ship.
Next spring am going again, but want to spend more time at the turtle farm and dolphin park then visiting Hell and the rum cake factory. That was a half hour or so that didn't interest me. Can anyone recommend a tour guide company that we can book directly with?
thanks joebeone

This and you are done: http://www.dolphindiscovery.com/gran...urtle-farm.asp

Just take the public bus or a cab, make sure not to let them know you are arriving vis cruise, as they have deals worked out with the cruise lines to capture all their clientele.

We used Tropicana Tours and enjoyed our day with them. It was just us and one other couple on the tour, so they were real nice about adjusting stops to meet what we were wanting and not necessary going by their schedule.

http://www.tropicana-tours.com/tours.html

Please don't take offense to this, but the things you listed are all pretty much tourist traps. Hell is a joke, it's a bunch of rocks with a gift shop, total waste of time.

Turtle farm is pretty cool for the kids, but I can't imagine speading more than a half hour there. Rum Cake factory is another yawner IMO. You can buythem anywhere on the island.

Dolphin swims are very controversial, and lot's of people very much against them. That being said, please do your own research how these places are really run. Make you own decision. It's very expensive for very little time with the dolphins.

The true beauty of GC is underwater. A Stingray City/Sandbar excusion is probably the number one attraction on the island. I've done it twice, and it's truly awesome. GC is known for (world-class) diving and snorkeling. You could easily spend 1/2 day doing stingray city, then going snorkeling along 7 Mile beach or one of the many reefs in & around Georgetown. I have no idea what your likes & dislikes are, but the places you mention are not what makes GC a great place by any stretch. Stick with anything water related, and you'll be happy.

I have a problem with English sometimes. I don't want to go to the rum cake place, yes it is a waste of time. But we're taking our middle son and his family. He has had a red ear slider for at least 15 years so want to spend some time there and yeah Hell is a bunch of rocks but just to show them. Dolphins we did do it in Cozamel so maybe drop it. Not sure about the rays though.

Sting Ray City is awesome and a worthy excursion. Most boat trips you get 2 or 3 snorkel stops included.

I thought the Turtle Farm was just sad. To me, it's not really a tourist attraction since the turtles are mostly raised there for food. I was hoping more of a zoo type environment instead of huge metal tubs over following with turtles. Not a place I would return to. Just my opinion.

Try the Botanical Gardens instead.

Not judging you on what you intend to do, but if it is a choice between Sting Ray City Sand Bar and a some penned in Dolphins, I know what I'd opt for.

If you want to go to these places, you do not have to take a tour. It is better to take a taxi from Georgetown.

Joe,

Go swim with the Rays....seriously. I guarantee your son will absolutely love it, and so will the family. You will thank me for trying it. It's VERY safe, and an experience you'll never forget.