Hello-

Need some advice. Going to Grand Cayman with the family 3/30 - 4/5. Have kids ages 3 and 7 and would love to take them to Stingray City. Looks like there are many good operators we could use, however, confused on which one would be the best. Soto's, Dexter's, Captain Marvin's? Also, need suggestions on restaurants that are kid friendly. Staying at the Ritz without a car and would love to somethings walking distance. Thanks!!

They all basically do the exact same thing. Usually one or two snorkel stops, and then a stop at the sandbar to swim with the rays.

All the operators you mentioned have good reputations.

Things to consider:
Size of the boat (Max people).
Cost.
1/2 day or full day.
Cruise ship schedule.

Try and book for a Sunday when there are no cruise ships in port. Otherwise, you may run into huge crowds out there.

I have used both Dexter & Sotos, both were small boats, light crowds and a lot of fun. We especially liked Dexter.

Have fun!!

Dexter has a catamaran. He generally motors you out, and then sails you back in.

Our family [all adults] like to use Captain Marvin for a full day trip, Captain Dexter for a half day.

Captain Marvin's full day trip is a wonderful experience. The trip through the barrier reef is awesome. We personally think the stop at coral gardens is no big deal. It seems to have suffered with the advent of Ivan. We were bummed to see that.

At the barrier reef, they feed an eel and you can take photos of that.

Good breakfast spot. EATS
Calypso Chicken for inexpensive, good food.
Coconut Joes is kid friendly, as is Fidel Murphys.

We've seen kids at most restaurants. In town go to Hard Rock, kids always seem to like that.

Wishing you a great time!

We used Sotos when we were there last May and thought they were fantastic - We will use them again whenever we return!

We are using Capt. Marvin's in May.He seems to have the best prices.Kids 3 and under are free with him.With some of the other companies..there is a charge for 3 yr olds.

Also,I believe that Marvin is the one who found Stingray City.

Good luck and have fun!!

Christie

I think you'll love Captain Marvin. Do try and go on a day with no ships in port. Check out the port authority site to see what days that would be while you are there. http://www.caymanport.com/

We've gone out with Sotos, Dexter, and Captain Marvin.

Dexter has an awesome personality, and makes the trip a hoot.

Captain Marvin has an awesome full day trip, with a lot of personal attention, and the guys get in the water with you more often. We also got a lot of information on the conch we dove for, stingrays, certain fish...had a great videographer...cool people.

Sotos was alright, we only got two stops with them [coral gardens and stingray city] and they did not have a videographer, or give as much detailed information on stingrays, etc...as the other two places did.

No matter who you go with, you will have a blast.

We just did the morning (3hour) and afternoon (3hour) trip with Captain Marvin last weekend and it was certainly a highlight of our vacation.

Frommer's Guide to the Cayman Islands was key to our decision in choosing Captain Marvin, since it stated that they only do snorkeling and not diving. The afternoon trip was slightly better than the morning trip in terms of aquatic activity and both stopped at the Coral Gardens, Barrier Reef, and Stingray City Sandbar. We drove to their departure location, but believe they can arrange pick up from hotels. No matter who you arrange your tour with strongly recommend going out on the weekend or at least later in the afternoon after 2PM, because many cruise ships (like the one which unfortunately caught fire on Thursday) come during the week and the resulting increased number of stingray city boat tours present will result in more crowded conditions at the stingray city sandbar.

Highly recommend bringing an underwater , can't wait to develop our

Ikemerson,
Thanks for the link to see when cruise ships are in Port.We are going to Stringcity on Friday May 12th and it looks like no ships are there on Fridays!

Christie

You are more than welcome.

May is a bit off, so please keep checking the schedule in case they add some ships on the day you plan to go. It could happen

If it does, call and have them switch your reservations.

Glad to be of help.

thank you everyone, we are going with Dexter's for a half day. We have a 3 year old and think that might be enough for her. Leaving in 3 days...can't wait!!

We are going to GC in 3 weeks (can't wait!), and our kids are similar in age to yours. Would love to hear your trip report when you get back, especially your experience with Capt. Dexter. We are thinking of booking a Stingray City trip with him as well, and I'm wondering how my 3-1/2 year old will do. Have a great time!