Stingray City snorkeling: Private 34ft boat charter, Grand Cayman
Feed stingrays by name, then snorkel a living reef with a guide in the water.
A private charter on a 34-foot cruiser takes up to 12 guests to three snorkeling sites around Grand Cayman: Stingray City, a sandbar 5.5 miles offshore where southern stingrays gather to be fed; a coral reef where the first mate guides you through the marine life; and Starfish Point, a secluded beach lined with red cushion sea stars. The captain has 10 years of professional experience with the stingrays and introduces them by name. Snorkeling equipment, water and soda are included. Lunch stops at Rum Point or Kaibo are available on the 6 and 8 hour charters at your own expense.
Options for this experience
4 optionsStep-by-step itinerary
Private charter snorkeling and beach visit
- Visit Stingray City sandbar
- Snorkel at coral reef
- Explore Starfish Point beach
- Starfish Point 30m
- Stingray City 45m
- Rum Point 45m
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment.
- bottled water and soda.
- food to feed the stingrays at Stingray City.
- a first mate in the water with you at the coral reef.
- restroom on board.
Times
- Every day 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:30
Before you book
Operated by Cayman Snorkel Co.
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The boat leaves from a dock in Grand Cayman and heads 5.5 miles offshore to Stingray City, a natural sandbar in waist-deep water where southern stingrays congregate. Your captain, trained as a "Stingray Whisperer," feeds the rays and introduces you to individuals who have earned names (Darth Vader, Big Mama, Freckles) over years of encounters. You wade into the water and interact with them directly, handling the rays' smooth bodies as they glide past. This is not a distant viewing. The stingrays are accustomed to human contact and approach without hesitation.
From there, the boat moves to a coral reef for snorkeling. The first mate enters the water with you, pointing out the reef structure and the fish and invertebrates living inside it, keeping watch over the group. Snorkeling gear is provided and fitted before you go in. The reef stop is the core of the day: time in the water, not a quick pass.
Starfish Point comes last: a secluded beach where red cushion sea stars cover the sand and shallow water. You can walk the beach and handle the starfish in their natural habitat. On the longer charter options (6 and 8 hours), the boat stops for lunch at Rum Point or Kaibo, where you can eat at a beachside restaurant at your own cost, then return to the water for additional snorkeling before heading back. The boat has a restroom on board and supplies bottled water and soda throughout the day.
Is this one for you?Book a 4-hour charter if you want the three main stops without a meal break, or a 6 or 8 hour charter if you'd rather add a lunch stop at a beachside restaurant and more time in the water. The private boat means your group sets the pace at each site, and your captain's 10 years with the stingrays means you'll encounter them by name, not as a crowd experience.
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Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What are the stingrays like at Stingray City?
Stingray City is a natural sandbar in waist-deep water 5.5 miles offshore where southern stingrays congregate to be fed. The captain introduces them by name (some have been coming for years), and they approach guests directly in the water. The stingrays are accustomed to human contact and allow you to touch their smooth bodies as they glide past.
Does the first mate stay in the water with me while snorkeling?
Yes. The first mate enters the water with your group at the coral reef, points out the marine life and reef structure, and stays with you for safety and guidance throughout the snorkeling stop.
What charter length should I choose?
The 4-hour charters (8:30am or 1:30pm departure) cover Stingray City, the coral reef and Starfish Point without a meal stop. The 6 and 8 hour charters add time for lunch at a beachside restaurant (at your own expense) and additional snorkeling before returning to shore.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Snorkeling equipment is included with every charter. The first mate fits your gear before you enter the water at the reef.
How many people can fit on the boat?
The 34-foot cruiser accommodates up to 12 guests, plus your captain and first mate.
What if I want to fish instead of snorkel?
Fishing gear can be provided upon request. Contact the operator when booking to arrange it.
Stingray City snorkeling: Private 34ft boat charter, Grand Cayman
4h–8h · EN
from US$ 1,000 per group
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