Grand Cayman: Private Stingray City Boat & Snorkeling Tour

Summary

Private boat trip to stingray city coral gardens starfish beach

You’ll board a private boat in Grand Cayman with a local crew, heading first to Stingray City for close-up encounters with wild stingrays (they really do glide right over your hands). Then snorkel among tropical fish at Coral Gardens before walking the quiet sands of Starfish Beach. There’s space to relax, plenty of cold drinks, and time moves at your pace — it sticks with you after.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet — just the hum of our boat leaving the marina in Grand Cayman, sun already sharp on the water. Our guide, Marcus, handed me a cold soda and grinned like he’d done this a thousand times but still liked it. I could smell sunscreen and salt. We headed out toward Stingray City, and honestly, I was a little nervous about the stingrays (they’re huge up close), but Marcus just laughed and showed us how to hold the food flat so they’d glide right over our hands. It’s a weird feeling — their skin is softer than I expected, almost slippery? My niece squealed when one brushed her leg. I might’ve yelped too.

After that we drifted over to Coral Gardens for snorkeling. The water’s so clear you can see your own shadow on the sand below. Fish everywhere — flashes of yellow and blue darting around my mask. At one point Marcus pointed out what he said was a Caribbean lobster hiding under some coral (I barely spotted it). There’s something about floating there with just your breathing in your ears and all that color moving around you. I lost track of time.

We stopped at Starfish Beach next — it’s quieter than I thought it would be, just soft sand and these bright orange-red starfish scattered along the shore. The kids tried counting them but gave up after ten or so. Some local families were picnicking nearby; one little boy waved at us with sandy hands. On the way back through the mangroves, Marcus told stories about growing up here — his accent made everything sound more relaxed somehow. If you want to move slow or fast, they really let you choose; we took our time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat tour to Stingray City

• Board boat at upscale marina
• Visit Stingray City and interact
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens
• Visit Starfish Beach

Top questions

How long is the private boat tour to Stingray City?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from departure at the marina until return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this Grand Cayman tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear and life jackets are included for everyone on board.

Can we interact with stingrays safely at Stingray City?

Yes, guides show you how to feed and touch stingrays safely during your visit.

What else do we visit besides Stingray City?

You’ll also snorkel at Coral Gardens and visit Starfish Beach during the trip.

Are drinks or snacks included on this private boat charter?

Bottled water and sodas are provided; you can also bring your own food or drinks.

Is there a restroom on board during the tour?

Yes, there is a restroom available on board for guest use throughout the trip.

Can infants join this Grand Cayman private boat tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap while underway.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Dock B Slip 39 at an upscale marina in Grand Cayman, all snorkeling equipment and life jackets for every guest, bottled water and sodas throughout the cruise, plus food for feeding stingrays at Stingray City. There’s also a restroom onboard for comfort during your private adventure before returning to shore.