Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Coral Garden & Starfish Tour

Summary

Swim with stingrays snorkel coral reefs and meet starfish in Grand Cayman

You’ll ride from Grand Cayman’s port with a local guide before boating out to Stingray City for close encounters with wild stingrays. Snorkel colorful reefs at Coral Garden, then wade among starfish at Starfish Point—all with gear provided and no big crowds. Expect laughter, salty air, gentle reminders about nature—and moments you’ll remember long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a life vest—blue, a bit faded at the edges—and jokes that even the locals wear them sometimes. I’m not sure if he’s serious, but it breaks the ice as we pile into the minibus outside the cruise terminal. The ride to the marina only takes about fifteen minutes, just enough time for my nerves to start fizzing (I’ve never actually touched a stingray before). Our guide, Marcus, tells us stories about growing up in Grand Cayman and points out a bakery where he claims you can get the best coconut bread on the island. I make a mental note to try it later.

The boat ride out is breezy—salty air, sun on my arms, everyone half-squinting against the glare. When we reach Stingray City, it’s quieter than I expected. No big crowds or shouting. Just our group and these gentle creatures gliding around our legs in water so clear it almost doesn’t look real. Marcus shows us how to feed them (the squid feels cold and slippery in my hand), and then suddenly there’s this soft weight pressing against my back—a stingray “massage,” apparently for good luck. Someone laughs when I flinch; I laugh too because honestly, it’s stranger than I thought it’d be but kind of wonderful.

Next up is Coral Garden. We slip on snorkels—mine keeps fogging up—and float over corals that glow orange and purple under the surface. Fish dart everywhere; someone points out a parrotfish crunching away at something I can’t quite see. There’s this moment when everything goes quiet except for my own breathing through the tube and the distant sound of Marcus calling out another fish name (I forget which one). It feels peaceful in a way that sticks with you.

Last stop: Starfish Point. The water here is shallow and warm—almost bath-like—and bright red-orange starfish dot the sand beneath our feet. Marcus reminds us gently not to lift them out of the water (“They need to breathe down there,” he says). A little girl next to me tries counting them all but gives up after ten or so; honestly, there are too many to keep track of. We sip sodas from the cooler and just float for a while. Even now, I still think about how calm it felt right then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stingray City and Marine Exploration

• Bus ride to Marina
• Boat ride to Stingray City
• Pet and feed stingrays
• Get stingray back massage
• Visit Coral Gardens snorkeling
• Explore Starfish Pointe shallow water

Top questions

How long does the Stingray City tour take from Grand Cayman cruise port?

The tour includes a 15-minute bus ride from port to marina plus three stops by boat; total duration varies but plan for several hours including transfers.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Grand Cayman tour?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for use during the Coral Garden stop.

Are drinks included during the Stingray City & Starfish tour?

Complimentary bottled water and sodas are included on board.

Can small children join this Grand Cayman day trip?

Yes, life jackets are available from toddler to adult sizes and infants can sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Does this tour pick up from Seven Mile Beach area hotels?

Yes, pickup from Seven Mile area is available as part of your booking.

What should I bring for swimming with stingrays in Grand Cayman?

You should bring swimwear and sunscreen; life vests and food for stingrays are provided by the crew.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from either your cruise terminal or Seven Mile area hotel, air-conditioned transport to the marina, all snorkeling equipment and life vests (from toddler through adult sizes), food for feeding stingrays at Stingray City, plus bottled water and sodas throughout your adventure before returning back ashore.