Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Coral Gardens & Starfish Point Tour

Summary

Swim with stingrays snorkel coral reefs and visit starfish beach in Grand Cayman with easy hotel pickup

You’ll glide over bright corals at Coral Gardens, then stand among wild stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar—feeding them if you’re brave enough! Finish with quiet moments holding starfish at Starfish Point’s shallow waters. With local guides handling all gear and pickup details, you get to focus on those little surprises—like how soft a stingray feels or how blue Grand Cayman water really is.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the water changed color as we left the Royal Watler dock — that sudden switch from city gray to this wild turquoise, almost too bright. Our guide, Marcus, handed out masks and cracked a joke about my sunburn (I was already pink). The boat ride out to Coral Gardens took maybe half an hour? Hard to say because I got distracted by a pelican dive-bombing near us. The breeze was salty and warm. When we finally stopped, Marcus tossed me a snorkel and said, “You’ll want to keep your eyes open for turtles.” I didn’t see one, but there were these electric-blue fish darting everywhere and the coral looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss book — all knobby and weirdly soft under my hand.

Stingray City was next — only ten minutes away but it felt like another world. Suddenly you’re standing waist-deep on a sandbar in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by these southern stingrays gliding around your legs like they own the place (which they kind of do). Marcus showed us how to hold out bits of squid so they’d swoop right up; it’s slimy but not gross, if that makes sense. One of them brushed against my calf and I actually yelped — everyone laughed. There’s something about looking down into that clear water and seeing those huge shapes moving right below you that sticks with you. I still think about that moment sometimes when I’m back home doing dishes or whatever.

Last stop was Starfish Point — just a quick ride over. It’s quieter there, less chatter from other boats. The sand is powdery and the water barely comes up to your knees. We learned you can hold the starfish gently but never lift them out; Marcus made sure we all got it right (he gets kind of serious about that part). My niece tried to count all the arms on hers before it wriggled away — not sure she got it right but she was proud anyway. On the way back, someone passed around juice boxes and we just sat in silence for a bit watching the shoreline come back into view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stingray City, Coral Gardens, Starfish Point

• Depart from Royal Watler Terminal
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens
• Boat ride to Stingray City Sandbar
• Feed and swim with stingrays
• Boat ride to Starfish Point
• Handle starfish and take photos

Top questions

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

The total tour time includes 15 minutes by bus each way from hotel or cruise pier plus boat rides between stops; expect several hours overall.

Is snorkeling gear provided on this day trip?

Yes, snorkeling equipment and life vests are included for use at Coral Gardens.

Can young children join the Stingray City & Starfish Point tour?

Yes, infants can ride in strollers or on an adult’s lap; suitable for all fitness levels.

What animals might I see during Coral Gardens snorkeling?

You’ll likely spot tropical fish and corals; sometimes turtles or lobsters appear as well.

Do I get picked up from my hotel for this tour?

Yes, free shuttle service is offered from local resorts or cruise terminal.

Is feeding stingrays safe during this tour?

The guides provide squid and explain safe ways to interact with southern stingrays in shallow water.

Are drinks included during the trip?

Bottled water and juice are provided complimentary on board.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip shuttle pickup from your hotel or cruise pier in Grand Cayman, bottled water and juice on board, full use of snorkeling gear and life vests at Coral Gardens, plus squid for feeding stingrays—all led by friendly local guides who keep things relaxed while making sure everyone stays safe around both rays and starfish before heading back in comfort.