Grand Cayman: Stingray City, Snorkeling & Starfish Point Tour

Summary

Swim with stingrays then drift over coral and starfish sands

You’ll wade among gentle stingrays at Stingray City, snorkel vibrant reefs at Coral Gardens with all gear included, then unwind on soft sands at Starfish Point. With hotel or port pickup and a friendly local guide handling all the details, you can just soak up those salty breezes and maybe surprise yourself with how brave you feel.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I was a little nervous about the stingrays. I’d heard stories about Stingray City in Grand Cayman but seeing that glassy water from the boat, it all felt more real (and honestly, a bit surreal). Our guide, Marcus, handed me a chunk of squid and grinned. “Hold it flat,” he said. The first stingray glided up so smooth and cool against my palm — not slimy like I expected. It’s strange how quickly you forget you’re standing waist-deep in the middle of the sea with wild rays brushing past your legs. My niece squealed every time one swirled by. I probably did too.

The ride out to Coral Gardens was breezy — salt in the air, hair everywhere. There were maybe ten of us on the boat, swapping sunscreen and stories about where we were from. When we dropped anchor, Marcus tossed us snorkels (I always fog mine up instantly) and pointed out where to look for parrotfish and tiny darting things I never learned the names for. The water was clearer than any pool I’ve ever seen; you could spot every ripple of sand below. At one point I just floated there listening to my own breathing through the tube and thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt with everyone bobbing around like awkward sea otters.

Starfish Point was last — honestly, by then I was sunburnt and salty but didn’t care much. The sand there is almost white, soft as flour between your toes. We wandered around spotting bright orange starfish half-buried in shallow water (don’t pick them up — Marcus made sure we knew). Some local kids splashed nearby; one showed me how to spot the ones hiding under seagrass. There was this quiet moment where everything just slowed down — no phones out, just warm sun and that hush you get when everyone’s a little tired but happy.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stingray City and Coral Gardens tour

• Hotel or port pickup
• Travel by air-conditioned bus
• Boat ride to Stingray City
• Explore Stingray City sandbars
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens
• Take photos with crew
• Return by bus to hotel or port

Top questions

How long is the Stingray City tour from Grand Cayman?

The tour lasts about 3-4 hours including transport to and from your hotel or port.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for use at Coral Gardens.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip transportation from hotels or cruise port in George Town is included.

Can infants join the tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport; strollers are allowed.

What should I bring for the Stingray City day trip?

You should bring a towel, sunscreen, snacks if you want them, and motion sickness medicine if needed.

Will we visit both Coral Gardens and Starfish Point?

You’ll visit either Coral Gardens for snorkeling or Starfish Point Beach for relaxing after Stingray City.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is provided but bottled water and soda are included; bring snacks if needed.

What happens if weather is bad?

If weather conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your morning or afternoon includes hotel or port pickup in George Town by air-conditioned bus, boat transfers to each stop with a local captain and guide (plus an onboard photographer), squid to feed the stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar, use of snorkeling equipment at Coral Gardens if that’s your stop, bottled water and soda throughout, plus return transport back to your starting point when it’s all done.