Private Grand Cayman Boat Tour: Stingrays, Starfish & Snorkeling

Summary

Half-Day Private Boat Adventure in Grand Cayman

You’ll get close to stingrays, relax at Starfish Beach, and snorkel lively reefs—all at your own pace with friendly guides who know every corner of Grand Cayman’s waters.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we stepped onto the boat was the salty breeze—warm, but not too heavy. Our guide, Luis, greeted us with a grin and pointed out the cooler packed with ice for our drinks (I’d brought a couple of local sodas from the gas station nearby). We set off toward Stingray City, and honestly, seeing those gentle rays glide right up to us in waist-deep water felt surreal. You can actually feel their soft skin brush against your legs if you stand still enough. There’s always a bit of laughter when someone gets surprised by one swimming past.

After drying off a bit in the sun—music playing low in the background—we cruised over to Starfish Beach. The sand here is almost powdery, and you’ll spot these bright red starfish just sitting there under shallow water. Our guide reminded us not to pick them up for too long (they need to breathe underwater), which I wouldn’t have known otherwise. The spot isn’t crowded if you go earlier in the day; we had it mostly to ourselves except for a couple of local families picnicking nearby.

The last stop was out on a reef that looked like it just popped up in the middle of nowhere. We put on our snorkeling gear (provided on board) and jumped in—schools of blue tangs darted around coral heads, and I even spotted a small barracuda hiding behind some rocks. If you’re new to snorkeling or just want to float around, they’ve got vests so you don’t have to worry about getting tired. By the time we headed back, my skin was salty and my hair tangled from the wind—but I couldn’t stop smiling.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half Day Boat Tour Highlights

• Boat tour around Grand Cayman
• Swim with stingrays
• Visit Starfish Beach
• Snorkel at coral-rich spots

Top questions

Can I bring my own drinks or snacks on board?

Absolutely! There’s a cooler with ice ready for your drinks or snacks—just bring what you like.

Is this boat tour suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes, it’s great for all ages. Life vests are provided, and there’s plenty of shade if anyone wants a break from the sun.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

Nope! The crew helps beginners get comfortable, and you can use a vest if you want extra support while floating.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome aboard—just let us know ahead of time so we can make space for them.

What’s included

Your private boat trip includes bottled water, snorkeling gear (mask and fins), and swimming vests for everyone. Friendly guides speak English and Spanish—and there’s always music playing if you want it!