Snorkeling at Stingray City, Grand Cayman: Private Boat Charter

Hand-feed stingrays in shallow water, then snorkel coral gardens where tropical fish and lobsters live

A 3-hour private snorkeling charter in Grand Cayman puts you on your own boat to interact with stingrays at Stingray City, explore Starfish Beach on foot, and snorkel near Rum Point or Coral Gardens. The crew customizes the stops and pace to what you want: more time with the rays, more time underwater, or a mix of both. Equipment, water and a guide in English or Spanish are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Stingray City1h · entry included
2. Starfish Point45m · entry included
3. Rum Point45m · entry included

Private boat tour with snorkeling

• Board boat at marina Dock B Slip 39
• Visit Stingray City and interact with stingrays
• Snorkel at Coral Gardens or Rum Point
• Relax and explore Starfish Beach
• Optional stop at Rum Point beach and bar

The experience

The boat leaves from Dock B at an upscale marina and holds up to ten people comfortably, so you're not competing for space or the guide's attention. Stingray City itself sits in shallow water where the rays have learned to gather. You'll wade in and feed them by hand while the crew stays close. The water is calm enough for children and non-swimmers, though anyone uncomfortable in the ocean can stay on board.

After the rays, the crew takes you to Starfish Beach, a 10-minute ride away, where you walk the shoreline and photograph red and orange starfish in the shallows. Then comes the snorkeling stop: either near Rum Point or at Coral Gardens, depending on currents and crowds that day. The water runs 8 to 10 feet deep, clear enough to spot moray eels and Caribbean lobsters moving through colorful coral. The boat carries snorkeling gear and life vests for everyone, plus a restroom, fresh water and sodas.

You set the rhythm. Spend the whole time in the water, spend it all with the stingrays, or move between stops as the mood shifts. The crew knows the sites and reads what you want. They're not running a fixed schedule. You're welcome to bring your own food or drinks, and if someone wants to skip the snorkeling and grab a Mudslide at Rum Point's beach bar instead, that works too.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets for all guests.
• food for the stingrays.
• bottled water and soda.
• onboard restroom.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup service.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:30

Book up to3h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 19 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sea Cayman Boat Charters

Is this one for you?The private boat means no crowds at Stingray City and no fixed itinerary. You move at your pace and pick which stops matter most. If you're staying without a car or prefer not to drive, pickup is included, so you just show up at the marina.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's it like to interact with the stingrays at Stingray City?

Stingray City sits in shallow water where the rays gather to be fed. You wade in and hand-feed them while they glide around your legs. The crew stays with you, and the water is calm and safe for all ages and swimming abilities.

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Yes. The snorkeling spots run 8 to 10 feet deep with life vests and equipment provided, and you can stay on the boat if you'd rather not go in the water. The crew adjusts the stops and time in the water to match your comfort.

What will I see when snorkeling near Rum Point or Coral Gardens?

Tropical fish in many colors, moray eels, Caribbean lobsters and colorful coral formations. The exact spot depends on the day's currents and crowds, but both locations are good for average snorkelers.

Is there time to visit Starfish Beach?

Yes, Starfish Beach is a 10-minute boat ride from Stingray City. You'll walk the shoreline and see red and orange starfish in the shallow water, which makes for good photos.

How does pickup work if I don't have a car?

The charter includes pickup, so the crew will arrange transport to Dock B at the marina. Confirm your hotel or meeting point when you book.