Stingray City & Coral Gardens: Private 3-hour Boat Charter

Swim with stingrays, then snorkel two reefs in one morning

A private 3-hour boat charter in Grand Cayman takes you to Stingray City Sandbar to swim with stingrays, then to Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef for snorkeling among tropical fish and coral, and finishes at Starfish Point where you walk the shallows to spot red, orange and green starfish. Your captain and crew handle navigation and marine commentary throughout. Snorkeling gear, drinks and snacks are provided.

The experience

Stingray City Sandbar is the first stop, and the captain will explain why the stingrays gather there and how to interact with them safely in the shallow water. This is the centerpiece of the charter. You'll swim alongside the rays and have the chance to touch them, a moment most visitors come to Grand Cayman to experience. The crew manages the boat while you're in the water, and the whole stop is paced so everyone, including children, can participate.

After the stingrays, you move to Coral Gardens for the first snorkel. The water runs 8–10 feet deep, and the reef here is dense with tropical fish, moray eels and Cayman lobsters. The Barrier Reef, your second snorkel site, sits in deeper water and stretches longer, offering more coral variety and a sense of the reef's scale. This is the structure that protects the island from storm surge. Both stops give you time to explore at your own pace with the snorkeling equipment provided.

Starfish Point closes the charter. It's a shallow, calm beach where you wade along the shoreline spotting starfish in red, orange and even green. The crew provides soda, bottled water, alcoholic beverages and snacks throughout the morning, so you're never without refreshment between stops. The whole outing runs three hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• soda and bottled water.
• alcoholic beverages.
• snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Black Tip Charters

Is this one for you?Your captain and crew speak English throughout, so you'll hear the island's history and marine details as you move between stops. The private boat means no crowded group departures. Just your party, the crew and the stingrays.

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Top questions

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 happens at Stingray City Sandbar?

Stingray City Sandbar is where you enter the water to swim with the stingrays in their natural habitat. The captain explains their behavior and why they stay in that location, and you'll have the chance to touch and interact with them in the shallow water. It's suitable for all ages.

Will I snorkel on this charter?

Yes, you snorkel at two reefs. Coral Gardens is the first stop, with water 8–10 feet deep and tropical fish, moray eels and lobsters. The Barrier Reef is the second, also 8–10 feet deep but with a longer stretch of coral and more variety. Snorkeling equipment is included and provided on the boat.

What is Starfish Point like?

Starfish Point is a shallow, quiet beach where you walk the shoreline in shallow water to spot starfish in different colors: red, orange and green. It's a relaxing final stop suitable for both kids and adults, and one of the most requested parts of the charter.

What's included in the charter price?

The charter includes snorkeling equipment, soda and bottled water, alcoholic beverages and snacks throughout the three hours. Your captain and crew handle all navigation and marine commentary.