Best Ways to Get to Stingray City

The Stingray City Sandbar is the number one attraction in the Cayman Islands, and for great reason. It’s a magical experience, awesome for kids and adults alike. Getting up close and personal with huge Southern Stingrays is a once in a lifetime experience. Some say a stingray kiss is worth 7 years of good luck! If you’re not up for the kiss, simply enjoy them swimming around you. Stand in the shallow waters and drink up all the wonder.

There are a LOT of options when it comes to getting to the Stingray City Sandbar. We’ve laid out some of the highest recommended tours and charters below.

Stingray City by Boat

The most popular way to get to Cayman’s #1 Attraction is by boat. While every excursion has its unique flair, there are two main types to choose between: a group tour or a private tour. Of course on a group tour you share your vessel with others and the price tends to be more economical. On private tours (referred to as charters) you get an entire boat and captain/crew to your group, so the experiences are much more personal.

Group Tours

Captain Marvin’s  |  Visit Website

• Tours Available: 2 Stop Stingray/Snorkel; 3 Stop Stingray/Snorkel; Beach Lunch Stingray/Snorkel; Stingray, Starfish & Caves; Stingray, Starfish & Snorkeling
• Price: Adults range from CI$45-$90, Kids $35-$75 (free under 3, own floating device required)
• Departure: They offer complimentary pickup at Christopher Columbus Condos.
• Special Flair: The lunch tour includes Cayman Style Fish (other options too). Unique additions to excursions (like Crystal Caves on the Stingray, Starfish & Caves tour) make for an attractive package. Known as the founder and first tour operator of Stingray City tours.

Red Sail Sports | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Breakfast with the Rays; Stingray Sandbar & Reef; Stingrays and Sunset
• Price: Adults range from CI$95-$110, Kids $47.50-$55
• Departure: Leave from Savehaven Marina (SMB area)
• Special Flair: They are well known for their elegant catamaran sailboats. There’s also a cash bar on board.

George’s Watersports | Visit Website

• Tours Available: 4 Stop Stingray Eco Tour (includes Stingray City Sandbar, Snorkeling at Barrier Reef, Starfish Point, Mangrove Forest)
• Price: Adults approximately CI$105, Kids CI$83
• Departure: Cayman Islands Yacht Club (Dock B)
• Special Flair: They keep their groups small for a more personal tour. The stop at the mangroves on this tour is unique.

Private Tours (Charters)

Ray Days Charters | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Day Tours & Sunset Tours ranging from 4-7+ hours (for Stingray City & additional tailored stops)
• Capacity: Up to 8 guests
• Price: US$580 for 4 hours, US$850 for 7 hours
• Departure: Camana Bay (or Cayman Islands Yacht Club)

Cayman Snorkel Co. | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Customize your itinerary on 2, 3, 5 & 7 stop tour options (suggested stop options include Stingray City, a coral reef snorkel, Starfish point, “off the beaten path” snorkel options, lunch/drink stops, sunken ships & wrecks, mangroves)
• Capacity: Up to 10 guests or 12 guests depending on boat selection
• Price: US$750-$1650 depending on boat and tour length selected
• Departure: Complimentary pickup at Christopher Columbus Condos for up to 7 guests. Charters depart from Cayman Islands Yacht Club.
• Special Flair: Great with kids as they run snorkeling camps and have lots of experience with kiddos. They offer many stop options and tubing as an add-on activity. Additionally they offer trolling and reef fishing for those interested.

Ezona’s Aquatic Charters | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Fully customizable (sites, snorkeling, fishing, lunch stops)
• Capacity: Up to 25 people
• Price: Call for pricing (Local 345-943-9662, US 708-616-5717)
• Departure: Cayman Islands Yacht Club, (Dock C)
• Special Flair: Specialized in helping the disabled and focuses on kids. Ezona says her job is putting smiles on peoples faces.

AQUA Watersports Cayman | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Half & Full Day Tours
• Capacity: Up to 12 guests (prices are for up to 8 guests, $50 for each additional guest)
• Price: US$1400-$2200 depending on tour and season
• Departure: Barcadere Marina in George Town
• Special Flair: Free use of a jet ski (weather and dock permitting) & sea scooter.

MainStay Sailing | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Half Day & Full Day fully customizable
• Capacity: Up to 15+ guests
• Price: US$1600-$3200 depending on boat selection for the Half Day and Full Day tours
• Departure: Details coming soon.
• Special Flair: These are big boats, great for large groups (45′ and 47′ catamarans)!

George’s Watersports | Visit Website

• Tours Available: 4-stop Tour (includes Stingray City, Snorkeling at Barrier Reef, Starfish Point and the Mangrove Forest)
• Capacity: Up to 10 guests or 15 guests depending on boat selection
• Price: US$1350-$2250
• Departure: Cayman Islands Yacht Club (Dock B)
• Special Flair:  Their large boat is a 46′ catamaran!

Double Trouble Charters | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Half Day, Full Day and Party Trips (all customizable)
• Capacity: Up to 20 guests
• Price: $850-$1300
• Departure: Cayman Islands Yacht Club

Stingray City by Jet Ski

AQUA Watersports Cayman | Visit Website

• Tours Available: Classic Tour (3 hours & includes Stingray City, Starfish Point & Kaibo)
• Jet Ski Options: Single Rider or Double Riders available
• Price: US$200-$370
• Departure: George Town Yacht Club
• Special Flair: Professional guides trained by the Royal Yachting Association.