Stingray City Question

[Princess8]

I'm looking into excursions for Costa Maya, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios for my Carnival cruise in Feb 08.
I see a lot of people raving about Stingray City for an encounter(in shallow water) and it's definitely something I want to do but in my excursion research, I find there is a Stingray City in both Grand Cayman and in Ocho Rios. Which of the two is better?
Thanks in advance!

[joarc]

I can only speak for the one in Grand Cayman, and tell you that it was an amazing experience. I also like the water and beach area much more in Grand Cayman than in Jamaica. Just make sure that you are booking the shallow (sand-bar) and not the 12-15 foot of water excursion.

[Andrealovescruising]

Princess8... I, as well, can only speak for Grand Cayman. Our family of 4 booked on-line through Carnival before we left home. It is one of the most memorable adventures we have ever experienced as a family. We took a short (10 minute) bus ride to our dock. There you will board a "party" style boat. The snorkeling equipment is included. Although, we always bring our own. You will enjoy a ride out into open waters, approx. 15-20 minutes. You will be able to stand in the water where the boat drops anchor. It's surreal. My oldest daughter (15 then) was petrified. Our youngest (11 then) had a blast. The stingrays will rub up against your legs. The excursion guides, who have names for all of them by their markings, will lift them up and rub them up on your back for a backrub (photo ops). You will get to feed them. After Stingray City, the boat will head back a little bit and you will be in deeper water where you can snorkel the reefs. That lasts for approx. 30 minutes. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this excursion. We can't wait to go back. G. Cayman is one of our favorite destinations. In Ochos Rios, Jamaica.... Dunns River Falls is something everyone should experience once in their lifetime. It is magnificent! Bring a waterproof camera for both spots. Have a great cruise!

[Jill SC]

We went to Stingray City at Grand Cayman, but we booked it when we arrived on shore. It was 1/2 the price. It also included 1/2hr of snorkeling at the nearby reef.

[goin' cruisin']

We too, have done the Cayman excursion, and we echo the raves of the previous posters. A truly great experience.

[goin' cruisin']

And by the way, Princess8, let me be the first to welcome you to the cruise chat...

[penny3333]

We did the one in Grand Cayman, it was great. In Ocho Rios, we did Dunn's River Falls-that was great as well. In Cozumel we did a swim with the dolphins pre-hurricane that was awesome. We've also done Xel-ha and Tulum. Xel-ha is a great place for snorkeling and water sports. When we did the ruins in Tulum, you could climb everything, it was amazing. Plus the setting is beautiful. Have a wonderful cruise!

[suzimack]

We did the swim with the sting ray thing but booked when we got off the boat...there was a man on the pier, quite "Salty lookiing"..and he was great!! he was missing a finger or two(makes you wonder??) but we had a blast..it was truly a religious experience..really amazing..and half the price..

[suzimack]

oh. in regard to the previous post it was on Grand Cayman..we have also done the Dunn River Falls "hike" in Jamaica..it was great too!! remember to bring water shoes for this adventure..

[Larry in Miami]

I agree, Stingray City in Grand Cayman was well worth it.