Frequently asked Questions

If you don't find the information you are looking for in these frequently asked questions or elsewhere on our website, please visit our contact page and submit your question directly to us and we will reply as soon as possible.

How much does it cost ?
The current prices for the regular trip for individuals to Stingray City can be seen HERE.
The current prices for a private charter to Stingray City can be seen HERE.

I want to book an excursion. What do I do?
Please browse through our website to choose an excursion. Once you have decided on an excursion please click on the "Reseve" button and complete the requested information. Your request will be processed and you will receive a confirmation of your booking via email.

How far in advance must I book?
We require at least 72 hours notice to make and confirm a booking. You may make a booking up to one year in advance. Please allow up to 48 hours to confirm your tour.

Will I be charged if my cruise ship cannot stop in Grand Cayman?
No. You will not be charged if the cruise ship is late or is unable to make a stop in Grand Cayman. You will also not be charged if the excursion operator had to cancel the trip due to bad weather or equipment failure.  There is always the chance that the ship will not make it to Cayman if the weather is not good.  This is usually the exception rather than the rule and although not guaranteed, the chances are that you will dock here.  Although your credit card number is asked for at the time of making a reservation, it will NOT be billed if your cruise ship does not dock as it wouldn't be fair.

How many people do you take out?
We have a fleet of boats that we can use depending on how many bookings there are for a particular day.  Generally our boats can hold around 30 people which keep our groups smaller so we can offer a very personalized and enjoyable experience.  This is a much smaller group than the vessels the cruise ships book, some of which can hold around 200 people!

Is bus transportation to the excursion included in the price?
For the regular trip for 'Individuals' the transportation is included in the price of the excursion. For private charters there is a small additional fee if transportation is required.

How do I find my excursion?
Meeting instructions will be sent to you via email with a confirmation of your booking. If your booking includes a pickup, we will give you detailed information on where to go, at what time and who to look out for. If your booking does not include a pickup, we will inform you as to the location of where to meet your excursion.   If you arriving by cruiseship, the office is located in George Town (a 5 minute walk away from the cruise ship tender landing).  You will walk 2 blocks to the North (the sea will be on your LEFT side).  Shortly after the traffic light at Fort Street, "The Waterfront Centre" will be on the right hand side of the road which is the loacation of the office.

Can we scuba dive?
Our boats are not equipped to take dive gear, therefore you will need to get in touch with a dive operator that can offer this type of trip for you.

Where does the Cruise Ship dock?
All ships call at George Town, Grand Cayman and anchor offshore. Passengers are then transported ashore by ferry boats to the terminal in George Town. When they arrive in George Town, passengers are right in the centre of Grand Cayman's excellent shopping district. A variety of restaurants are also within walking distance from the terminal.

Will there be food for the Stingray's?
Yes, food (squid) for the Stingray's will be available from the crew member in the water.  If you'd like to feed them, he will show you how & give you some pieces.

Is there Disability & Wheelchair access?
Yes, we can accommodate people with disabilities providing you can get from the dock to the boat with assistance. 
A wheelchair cannot be wheeled on to the boat but with assistance it is possible get on-board. With regards to a wheelchair onboard the boat, i t depends which boat we're using. Our larger boats can accommodate a wheelchair but most of the smaller ones don't have enough deck space for the chair. We prefer, if possible, for people to leave their wheelchairs in the office.
The access to the water is from swim steps at the rear of boat with three vertical steps to get back on.  Again, providing you are able to do this with assistance then this is fine.
The crew are more than happy to help in any way possible to make this a fantastic experience for you.

What happens during bad weather?
The tour operator's Captain (not those holding the reservation) has the sole right to cancel the scheduled trip due to weather conditions. If the captain cancels the trip you will not be charged for the tour.

What is your cancellation policy?
For the 'Trips for Individuals', you must cancel your booking at least 72 hours in advance to incur no charge of the activity price. After that all trips become non-refundable.
For 'Private Charters', you must give at least 14 days advanced notice to incur no charge of the activity price. If you cancel your trip between 7 and 14 days before the date of the trip, you agree to forfeit 50% of the boat fee. If you cancel your trip between 0 and 6 days before the date of the trip, you agree to forfeit 100% of the boat fee.
To cancel an excursion, send an email to info@StingrayCityTrips.com with your name, activity details and cancel request.

What does Island Time & Ship Time mean?
The Cayman Islands remain on United States Eastern Standard Time all year round (we do not adjust our clocks for Daylight Savings Time). All excursion times are shown in Local Island Time. Daylight Saving Time begins for most of the United States on the first Sunday of April at 2:00am. Time reverts back to Standard Time (when ship time is the same as Cayman Islands time) at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday of October.

An example of what the time will be on the Ship versus the Island time would be:
During Daylight Savings Time (between April and October), your ship time will be one hour ahead of Cayman time. Therefore, when a Ship is in Port between 8:00am - 4:00pm, the local time will be 7:00am - 3:00pm. During Standard Time (between November and March), your ship time will be the same as Cayman time. Therefore, when a Ship is in Port between 8:00am - 4:00pm, the local time will also be 8:00:am - 4:00pm.

Some cruise lines change their clocks on board ship to reflect the local time, others do not. Please check with your ship as to the correct arrival and departure time of your ship in Grand Cayman (according to EST).

About Cayman

How hot is the weather?
Cayman enjoys a very warm, tropical climate throughout the year. High temperatures are moderated by trade winds. The rainy season is from May to October but showers are generally of short duration. The average temperature in the winter is 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 85 degrees in the summer.

Which Cruise Lines visit the Cayman Islands?
Grand Cayman is one of the most popular ports of call in the Caribbean. Cruise Lines calling in the Cayman Islands include Carnival, Celebrity Cruise Lines, Costa, Crown Commodore Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard, Disney CruiseLines, DSR Cruise Line, Fred Olsen, Hapag Lloyd, Holland America, International Maritime Resources, International Shipping Inc., Inchscape Shipping Services, Louis, Maritime Trade Consulting, Mutiway, Nina, Norwegian, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regal, Royal, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Seven Seas, Silver, Sun Line and Unicorn.

Are there nude beaches or nude bathing?
No. You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands. Please note that the Cayman Islands Law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Many shops and business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.

Are there any Casinos?
No. We do not have any casinos in the Cayman Islands. Gambling on the islands is prohibited by law.

What is the legal drinking age?
You must be 18 years and older.

Where can I find the best shopping?
Grand Cayman has a good selection of shops, selling popular items such as t-shirts, local arts and crafts to designer clothes, watches and jewelry. George Town is the best place to shop and ideal for cruise-ship passengers who arrive right in the heart of the duty free shops.

Where can I find Internet or email access on the Islands?
Cable & Wireless. Located in Cardinal avenue, George Town, close to the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Access is available at the following places along Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman:
Cafe Del Sol, The Marquee Cinema Complex.
PC Powerhouse, WestShore Centre.
PD's Pub, Galleria Plaza.

Do you have your own currency?
Yes we do. The Cayman Islands currency was first issued in 1972. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100. Coins are valued at 1 cent, 5, 10 and 25 cents.

Is the US dollar accepted & what is the exchange rate?
Yes it is accepted throughout the islands. CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. This rate may also vary slightly on the company / business doing the exchange.

Where can I go banking or open an account?
There are many banks in the Cayman Islands, although short-term visitors to the Islands are not permitted to open accounts. Banking information can be obtained from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority at cima@cimoney.com.ky or c.scotland@cimoney.com.ky. You can also visit their web site at www.cimoney.com.ky

How much is a Taxi?
The taxi stands are located at the cruise ship terminal and at various hotels along Seven Mile Beach. The average cost of a taxi tour per hour is US$37.50 for three people.

Are there Public buses?
There is a daily bus service which runs from 6 am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. The bus fare also depends on the route and varies between CI$2.00 to CI$3.00 per person. For cruise ship passengers, the most popular route is between George Town and the Turtle Farm. The area between these two is the World famous Seven Mile Beach.

Can we get married in the Cayman Islands?
Couples can marry the day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including visitors arriving by cruise ship. You must first arrange for a marriage officer within the Cayman Islands and apply for a special marriage license for non-residents granted by the Governor. Go to http://cayman.com.ky/com/njohnson/ or www.caymanchamber.ky/visitor/wedding.htm for more Cayman Island wedding information. To renew your vows all you would need is a marriage officer and your proof of marriage. All other details relating to your special moment can be arranged at your discretion.

The Cayman Islands. Beautiful people, friendly faces.