Grand Cayman Excursion

rns91294 · #1 (**permalink**) August 28th, 2003, 10:23 AM

On the Grand Princess, there is an excursion in Grand Cayman that is 4 1/2 hours and goes to Seven Mile Beach, Hell, Turtle Farm AND the stingray sandbar snorkeling. It is like $56 per person, yet there is a 3 1/2 hour tour for $72 per person to the sandbar only. Makes no sense since you get so much more on the first tour. But I am confused. How can it possibly go to all those places in 4 1/2 hours for such a good a price? Has anyone done this combo tour? How long are you at each place? Do you get enought time with the stingrays? Any info would be great. Thanks.

#2 (**permalink**) August 28th, 2003, 02:25 PM

Took this shore excursion with Princess about 8 years ago. First was island tour & stop in Hell. Then on the boat to StingrayCity sandbar. After snorkeling, we were just dropped off at the beach and given tickets to use for a taxi when we were ready to return.If you've never been to Grand Cayman before its a good tour to start with.

rns91294 · #3 (**permalink**) August 28th, 2003, 02:27 PM

Did you go to the turtle farm as well? Did you have enough time with the sandbar? Thanks.

#4 (**permalink**) August 29th, 2003, 06:03 AM

I did that tour. We went to the turtle farm first and spent a good amount of time there. We went to hell for maybe 15-30. Plenty of time for that, probably too much. Then we went snorkeling at stingray city. I enjoyed that very much. I'm not an animal person i.e. I won't even pet a cat or dog, but I held a turtle and stingray for the first time.

rns91294 · #5 (**permalink**) August 29th, 2003, 09:08 AM

So then you do get enough time with the turtles and stingrays (I am a huge animal fan and was worried maybe I should just do the full stingray tour instead, but I love turtles as well. I own two aquatic turtles). I guess you would recommend this tour then? That's great. Thanks,.

PapaBill · #6 (**permalink**) August 29th, 2003, 04:54 PM

If you are truly a "turtle Fan" you may want to skip the turtle farm. This is not an animal rescue place or a save the environment place, it is a commercial turtle farm. Only a very small percentage of turtles are raised for release in the wild, the balance are raised for the meat.

rns91294 · #7 (**permalink**) August 29th, 2003, 06:12 PM

See, now that makes me sad. I may need to rethink this. Thanks.

Karen16 · #8 (**permalink**) August 30th, 2003, 02:40 AM

Yes, most turtles in Cayman are raised for consumption. There is a cafe there that freaks out visitors seeing turtle burgers and soups for sale. Only a very small percentage are released.

rns91294 · #9 (**permalink**) August 30th, 2003, 07:04 AM

You don't actually see how they kill them though, right? Yes, I cannot eat anything turtle. It reminds me of my two baby turtles at home.