Sotos VS Capt. Marvins HELP please

Newbie Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 1

Hi! I'm a newbie to Grand Cayman and we are on a Cruise (newbie to that too!) Anyway I am totally stressing out and obsessing over what company to use for the Stingray tour. Everyone seems to really like Soto's, but my only complaint is, they don't go to the Barrier Reef - only to the Coral Garden. Capt. Marvin's has a 1/2 day tour that goes to both (and the stingrays) for just a little more $$. How great is the Barrier Reef? Is it a lot better or the same as the Coral Garden?? Am I missing a lot if I don't see it?

Then there's the Buccaneer Stingray City Catamaran Excursion. Has anyone done that one? If so, did you like it?

I'm probably going to be happy with whoever I go with, I just want to make the best choice possible!

We can't wait for this trip!

Thanks!

Linda

Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 7:36 am Post subject:

Linda, I cannot comment on the barrier reef or the sandbar for that matter. What I can tell you is that people who go with Sotos will not be on a cattle boat. My son and his fiance went with Soto's and they could not have had more fun and said they were not crowded at all. they .loved it! I have not heard anyone complain about the amount of people on the Soto's tours. I hope this helps somewhat. Have a great time no matter what you choose and welcome to the forum.

Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2007 8:14 am Post subject:

Welcome to the forum Linn428 Smile

,

Glad you found us and glad to hear how excited you are for your upcoming cruise and stop in Grand Cayman.

I'll throw in some thoughts that might help you with your decision, although I can't really answer whether or not there is anything extra special about the Barrier Reef......I'm sure I've been there, but can't really remember.

As Jana said, everyone has said wonderful, wonderful things about Soto's and we know that they don't pack their boats with a lot of people. Plus, the fact that they only go to the Stingrays and one other stop (Coral Gardens) means that the trip doesn't take as much of your day, leaving you time to do something else while you're on the island. I think Soto's is only a two hour trip and they leave at 9:30 and are done by 11:30. That should leave lots of time for some beach time, or shopping or a nice lunch before you have to catch that tender back to the ship. I'm quite sure that they spend just as much time at the Sting Rays as everyone else does, so you don't get cheated on that part or anything, but by only making one other snorkel stop, they get you back earlier.

I looked at the Bucanneer boat on their website and I'm not sure that they have any shade on that boat unless you're down underneath (ick!), so that might be a consideration. Another thought on that.....even though a boat is advertised as a catamaran, lots of time there isn't enough wind to set sail, so they end up motoring just like all the other boats.

Hope this helped more than confused......

Good luck with your decisions and if you have time, please go into your profile and activate your vacation countdown so we can all get excited right along with you!!

Char

Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:14 pm Post subject:

We've been with Capt.Marvins stingray city tour twice and both times were on a boat FILLED with people.......one time, an entire girl scout troup of about....I dunno, seemed like 100

jumping, screaming, giggling young girls, and just my hubby and myself and another frightened couple

.......with Soto's, we had a great time with maybe 8 or 10 on the boat, and as Char or Jana mentioned......it's a fast boat....you get there, see the best spots, and then have time to do other things with your day.

Have a great time,
Celine

Newbie Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

HI, Could anyone give me directions to find Soto's pick up area by the cruise ship pier. The directions on their website aren't very clear for someone who's not familiar with the island - something about a parking lot next to a Submarine shop by the Hard Rock Cafe????

Thanks for your help,

Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2007 7:02 am Post subject:

When you leave the tendering area, walk to your right and you will see the Hard Rock Cafe. Depending on where you are, you may have to walk a block or so. Atlantis Submarines is across the street from the Hard Rock on the bay side. The Hard Rock is like 3 stories tall, so you really can't miss it. I think Soto's van is a white full size Ford.

Newbie Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 4

Thanks Paul,

It doesn't sound like I can miss it.

I appreciate your help!

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