Georgetown, Grand Caymen

Upon arriving in the Caymen Islands, we were the first to tender (get off the boat). We had an excursion set for first thing that morning. We were to meet the guy picking us up in the parking lot to the right of the port. After wondering around for quite awhile, the pirate doing the pirate excursion asked if he could help me. After a moment of hesitation, I asked him where to meet the Soto's guy. We ended up following here and there. Then he had to go do something so I suggested we keep walking. Now, this must have been God helping us because I have no sense of direction. If my gut says to go right, then the right way must be left. I believe it's an inherited thing because my mother and grandmother have this lack of direction as well.

Anyways, we found out that there are 2 ports- north and south-. We were docked at the north port, Port Watler and the guy was waiting for us at the south port.

We were running very late now and the driver was in no mood for chit-chat!

He picked up 3 other people and then we headed out to snorkel and then to Sting Ray City.

This is a group of iguanas out sunbathing as we were heading out of the canal.

The snorkeling was done at Coral Gardens.

"Coral Gardens is a spectacular snorkeling site not accessible from shore. The site is 8-10 feet deep, featuring dozens of unique and fascinating coral formations. It is the home of hundreds of species of curious, colorful tropical fish and a gorgeous assortment of colorful plant life."

We now know to bring our own snorkel gear no matter the hassle. The ones we rented leaked just a bit. Jay and I dealt with it but Rebecca made a big deal over it. At one point, we set both girls on the back of the boat. It was then that Jay and I could relax and look at the fish. With them out of the water and a life jacket on, I was good.

Our next stop was Sting Ray City:

"Stingray City Sandbar is a unique and beautiful area. It is the home to many graceful and friendly Southern Stingrays. The depth ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet. They love to be held, pet and fed." They are as tame any household pet.

The water was over the girls heads as we got off the boat and into that crystal clear water. This started to freak Rebecca out. She was clingy and jumping around. Not a good thing to do when there are sting ray's swimming all around your feet.

After Emily got her finger bit (not that they have teeth) and they were literally swimming up your body, she decided she'd spend the rest of the time on the back of the boat. A smooth move for her. Rebecca refused to go sit with her sister. Instead, she spent her time jumping and shrieking when they touched her and the waves went over her head.

Side note- I'll not take Rebecca on our next snorkeling or sting ray adventure!

(and that's ok with her!)

After it was all said and done, the girls curled up with me and we snoozed the 30 minutes back.

I love the "smaller" boats as they remind me of my childhood of going out in the boat with my dad. I love sitting in the back and have the wind blowing on me. Jay...he was towards the front and was feeling a bit green.