I promised that you wouldn’t wanna miss the last recap because we saved the most exciting adventure for last. Our final full day on the island we woke up early for a snorkeling excursion and boat trip to Stingray city!
We traveled to both the barrier reef and to the coral gardens for snorkeling. There were so many beautiful fish and the coral was picturesque. I think marine life is simply amazing. I loved getting a glimpse into what seems like another world.
We were lucky because one of our guides found a HUGE starfish and allowed us to take a photo with it. Ang is on the right. I’m on the left in the wet suit top that Ang loaned me so my back wouldn’t get scorched.
Snorkeling masks are so hot right now.
Random fact: Starfish have an eye on each of their points. Most have 5 points, therefore 5 eyes!
And now for the crazy part! I went swimming with stingrays. Earlier on in the trip, I kept telling Ang that I might just stay on the boat and not go in the water, but once we were there I knew I had to get in. The stingrays were so docile and friendly. Apparently thousands of boats and people come to this particular sandbar each year (known as stingray city) and the rays are always there waiting to be fed. They swam around our legs and rubbed up against you as a cat would, and their skin was so soft – similar to velvet.
The large stingrays are always females and the tiny small ones are the males. Ang and I are holding a female:
Priceless.
Here I am ready to feed them with some squid. They seriously swarmed you when you had food.
Not sure what that lady in the background is up to. She looks a little flabbergasted.
Legend has it that every time you kiss a stingray you will have 7 years of good luck. With that said, I got fresh with a few. Plus, I was missing Isaac.
Adding up the years of good luck…
Angie really wanted the good luck….
So yes they were sweet and I’m really glad that I got in and hung out with them but seriously their mouth still freaks me out a little.
After the boat ride back we headed home, showered up and decided to celebrate our last night on the island by going to see The Hangover (so so funny!) and eating some Haagen-dazs. I actually had never had Haagen-Dazs ever before (weird, I know!). To make up for it, we went twice while on the island. The first time I got mango passion fruit in a dish and the second time I had Coconut Macaroon in a cone. I looooooved this flava flav – definitely a foodie’s delight!! I’m bummed because I tried looking it up on their website but I only found it offered in the UK- so I’m not sure if it’s available here in the states. : /
I think I’ve been missing out, because Haagen-Dazs is the smoothest ice cream I’ve ever had from a typical ice cream shop (aka Ben and Jerry’s, Baskin-Robins). Ice cream is my favorite dessert ever! Twas the perfect way to end our trip!
I’ve reached the end my Cayman Island recap.
Hope you enjoyed the photos!! I’ll be back with regular posts a.s.a.p.
Brittany Mullins, HHC
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
LOVE that underwater shot!
“Random fact: Starfish have 5 mouths, one on each of their points.”
Starfish only have one mouth in the center of their underside. Whoever told you different was pulling your leg me thinks!
I love the Stingray photos – what an interesting animal! You look like you’re having a lot of fun
AH! This is so awesome! I’m completely jealous. My trip to ATL involved sting-rays too but at an aquarium petting tank. Haha! Not quite as fun!
oh no! Looks like that is cause to start whipping up a recipe for that!
I had no idea starfish had 5 eyes! That’s so cool! I’m amazed by the sting ray adventure – what an amazing opportunity!! Their mouths are kind of funky!
Looks like a little bit of heaven!
Wow! That starfish is incredible! The stingrays are kind of freaky but still neat.
WOW! I am so impressed that you not only went swimming with sting rays, but KISSED them?! You are a brave, brave girl – honestly, I’m not sure if I could do that! Here’s my favorite quote: “With that said, I got fresh with a few. Plus, I was missing Isaac.”
Mmmm coconut macaroon? Yes, please! Great trip recap – I’m so glad you had fun!
I want five eyes!! haha I used to get the Baileys Shake at haagan-dazs when I was younger! It was so good and soooo bad at the same time!
I think you had too much fun!!! So jealous!!!
Oh my gosh, I think I would have been too scared to swim with stingrays!! Looks like you had a great time though, but I agree their mouths are a little freaky!
Thanks for pointing that out. You are correct, they have 5 eyes not mouths!!!