brandnewcruizer Posted September 24, 2006 #1 Share Posted September 24, 2006 We have reserved a charter in Grand Cayman on Scotch Bonnet Charters. Has anyone taken this tour? It is a small sailboat (J-22 private charter). We are taking three kids age 5, 9 and 10. Anyone else done this tour? This is our first cruise so I am hoping we will be able to get to the tour in time and back to the ship in time! Any feedback would be great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsphac Posted October 3, 2006 #2 Share Posted October 3, 2006 I think this is a new excursion, but It looks to be great. We have done about everything on prior trips, but this excursion should be awesome. Also would like to know of anyone that has been on it. Have Fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The4Cruisers Posted October 6, 2006 #3 Share Posted October 6, 2006 We just came off the Carnival Inspiration and used Scotch Bonnett tours. Instead of the sailboat, we used the 22' Boston Whaler. They're both operated by Capt. John Michael. We chose the powerboat over the sailboat at booking due to the restricted time that we had on the island. I think they call it the Outrage EcoTour. Both boats are located at the same dock on a private lot, about 15 minutes from the tender dock. The Capt. picked us up at the Blue Iguana gift shop which is a 3 minute walk from the tender. He was prompt and courteous. We then drove to the boat and were underway soon thereafter. We headed right out to the Stingrays and were one of the first boats to arrive (beating out the crowded ship tours). He explained the history and procedures for being with the stingrays and then the five of us went in to the water for about 45 minutes of fun and feedings. We hopped back on board and motored over to the starfish beach area. As we got back into the water, the Capt rounded up some starfish and sea urchins to show to us. We did some pictures and then we chose to hang around in the water for awhile there. He went back to the boat until we were ready. As we got back onboard, he gave us options according to the time we had left. We decided to just take a quick trip through the mangroves and protected marine life area. We then went back to the dock, got ourselves and our gear off the boat, and the Capt drove us back to the tender dock and dropped us off right at the line-up spot for the tenders. He was very flexible and gave us lots of options for our time. He brought along scuba gear, a cooler of soda/water, and he also has a tube for towing behind the boat (we didn't take advantage of any of these!). Payment was made as he dropped us off and it was a fantastic half-day! I can easily recommend this tour to anyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamaican542 Posted October 7, 2006 #4 Share Posted October 7, 2006 I agree with the previous post 100%! We also used Scotch Bonnett tours and were on the Boston Whaler this past week. The captain is wonderful. Truly a nice guy. He is very knowledgable about the area and is very accomodating. I would recommend him to anyone. We had a great time on the excursion and were treated very well! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cappi Posted October 9, 2006 #5 Share Posted October 9, 2006 What was the cost of the tour? Do you have a private charter or other people join in your tour? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baileybaby Posted October 10, 2006 #6 Share Posted October 10, 2006 The4Cruisers... If you don't mind me asking, did you tip the captain and how much? We are doing this tour in november and I'm not sure if we are suppose to tip him or not. When you break down the price $100/hour seems like the tip should be built in. :) Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bajathree Posted October 13, 2006 #7 Share Posted October 13, 2006 I also just booked the Cayman Outrage Eco-Tour for a full day charter. This tour looks great! I booked it through Island Marketing. So far they have been great to deal with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ever Posted October 31, 2006 #8 Share Posted October 31, 2006 This tour looks great and I just booked it too thanks to a post I saw by bajathree, we won't be going until June so I hope a few of you before me write a review! What do you think is a fair amount to tip, would love to hear your ideas?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheMagic Posted November 1, 2006 #9 Share Posted November 1, 2006 We have this reserved for December. Can someone whose done it tell me what kind of transportation the Capt uses to bring you from the meeting place to the boat? I have a 4 and 6 y.o and wondered if I should throw their backless booster seats in the bag (they fit in a backpack and don't need to be installed, just use a regular seatbelt). I understand thats not the law there (and don't need a "when in Rome" lecture) but my kids are tiny so if we will be in a car or van (and not some sort of bus situation) I want them in over the shoulder seatbelts with boosters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamaican542 Posted November 1, 2006 #10 Share Posted November 1, 2006 When we were there (first week of October) we rode in the Captain's pickup truck. It was a nice 4-door truck. I rode in the front seat and didn't pay much attention to the back seat, but I imagine there would be plenty of room for booster seats. As I posted earlier, the Captain is a nice guy. I would notify the booking agent that you want to bring booster seats and ask them to pass the word along to the captain. He has kids himself so I'm sure he'll understand! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheMagic Posted November 2, 2006 #11 Share Posted November 2, 2006 Thanks! I did just what you suggested. They couldn't confirm if they were shoulder belts or lap belts but did confirm that the kids will have seatbelts and that I can bring my boosters and that is enough to calm my nerves on that aspect. I'm really excited about this excursion!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamaican542 Posted November 2, 2006 #12 Share Posted November 2, 2006 I think you'll have a great time. And the captain is a good driver. Traffic isn't like on some of the islands where you are in constant fear for your life--it is actually quite civilized. Except that they drive on the wrong side of the road since it is a British island. I told the captain that they are backwards! :) Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The4Cruisers Posted November 3, 2006 #13 Share Posted November 3, 2006 The4Cruisers... If you don't mind me asking, did you tip the captain and how much? On way back to the tender pier, I paid the balance of the excursion cost to the captain and I did tip him as well. I think I gave him $10 per person and we are a family of four. Have a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The4Cruisers Posted November 3, 2006 #14 Share Posted November 3, 2006 We have this reserved for December. Can someone whose done it tell me what kind of transportation the Capt uses to bring you from the meeting place to the boat? The captain drives a Chevy Avalanche with four doors and leather interior. He keeps it up nicely. I agree with the previous posts that he is a good driver and a genuine nice guy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsphac Posted November 8, 2006 #15 Share Posted November 8, 2006 Just got back, We booked the all day J22 sailboat, It was great! Very nice guy that enjoys his job, I wish I could play all day and get paid for it! Very good sailor with excellent knowlege of the islands. We loved starfish beach. Would highly recommend to anyone, and will definately do again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheMagic Posted November 10, 2006 #16 Share Posted November 10, 2006 Thanks for sharing!! Glad to hear you had a great time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziggydaddy Posted December 30, 2006 #17 Share Posted December 30, 2006 We booked the 5 hr tour for the end of January. Has anyopne done the 5 hr tour on the whaler? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaTheMagic Posted January 2, 2007 #18 Share Posted January 2, 2007 Finally checking back in. We did this excursion in December and it was fantastic. The winds were high that day so we did not spend alot of time with the stingrays. We were the first boat out there but the waves were high from the wind, so after dh and ds spent about 20 minutes with the stingrays it was time to move on (my husband said he felt nervous because between the wind and waves he felt like he was getting pushed into the stingrays). But since they were the only 3 in the water they had plenty of stingray interaction in that short time. We had wanted to do snorkeling but because of the wind and having little kids (would have been fine for just adults) changed that and went to rum point beach (beat all the crowds there too) which the kids loved for a few hours, then went to starfish beach where dh snorkeled and the kids played with the starfish the Capt found found for them (they loved lining them up in the water for starfish races). All in all it was the highlight of our cruise. Even more so when we got back on board the ship and everyone was complaining about ruined excursions due to the wind (if our only excursion had been the stingrays I know we would have felt that way too). Ours was easily adjustable to make changes for weather or even our mood, etc and so perfect for the kids (whenever they were done, we could move on to something else without worrying about the "group" schedule like we would have on another excurison). I brought my kids backless booster seats and that was reassuring to me personally having them travel in their carseats on the way to the ship. Capt was awesome, very friendly, gave lots of history about the island. He even stopped at a store to let me run in and buy an underwater camera when I had forgotten mine. I would highly recommend this excursion!!!! Feel free to ask any questions, because I know I forgot alot of details. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasag Posted January 3, 2007 #19 Share Posted January 3, 2007 For those on Carnival did you book directly or was this offered thru Carnival? We are on Conquest in March. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4ever Posted January 4, 2007 #20 Share Posted January 4, 2007 Thanks for the review SeaThe Magic! I am curious which ship you were on and what time you arrived to start the excursion and what time it ended,I think we will be pretty tight on timing with the tendering and wanted to know how it worked out for you. I also wondered if anyone did any fishing, or tubing off the back of the boat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The4Cruisers Posted January 7, 2007 #21 Share Posted January 7, 2007 For those on Carnival did you book directly or was this offered thru Carnival? We are on Conquest in March. We booked directly through GrandCaymanExcursions website. I was real worried about being back to the ship on time and the Capt put me to ease as he made it a priority to get us back to the ship. Don't forget, if he gets people back late, word will get out and people won't to use him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ziggydaddy Posted March 3, 2007 #22 Share Posted March 3, 2007 Went on this charter last month and it was GREAT. Any Questions I would be happy to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wsphac Posted September 11, 2007 #23 Share Posted September 11, 2007 We loved it so much we are going again in nov. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The4Cruisers Posted September 12, 2007 #24 Share Posted September 12, 2007 We loved it so much we are going again in nov. We are too! Looking forward to another 1/2 day with Capt John Michael. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1kycat Posted September 12, 2007 #25 Share Posted September 12, 2007 Island Marketing offers it as well. But I hate to pay for a middle man...anyone know an email addy for John Michael? Has everyone here taken the 27ft Whaler or has anyone been on the J-22? I know absolutely know zip about boats...but over half of the pictures I see of the 22 show it on it's side with the crew riding up on top of the other side. (See...I don't even know any boating terms:) ) So I am wondering if this would be OK for younger children.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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