Excursions on HMC

[gooselace]

I know the beach is THE Best - have wonderful memories and pix, but this trip has more sea and beach days (Tortola has no other excursions that appeal), so am looking at an excursion on HMC -something that doesn't involve too much walking.

Wondered about the snorkle with stingrays. The description refers to wading, which would be okay, but I can't swim, so I would that be a problem? Does anyone know how deep the water is where the sting rays are? Is any of this harmful to the sting rays?

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has taken the Eco Lagoon Cruise or the other glass bottom boat.

And Yes, I've been to the Private Island forum - very little on excursions there and no answers to my questions.

[WindyCity]

We took the eco lagoon cruise 2 yrs ago. We enjoyed it and the guide was knowledgeable.

Don't know about the stingrays. Best bet would be to call ships services and ask if you need to be able to swim for that excursion.

[ger_77]

I did the snorkel with the stingrays excursion on HMC in February and would do it again in a heartbeat! It was wonderful; one of the most interesting things I've ever done in the water. You don't need to know how to swim in order to interact with the stingrays.

You will be given a safety and rules briefing, then given your watershoes, blow-up life jacket, snorkel and mask. You then proceed down to the sting ray enclosure (it is a netted enclosure to protect the sting rays - and you - from predators). You walk down about a half dozen steps and can either stand on the steps or on the bottom beside the stairs and the stingrays glide around you, bumping into you, fluttering alongside of you, making themselves known to you. The attendants will give you squid to feed the stingrays with, and will hold one up so you can see the underside. Be sure to hold onto the railings, as it's easy to lose your balance with the water sloshing around you.

I had never done anything like that before, and got into the water, laying flat out like doing a dead-man's float. The water was so beautifully warm and the stingrays just floated around beneath me, bumping me from time to time, that I nearly fell asleep in the water. Honestly! I was high from the experience all day long. I don't think you're going to regret taking part in this excursion.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[gooselace]

Ger 77 - Thanks so much for the great description. Just the kind of details I was seeking. Sounds terrific. I'm ready to go now - and my cruise isn't until Dec.

[doone]

I enjoy parasailing at Half Moon Cay, its the best.

[ger_77]

doone: There isn't enough alcohol on HMC to get me parasailing! Just the thought of being up there and not in control of falling, or anything scares the bejeepers out of me. DH did the parasailing excursion, though, and absolutely loved the experience - said he would gladly do it "next time" - which means we're going back!!!:D Just not sure when though.

Smooth Sailing! :) :) :)

[doone]

Ger 77, I was just like you as well, but was dared into doing it. I can't tell you how glad I was I did, it was so awesome. I am afraid of heights and can tell you I did not get that sensation. Glad your DH enjoyed it, its awesome!!!!

[cruiseapril]

We did the Eco lagoon tour two weeks ago- it was a good excursion. The guides were great and we saw much sea life in the beautiful lagoon and then out on the reef.