Another satisified Sotos customer!

[jeepgirl30]

Just returned from a fantastic snorkeling trip with Sotos. I'm not a strong swimmer but did just fine.

 

I highly recommend Sotos. We had about 20 people on our boat. The guides were wonderful and would swim out first and feed the fish to stir them up.

 

We did three stops.

 

Imagination 3/2003

 

Days until Sensation...

 

[wendya2J]

hi,

 

we are also thinking of this tour...how did you get on and off of the boat while snorkeling? my mother inlaw just had a knee replacement, and we are looking for an easy way into/out of the water...

 

thanks, wendy

[lof10]

We used Soto's for our snorkeling/Stingray City tour last week. Overall it was a great experience. They make three stops (coral gardens, barrier reef, and Stingray City) for about 25-30 min. each. Most of the other companies, including cruise ship excursions, we looked into only made two stops (coral gardens and Stingray City). The barrier reef is a much better snorkeling stop than coral gardens. Our guide lured out a couple of large eels and even a 4-5 foot nurse shark for us to see (both were safe). All this for only $24 per person. I definitely recommend using Soto's. My only note would be that if you have your own mask, bring it. While the masks they provide work...they are not the best. I had some trouble with mine leaking and had to stop and fix my mask every few minutes.

 

As for getting into and out of the water...the boat has a platform in the back that is a couple inches above the water. From there you can jump in, ease your way in, or use one of two ladders to climb down into the water. The only way I saw to get back up was to use the ladders.

[Gingee]

How deep is the water in Stingray City or does it vary?

[amazer]

the water is only about 5 ft deep at its deepest and that is right where the boat lets you off (so it doesn't run aground) and it does vary a little. We were mostly in waist deep water (I'm 5'3")My 11 yr old could almost always stand on the bottom.

 

The Sotos tour was great. There wasn't much to see at the first snorkeling stop but the 2nd stop and Stingray City were incredible.

[elliepags]

Is there a website for Sotos tours?

[montgomeryfamily]

I had previously contacted Sotos tour about access into and out of the water for someone who is mobility impaired, getting information about the ladders and also assistance for the particular passenger in getting into and out of the water. They advised me that their ladders basically stopped at the surface of the water. (For people who have mobility impairments, it is much easier to get on the ladder if the ladder has steps which go under the water so the leg/knee doesn't have to be lifted very far). They suggested we consider a different tour. (I have also talked with others who tell me that the ladders are somewhat narrow).

 

We have been using Capt. Marvins as their boats have a dive platform with wide ladders which extend several steps under the water. In addition they provide great assistance, especially to the disabled.

 

Also, the water level can be deeper at Stingray City depending on when you go and the weather. So you can't necessarily count on it being only waist deep.

 

Kathy