Are your charters private?

They sure are! Every Starfish & Smiles charter is completely private. The boat is reserved exclusively for your group, so you won’t be sharing your trip with other guests.

That means we can keep things relaxed, flexible and tailored to your family or group.

Are your charters suitable for children?

Absolutely. Starfish & Smiles was designed with families in mind.

We welcome children of all ages and love introducing younger guests to the incredible marine life of Grand Cayman. Our private format also means families can enjoy the day at their own pace without feeling rushed by a larger tour group, and provides a more personal experience with the wildlife, without the crowds.

Where can we go?

Depending on the length of your charter, weather and sea conditions, popular stops include:

• Stingray City
• Starfish Point
• Snorkeling locations around the North Sound
• Kaibo
• Bioluminescent Bay

Captain Andrew will help you choose the best itinerary for your group.

Do we have to follow a fixed itinerary?

No. One of the major advantages of booking a private charter is flexibility.

Tell us what you'd most like to see and do, and we'll help create an itinerary that works with your charter length, the conditions on the day and your group's interests.

Which charter length should we choose?

Our 2-hour charter is ideal if you're short on time, just want to visit stingray city without the other stops, or are concerned that your littlest ones won’t tolerate a longer charter.

Our 3-hour charter gives you more time to explore and is a great option for families who want to combine two of Grand Cayman's most popular North Sound experiences.

Our 4-hour charter is one of the best options for experiencing Stingray City, Starfish Point and snorkeling without feeling rushed.

Our 6-hour and 8-hour charters give you even more freedom to explore, relax and enjoy a longer day on the water with a stop for lunch or dinner at one of Grand Cayman’s famous waterfront restaurants (food and drink purchased onshore is not included in the price of your charter).

We also offer our Bioluminescent Bay experience – a mesmerizing adventure - in the evening.

Can we visit Stingray City? Is it safe?

Yes. Stingray City is one of our most popular stops and an unforgettable Grand Cayman experience.

Safety is our number one priority – both yours and that of the stingrays. Your crew will give you a full briefing on how to safely interact with the stingrays before you enter the water and will be with you the whole time, to help you safely enjoy your time with the stingrays.

Can we visit Starfish Point?

Yes. Starfish Point is particularly popular with families and can be included in many of our charter itineraries.

We encourage responsible interaction with the starfish and will show you how to enjoy them without harming them.

I’m not a great swimmer – is that ok?

Yes- 100%. Stingray City and Starfish Point are both shallow sites that you can expect to be able to easily stand up in the water.  If you do want a bit of extra floatation, then we have snorkel vests or noodles on board. Please tell Captain Andrew what you are comfortable doing.  Always let him or the crew know if you are nervous or concerned.

Do you provide floaties for toddlers and small children? 

We have infant, child and adult life jackets on board as well as snorkel vests or noodles. That said, experience tells us that toddlers and smaller children are more comfortable wearing whatever floatation device they are used to, rather than one of our life jackets. Of course, it is up to the parent or guardian’s discretion what they would like their child to wear, so long as it is safe and comfortable, you are good to go!

Do you use a Lily Pad?

No, we don’t use a Lily Pad. In our experience young children are more comfortable and safer wearing their own personal floatation device.

Can we go snorkeling?

Yes! Snorkeling can be incorporated into your charter, and complimentary high-quality snorkeling equipment is provided.

Your captain will choose suitable snorkeling locations based on the day's weather and sea conditions.

What is included in the price?

Your private charter includes the boat, captain and crew, fuel for the normal itinerary, complimentary high-quality snorkeling equipment including fins and vests or noodles for floatation if you would like them. We also include complimentary bottled water, juice, sodas and snacks.

What should we bring?

We recommend arriving at the dock in swimwear and bring towels, reef-friendly sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and a change of clothes if you'd like one.

A waterproof phone case or camera is also a great idea!

Can we bring our own food and drinks?

Yes. You're welcome to bring additional food and drinks onboard for your charter. We have a separate ice box/cooler for you to keep any drinks or food cool.

If you have something special planned, let us know beforehand and we'll do our best to help.

Can we stop for lunch or dinner?

Longer charters may include time for lunch or dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants around the North Sound, depending on your itinerary and available time.

Food and drinks purchased at restaurants are not included in the charter price. 

Can you take us Reef Fishing?

Yes! Reef fishing (catch and release) can be added to the charter at check-out for an extra cost to any of the 3-, 4-, 6-or 8-hour charters. We provide all the rods, tackle and bait.

Can we book you for deep sea fishing?

No, our boat is designed for comfort and not equipped for deep sea fishing. 

What type of boat do you have? Is there shade?

We have a 26ft Catamaran and we have lots of shade! Our boat has an extra Bimini that extends over the bow to provide extra shaded seating, which is particularly important for families and younger children spending several hours on the water.

Is there a bathroom on the boat? 

Yes there is! 

Is there fresh water to rinse with?

Yes there is! We have a marine shower on the back of the boat to rinse the salt off when you get out of the water.

Where do your charters depart from?

Our boat is docked at Camana Bay, at the sandy island. The meeting spot for your charter is at the entrance to the wooden footbridge to the sandy island on the dock at Camana Bay. If you are coming by taxi, ask to be dropped off at Agua Restaurant. If you need driving directions please contact us!

Can you pick me up from Kaibo? Or my own dock?      

We sure can! For Kaibo pick-ups, please select that option at check out in the booking process. If you would like to be picked up from your own dock, please contact us before booking.

How early should we arrive?

We recommend arriving approximately 15 minutes before your scheduled departure time so we can get everyone comfortably onboard and departing on time.

What happens if we're late?

Please contact us as soon as possible if you're running late.

Because other charters may be scheduled after yours, late arrival may reduce the amount of time available on the water. We will always do what we can to accommodate you.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your safety comes first.

Captain Andrew monitors local weather and sea conditions and may alter an itinerary, delay a departure or cancel a charter when conditions make it unsafe to operate.

If you're concerned about the forecast before your trip, please contact us. Cayman weather can be very localized, and a rainy forecast doesn't necessarily mean your charter won't be able to operate.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change.  As such, your booking is refundable (less bank administration fees) up to 3 days before the charter.  The booking becomes non-refundable 3 days before the charter. Please contact us if you need to cancel your charter.

Safety is our top priority.  If we cancel your charter (for example, due to unsafe weather conditions), we will do our best to re-book you at another time during your trip, or if that is not possible, we will give you a full refund.

Do you offer cancel for any reason?

We do not, but in our check out process you have the option to purchase Enhanced Refund Protection from The Protect Group. This is an arrangement separate to the refund policy of Starfish & Smiles. If you cannot attend your charter due to a covered emergency or unforeseen circumstance (such as sudden illness, travel disruption, or transit failure), they apply directly for a 100% refund through Protect Group. You can review their website for more details at https://www.refundable.me/en-uk

Do you add any fees to your prices?

No. The prices quoted on our website are all inclusive, with the exception of any extras you may choose at check out.

Do you include gratuities?

No. We believe that gratuities should be earned based on the experiences our guests have with us, and our crew work hard to make every charter magical for every family. If you would like to reward their hard work at the end of the charter, please do so directly with them. They carry a credit card machine on the boat or will take cash!

Can cruise ship passengers’ book with you?

Absolutely. We welcome cruise ship guests.

Because Grand Cayman is a tender port, please allow enough time to get ashore before your charter and enough time after your trip to return to the cruise terminal before your ship's final tender.

Contact us to let us know your ship and we can help you choose an appropriate departure time.

Can you pick us up from the cruise ship terminal?

Unfortunately, we cannot transit guests by road as part of our service; however, there are many taxis at the cruise ship terminal, and we are only a short ride away. Ask your taxi driver to drop you off at Agua Restaurant and remember to get their business card to call them back for the return journey!

Can you accommodate special requests?

We'll certainly try!

Birthdays, anniversaries, first-time snorkeling, nervous swimmers and families with younger children are all things we're happy to work around. Tell us what you need when booking or contact us beforehand.

Do we need to know how to swim?

Not necessarily - the boat is anchored shallow enough at Stingray City and Starfish Point that swimming should not be necessary.

If anyone in your group is a weak or nervous swimmer, please tell Captain Andrew or the crew before entering the water so we can help make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes. We carry all the safety equipment required by the Cayman Islands Port Authority, and we also carry an O2 kit for emergencies.

Can pregnant guests join a charter?

Boat trips can involve sudden movement, waves and uneven surfaces. We recommend that pregnant guests consider their individual circumstances and seek appropriate medical advice if they have any concerns before booking.

Please also let us know so the captain is aware.

Can guests with limited mobility join?

We have a large diver’s ladder on the boat in order to best accommodate those who may have mobility issues. That said, please contact us before you book – we can provide you with practical information about the boat, ladder and process to exit and enter the water, boarding and disembarking, so you can decide whether the trip is suitable.

Will we definitely see stingrays, starfish or other marine life?

Grand Cayman's waters are home to incredible marine life, but these are wild animals in their natural environment, so they come and go. That said, in over 15 years of charters to Stingray City and Starfish Point, we have always found stingrays and starfish!

Do you offer the Bioluminescent Bay?

Yes. Our evening Bioluminescent Bay experience gives you the opportunity to see one of Grand Cayman's most fascinating natural phenomena.

Visibility and the intensity of the bioluminescence can vary with natural conditions, including the moon, weather and water conditions. That said, it is always a magical experience and well worth the visit.

How many people can you accommodate?

Our boat can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests, with a maximum of 6 adults.

How do I book? What is your availability?

You can view our different charter options, prices, departure times, real-time availability, and book securely online through the Tours page of our website.

Alternatively, if you would like a custom length of charter or departure time that is not offered on the website, feel free to contact us and we will see what we can do for you!

Once your reservation is complete, you'll receive confirmation email with the information you need for your charter.

Do I have to pay the total cost up front? Or can I pay a deposit?

If you are booking your charter more than 30 days in advance, you will have the option at check-out to pay either the full amount now, or a 30% deposit – you choose which you prefer. If you pay a deposit, please note that the balance is due and payable via the “Manage my booking” link in your confirmation email no less than 3 days in advance of the charter.   If a reservation balance remains unpaid less than 3 days before the charter, then the booking will be cancelled and deposit forfeited.

Will I have to sign a waiver?

Yes, when you receive your booking confirmation you will also receive a separate email with a link to sign our waiver online. Please note that each adult must sign their own waiver, and the guest who made the booking will need to forward the link to other adults in the group. Please note that all minors aged 17 years and younger on the date of the charter will need to be included on the waiver of their parent or guardian.

We are always grateful when guests complete their waivers in advance of arriving at the dock as it helps you get started on your family adventure on time!

What should I expect when I show up?

Captain Andrew will meet you at the meeting spot, which is at the entrance to the wooden footbridge to the sandy island on the dock at Camana Bay, next to Agua Restaurant, 15 minutes before your departure time. He will escort you to the boat, stow your dry bags and get you settled on the boat, and then give you a full boat orientation and safety briefing before you leave the dock. He will also make sure all waivers are complete before you depart.

I suffer from motion sickness – will that be a problem for me?

The North Sound is part of the Caribbean Sea. Even though it is inside a barrier reef, it is subject to wave action. Our boat has a catamaran hull which gives a more stable ride than a monohull; but you will still experience the motion of the sea. To make sure you enjoy your time with us and get to fully experience all the amazing sites of the North Sound, we recommend you take your preferred method of motion sickness prevention before you arrive at the dock. Note that we do not carry motion sickness medications on the boat.