Unless you live under a rock, by now you know about Steve Irwin's encounter with a bull ray that ended quite tragically. And of course, as a diver, you've almost certainly heard about Stingray City, Cayman's interactive feeding site wherein snorkelers are dropped in 5 to 12 feet of water, given chum to attract stingrays, and allowed to frolic with the rays for an hour or so. If you've ever been, you know it can be crowded, fun, unnerving, and exhilarating. But guess what's happened to tourist bookings since Irwin's death last month? According to Cayman Net News, bookings for the site have declined 60-100%! Additionally, the Caymanian Compass is reporting that one operator -- Captain Asley's Watersports -- has not taken a single new booking to Stingray City since Irwin's death (although they haven't suffered any cancellations, either). At this time of the year, they should be booking into Christmas and even next spring!
Certainly, as people come to understand that Irwin's was a freak accident (only 17 people in the whole world have died from a stingray attack!), they will return to the family friendly destination. In the meantime, I know where you can get a great deal on a private charter to Stingray City...
