Welcome back, Michael!
I highly recommend swimming with the dolphins and taking the voyage out to Stingray City when you visit Grand Cayman. I have visited Stingray City twice and had such amazing experiences each time, though both were different! Since your friend wants to be in shallow water, choose the
Dolphin Encounter and Stingray City adventure, not the Dolphin Swim and Stingray City adventure. The Encounter takes place in shallow water, whereas the swim is in deep water. My daughter adored her swim with the dolphins. Being able to interact with those sweet creatures and take photos with them was the highlight of her cruise. Pinned up on her bulletin board is the photo of her smiling and hugging the beautiful dolphin!
Now, on to Stingray City. The first time we went, the waters were shallower than the second time. The first time, the water was up to just above my waist, which for me was very comfortable. That time, the stingrays were all over. And I mean
all over! They were flapping up on us everywhere we turned. I must admit is was a bit overwhelming at first, not expecting them to be climbing on us, but after the first initial shock, and realization that they were very tame, we really enjoyed this adventure! The second time, the water was a bit deeper, just below my shoulders. Some guests wore life vests from the boat as they ventured into the water, so that is certainly an option for your friend if you find the tide higher that day. But, this time, there were not nearly the swarming number of stingrays, so the guides would entice one over to us with a treat and we'd get to interact with that one while another might be swimming past us. It was a wonderful experience!
I hope those details help as you decide on this adventure, Michael. It is certainly a magical one! Have such fun planning!
Marcy