With vibrant coral reefs, crystalline waters, and some of the largest southern rays in the Caribbean, it’s no wonder that Stingray City is one of the most visited attractions in the Cayman Islands. Dive into the warm Caribbean waters of the North Sound to swim and snorkel in an area known for its wild stingrays and learn more about the magnificent creatures and their conservation.
The Basics
Visiting Stingray City is only possible by guided tour and all groups are accompanied by trained professionals to ensure both the safety of participants and the preservation of the natural environment. Tours to Stingray City are often combined with other island attractions such as the Coral Garden and Starfish Beach, or activities like snorkeling, catamaran cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and jet skiing. Most tours include hotel pickup and round-trip transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (shade is limited), and an underwater camera—snorkeling equipment is provided and photos will be available to purchase.
- Guests can choose to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass-bottomed boat tour.
- All interaction with the stingrays takes place under supervision of trained professionals who first safely demonstrate how best to avoid the stingrays’ sharp, coated tail barbs and safely pet their sandpapery skin.
- Tours take place in shallow waters and life jackets are available for non-swimmers.
- Visitors should avoid using tanning oils, which is toxic to the rays.
How to Get to Stingray City
Stingray City is located on a natural offshore sandbar between Morgan Harbor and Rum Point in the North Sound area of Grand Cayman. Most tours include hotel pickup or transfers from accommodations in the George Town and Seven Mile Beach areas, followed by a 20-minute boat cruise out to the sandbar.
When to Get There
With area waters at 70°F (21°C) nearly year round, Stingray City is open daily and tours take place several times daily. To avoid the crowds, opt for an early morning time slot before the cruise ships dock or a late afternoon tour after the larger tour groups have left.
Swimming with Stingrays
The fenceless swimming areas at Stingray City allow wild stingrays to come and go as they please, but the rays are accustomed to human presence and often arrive in large numbers when they hear boats arrive. Tour participants may have the opportunity to feed, touch, and interact with the wild stingrays under supervision, but instruction will be provided to ensure you stay safe and do not disturb the rays’ natural habitat or offer inappropriate foods.
