There’s a good reason why Caribbean tourism is on the rise in Stingray City, Bahamas. The islands provide experiences that are one-of-a-kind and diverse that are hard to find anywhere else in the world. The Caribbean has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the beach or learn about the culture and history of the area.
With more than 700 islands, the Bahamas is known for its beauty and adventure as well as its wonderful culture and cuisine. A trip on a tour to Stingray City is one of the activities you can participate in.
Visit Coco Cay, a small island in the Bahamas, to begin your life-altering journey. Stingrays are distinct from domestic pets because they are extremely delicate.
Stingrays enjoy playing, being fed, and being petted. Selfies are also supported. Along with small fish and squid, they adore crustaceans of all kinds. Additionally, many fish will consume free snacks.
Some rays can reach 200 pounds, with the females being larger than the males. Because the water is just above your waist, it is shallow enough for you to stand straight.
You can book a tour with a local tour company to learn how to get to Sting Ray City. The cost varies based on the number of people renting the boat, the type of boat or yacht, and the length of time they are rented.
Additional services might be provided by the ship operator or business. If you charter the boat for a longer period, you may receive complimentary drinks and food.
One of Grand Cayman’s most well-known attractions, Stingray City is a must-see for anyone visiting Cayman and is frequently referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are approximately 90 southern stingrays in Stingray City. In North Sound, a 35-square-mile stretch of water surrounded by coral reefs, these wild, gentle, and graceful creatures freely roam. These stunning animals will captivate even the most seasoned traveler.
History
Local fishermen have been gutting their catch and throwing the rest overboard for years by anchoring their boats in the calm, shallow waters of the North Sound reefs. Southern Stingray concluded over time that certain locations in the North Sound offered free meals daily, which is why they returned there daily. Dutzends of stingrays still visit the two locations today, but the divemaster and captain of the boat feed the squid. These extremely friendly creatures can eat you and even pick them up from your hand as they fly past you on their silky wings.
The City of Stingrays and a sandbar
There are two distinct websites. Due to its 12 feet of depth, Stingray City is ideal for snorkelers. It is frequently referred to as the world’s best 12-foot dive. Many visitors proceed to the Stingray City Sandbar. Non-swimmers can safely stand in the shallows surrounded by stingrays due to the shallow water here’s two to four feet. The best photo opportunities are on the sandbar, which is suitable for all ages.
Stingray
Even though males are noticeably smaller than females, Southern stingrays are incredibly large animals with wingspans that can exceed two meters. When they fly by you, their silky, supple wings feel like velvet. Stingrays are extremely placid creatures whose instinct is to avoid danger. The stinger in the tail is only used to protect the fish from sharks.
Getting to know stripes
The crew will show you how to interact with the stingrays and make you feel at ease when you get to Stingray City. You can even give squid, a stingray’s favorite food, to them to eat. When a stingray sees a squid and swims toward you, it can be scary. However, as soon as it takes the squid out of your hand—be sure to keep your thumb inside—you’ll fall in love with this amazing experience and no longer want it. Leave the water! You might want to kiss your preferred manta ray. Seven years of good fortune will be yours for one kiss.
Cruise
Typically, the Stingray City Tour lasts about three hours. Choose between private charters, which are ideal for spending the day with friends and family, or less expensive group charters. Coral Gardens, a stop for snorkeling at Starfish Point, and lunch at Kaibo or Ram Point are frequently included on tours. During conch season (November to April), crews dive for conch and serve this Caymanian dish on board. Some operators offer lunch on board.
Security alert
Stingrays should never be removed from the water out of respect for the animal. The “stingray shuffle” is done in the water to avoid stepping on sleeping rays, and fins are not allowed.
Insider’s advice
When many cruise ships are in port, the Stingray City sandbar can get crowded. We recommend visiting after 3:00 p.m. on a weekday to avoid crowds. At around 2:00 p.m., passengers will return to the ship. Because cruise ships rarely visit the Cayman Islands on weekends, it is not very crowded.
