If you’re planning a vacation to Grand Cayman Island, you’re probably expecting beachfront resorts and a lot of relaxing. However, Grand Cayman is full of hidden secrets, and nothing balances out a vacation like a little adventure. Visit the legendary Stingray City in Grand Cayman for an exciting twist on your beach vacation.
The Sandbar & The City
Stingray City is a chain of sandbars surrounded by warm, shallow waters that are particularly hospitable to southern stingrays. The story goes that years ago, fishermen would bring in their daily catch and clean the fish in the shallow waters, causing the stingrays to gather, hoping to pick up the scraps.
Paying a visit to Stingray City is considered an absolute must when in the area, but there are actually two separate places for you to get up close and personal with these gentle giants. The City area is most appropriate for snorkelers and divers, reaching just 12 feet deep. In the deeper, open water you’re more likely to catch glimpses of other aquatic creatures including angelfishes, parrotfishes, grouper and snappers. The nearby Sandbar is about two to four feet deep, making it a popular spot for families and those looking for a casual swim—it’s where most boat tours take their passengers.
Getting to Stingray City
Cruise to Stingray City on a boat charter with Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions or Cayman Luxury Charters, or book tickets on a public charter company like Captain Marvin’s or White Sand Water Sports. Tour guides share tips for safely interacting with stingrays and what to expect. Take advantage of the photo ops as these stingrays are so friendly that they approach tourists and wait to be pet or featured in the perfect selfie.
Once you’re comfortable swimming with stingrays, try swimming with nurse sharks in the Bahamas, hanging with flamingos in Aruba or frolicking with pigs in the Exumas.
