Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
On the Water
Stingray City
The top watersports attraction in the Cayman Islands, Stingray
City, is in the mouth of the North Sound, halfway between West
Bay and East End. Here, fishermen once cleaned their catch, at-
tracting large southern Atlantic stingrays, who are now accustomed to be-
ing handled by participants in daily snorkeling excursions.
In 1987,
Skin Diver
magazine deemed this site “Stingray City” and since
that time there's been no looking back. Stingray City is visited by many
watersports operators, who offer half- and full-day excursions with stops
at both deep and shallow spots. Operators depart from locations all along
the island for this adventure. The site is now one of the most popular in the
Caribbean; often called “the world's best 12-foot dive,” it can be enjoyed by
both snorkelers and scuba divers.
Truly, this is one experience not to be missed. We have done the Stingray
City experience several times using different operators and have never
been disappointed. The trip out on the North Sound to the site is quick and
scenic, but nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of petting,
feeding, and being caressed by the stingrays. After mooring, some vaca-
tioners are a little cautious about heading into the waters (the stingrays
are far less shy). We've noticed that all but the most nervous swimmer en-
joys this experience.
On the shallow stop, the Sandbar, visitors stand (as still as possible to pre-
vent kicking up sand and lowering visibility) while the stingrays swoop by,
often brushing participants like large rubbery Frisbees. Trips cost US $35-
$55 per person and typically include three stops, the deepest of which is
Stingray City at about 12 feet, followed by the shallower Sandbar, about
three feet deep.
