Stingray City Private Charter: Swim With Southern Stingrays in Grand Cayman
Board a private boat to a shallow sandbar where Southern stingrays glide up for gentle, supervised contact. Combine snorkeling over colorful coral gardens with local knowledge on a four-hour charter out of Grand Cayman.
The Experience
Before You Go
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Chemical-free sunscreen protects coral and reduces the chance of skin irritation in saltwater; apply before boarding and reapply after swimming.
Bring a waterproof camera
Stingrays are curious and photogenic—use a compact waterproof camera or housing to capture interactions without stressing the animals.
Mind motion sickness
The trip is offshore with light chop at times; take anti-nausea medication if you're prone to seasickness and sit centrally on the boat.
Follow the guide’s feeding rules
Do not touch eyes or gills and let the guide position you; controlled feeding minimizes stress to the rays and keeps the experience safe.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Coral Gardens shallow snorkel ledges where small reef fish congregate
- •A quiet western bay stop often used for floating and spotting eagle rays beyond the sandbar
Wildlife
- •Southern stingray
- •parrotfish
Conservation Note
Operators increasingly use reef-safe practices—limited feeding protocols, no-touch policies for sensitive anatomy, and education to reduce stress on animals and preserve coral habitats.
Stingray City developed organically as fishermen cleaned their catch in the shallows, drawing rays centuries later into a well-known encounter site that now balances tourism with local fisheries culture.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreenEssential
Protects your skin and the marine environment during prolonged sun exposure.
Waterproof camera or phone case
Captures close-up interactions without risking electronics to saltwater.
Light wetsuit or rash guard
Offers sun protection and warmth during cooler months or longer swims.
Non-slip water shoesEssential
Makes boarding and moving on slippery boat decks and sandbars safer.
Common Questions
How long is the charter?
The private charter is approximately four hours, typically including two snorkeling stops and one stingray interaction at the sandbar.
Are stingrays dangerous?
Southern stingrays are generally docile when approached correctly; guides manage feeding and positioning to minimize stress and avoid defensive reactions.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Yes—most private charters include mask, snorkel, and life jacket; bring your own gear if you prefer a personal fit.
Can children participate?
Children can join; operators may require that infants sit on laps and that guardians supervise closely—confirm age policies when booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
George Town, Grand Cayman
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; participants should be able to step on and off a small boat, snorkel in shallow water, and stand in ankle-to-waist-deep water.
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