Top 20 Questions About Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Few experiences capture the magic of Grand Cayman quite like swimming with stingrays at the world-famous Stingray City. Imagine stepping off your boat into crystal-clear water just waist-deep, surrounded by gentle southern stingrays gliding gracefully around you. It’s peaceful, thrilling, and unforgettable — and it’s only found right here in Grand Cayman.

At Crazy Crab Private Boat Charters, we visit Stingray City almost every day, and our guides never get tired of it. The stingrays know us, and we know them — so when guests have questions, we’ve got the answers.

Here are the top 20 most frequently asked questions about Stingray City, along with local insights to help you plan the perfect adventure.

1. Where is Stingray City?

Stingray City — also known as Stingray City Sandbar — is a large, shallow sandbar, just inside the barrier reef in Grand Cayman’s North Sound where wild southern stingrays gather naturally. Visitors can stand in waist-deep water and safely interact with these graceful creatures as they glide through the clear turquoise sea. It’s one of the most iconic and unforgettable wildlife experiences in the Caribbean.

2. Why are there so many stingrays there?

Years ago, fishermen used this sandbar to clean their catch before heading back to shore. The stingrays learned that boats meant food, and they’ve been coming back ever since. Over time, they’ve become curious, gentle, and comfortable around people.

3. Is Stingray City safe?

Yes, completely safe when you follow your guide’s instructions. These stingrays are used to people and are not aggressive. We teach you how to move calmly, let the stingrays approach, and enjoy the encounter with confidence and respect. Read more on our blog Is Stingray City Safe? Here’s What You Need to Know.

4. How deep is the water?

The famous sandbar — often called the “shallow” Stingray City — is about 3–4 feet deep, depending on the tide. It’s perfect for standing, snorkeling, or floating beside the rays. There’s also a deeper site nearby for divers.

5. Can the stingrays sting me?

Technically, yes, but in practice, no. The rays have a barb on their tail used only for defense in the wild. These ones are calm and social, having been accustomed to people for generations. With guidance from your crew, you’ll be perfectly safe.

6. What’s the best way to visit Stingray City?

Stingray City is around two miles from shore and only accessible by boat or jetski. The best way to visit is on a private boat charter. With Crazy Crab, you decide how long to stay, when to go, and what else to see along the way. There’s no crowd, no rush — just your group, your guides, and the Caribbean Sea all to yourselves.

7. What time of day is best to go to Stingray City?

Anytime of the day is great — the stingrays are always there! Around 160 wild stingrays come and go from the sandbar throughout the day, gliding in whenever they feel like interacting and being fed, so there are always plenty to meet.

On days when cruise ships visit, the morning can get quite busy. Whether in the morning or afternoon, our captains plan each trip around the crowds, tides, and weather to ensure you have the calmest water, best light, and most enjoyable experience possible.

8. Can children visit Stingray City?

Yes! Stingray City is safe and fun for all ages. Even toddlers can meet a stingray while being held by a parent or guide. We provide life vests for infants, toddlers, and kids of all ages, so everyone can feel safe and confident in the water. It’s an incredible way for children to learn about marine life up close.

Cayman is a very family-friendly destination, with plenty of adventures beyond Stingray City — check out our blog Top 10 Amazing Experiences in Grand Cayman with Kids for more inspiration.

9. What should I bring?

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, swimsuit or rash guard, and a waterproof camera or phone case. We provide squid to feed the rays, snorkel gear, bottled water, and towels, along with friendly local guides who take care of everything else — so you can just relax and enjoy your adventure.

10. What should I not bring or do?

Avoid wearing shiny jewelry — stingrays and other fish on the sandbar might mistake it for fish scales. Skip the regular sunscreen (it harms corals and rays). And please don’t chase, grab, or lift the stingrays. Let them glide naturally around you — it’s magical when they choose to interact.

11. Do I need to know how to swim to visit Stingray City?

No. The sandbar is shallow, and we provide life jackets and flotation aids for anyone who wants them. You’ll always have a guide close by to ensure everyone feels safe and supported.

12. Can I feed the stingrays?

Yes — but only with guidance. Feeding them small pieces of squid is part of the experience, and our crew will show you how to do it safely. Keep your thumb tucked in, hold the food flat, and watch them gently take it right from your hand!

13. What’s the difference between a group tour and a private charter?

Group tours can feel crowded, rushed, and timed around other passengers. A Crazy Crab private charter is completely personalized — we limit it to your family or group, include two friendly guides, and let you enjoy each stop at your own pace. Read more at our blog Private Stingray City Charter or Group Stingray City Tour?

You can even combine Stingray City with Starfish Point, Rum Point Reef, or a Bioluminescent Bay night snorkel for a full day of island adventure.

14. Can I snorkel or dive at Stingray City?

Absolutely. The shallow sandbar is perfect for snorkelers, and the nearby “deep Stingray City” dive site — around 12–15 feet deep — is a favorite for divers who want a more immersive experience.

15. Are the stingrays wild or trained?

They’re 100% wild. The stingrays live freely in the North Sound and come and go as they please. They’re not trained — just curious, gentle, and familiar with boats and friendly people.

16. Is Stingray City ethical?

It’s a fair question. At Crazy Crab, we follow all Cayman Islands Marine Parks guidelines and practice responsible wildlife interaction. We don’t trap or restrain rays — we educate guests about their behavior and natural environment. Respect for marine life always comes first.

17. What’s the best time of year to visit?

Stingray City is open year-round! Cayman’s dry season — also the island’s high season — (December–April) offers cooler seas, gentle breezes, and plenty of sunshine. The summer months (July–October) usually bring calm seas, very warm water, and the occasional light afternoon shower.

But there’s really no off-season for stingray smiles — the water stays clear and inviting all year long, and the stingrays are always waiting to say hello.

18. How do I get there?

Our private charters depart from Camana Bay Harbour, just a short drive from West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, or George Town. From there, it’s a scenic 25-minute cruise across the North Sound — a beautiful journey past mangroves and shimmering turquoise water.

If you’re staying on the east side of Cayman, we also offer pickup from the Kaibo and Rum Point docks for your convenience.

19. Can I take photos or videos with the stingrays?

Definitely! Bring your waterproof camera or GoPro — or just hand your phone to one of our guides. We’re happy to help capture that perfect shot of you feeding or gently holding a stingray.

Want to make it extra special? We can provide an underwater camera rental or even arrange for a professional photographer to join your charter — the perfect way to capture those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Many guests say those images become their favorite keepsake from their Cayman adventure.

20. What adventure can I combine with Stingray City?

The most popular combinations are Starfish Point, Rum Point Reef snorkeling, and the Bioluminescent Bay night snorkel — all available on our 6-hour or 8-hour private charters. Each stop shows off a different side of Cayman’s beauty, from glowing plankton to bright coral gardens.

Tips for the Best Stingray City Experience

• Book early in your visit — weather can change, and rescheduling is easier early in the week.
• Listen to your guides — we know the rays by name and love sharing their stories.
• Stay calm and smile — the stingrays are gentle and curious; they’ll glide right up to you.
• Protect the ocean — use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid touching coral or starfish.

Why Choose Crazy Crab for Your Stingray City Adventure

We’re a small, Caymanian-owned company that believes every guest should feel like part of the family. With two guides on every trip, comfortable boats with freshwater showers and bathrooms, and tailored itineraries, your Stingray City experience will be unforgettable — and entirely yours.

Ready to meet the stingrays? Book your Stingray City Private Charter and see why so many families call it the highlight of their Cayman vacation.