How Much Does It Cost to Visit Stingray City?

Stingray City is one of those Cayman experiences that feels magical before you even reach the sandbar. The water turns turquoise, the horizon opens wide, and then the wild southern stingrays appear, gliding around you with calm, curious ease. And here’s something many visitors are happy to learn: there’s no entrance fee to visit Stingray City. The only cost is your boat ride out to the North Sound.

Most group tours run US$75–$100 per person, making them the cheapest way to go. But if you’re traveling with more than two guests, a private charter (starting at around US$800 total) often offers the best value—and the most relaxed, personal way to enjoy the rays (and other Cayman regions). You set the pace, choose your stops, and experience the sandbar without crowds. It’s Stingray City the way it should feel.

There’s No Entrance Fee — But You Do Need a Boat

Stingray City sits about 20–25 minutes offshore, depending on weather and departure point. Because it’s not connected to land, you can only reach it by boat. That means the main cost of your visit isn’t admission, it’s the tour or charter you choose to get there.

This gives you plenty of flexibility, whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a family or friend group.

Group Tours: The Cheapest Per-Person Option

If budget is the main priority, a group tour is the most affordable way to go. These larger shared boats operate on fixed schedules and typically include a visit to Stingray City plus one or two other stops.

• Average price: US$75–$100 per person
• Trip length: 2–3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travelers, couples on a budget, guests who don’t mind crowds

While these tours offer good value, you won’t have control over timing, group size, or how long you spend with the rays. During busy weeks, you may share the sandbar with quite a few people. It’s still fun — just not as calm or personal as many guests imagine.

Private Charters: Best Value for 3+ Guests

Here’s where many visitors are pleasantly surprised. If you’re travelling with more than two guests, a private charter to Stingray City is the best overall value.

Private trips in Grand Cayman typically start around US$800 for a half-day charter. Since that price covers the entire boat, the per-person cost drops quickly as your group grows. But price is only part of the story: the experience is dramatically different.

With a private charter, you set the pace. Want extra time with the rays? Done. Prefer to add snorkeling at the coral gardens, visit Starfish Point, or relax at a quiet beach? Easy. You enjoy the North Sound exactly the way you want it, with no rushing, no waiting, and no crowds.

This flexibility, combined with comfort and personal attention, is why private charters are widely regarded as the best way to visit Stingray City for families, friend groups, and anyone seeking a relaxed Cayman day.

Why Crazy Crab Is the Top Choice for a Private Stingray City Charter

At Crazy Crab, we keep our trips small, personal, and shaped entirely around your day. Our crew are local guides who know the rays, the shallow channels, and the quiet pockets of the North Sound that most visitors never see. We move at your pace, make sure everyone feels comfortable — kids included — and help you experience Stingray City in a respectful, wildlife-friendly way.

Guests consistently tell us it’s the highlight of their Cayman vacation, and we’re proud to have hundreds of five-star reviews from families and travellers who loved their time on the water. Check out our Guest Reviews here.

Every charter includes snorkel gear, water, squid for feeding (following proper guidelines), and a flexible itinerary that lets you add guided snorkeling, Starfish Point, or a quiet beach stop. And because you’re on your own boat, you enjoy Stingray City exactly the way it should feel — calm, intimate, and unforgettable.

So… How Much Should You Budget?

• Stingray City entrance fee: US$0
• Group tour: US$75–$100 per person
• Private charter: From US$800 total (best value for 3+ guests)
• Extras: Usually included on private trips — snorkel gear, water, local guidance, and flexible scheduling

Whether you choose a group trip or a private charter, Stingray City is unforgettable. But if you want the calmest, most personal, most relaxed experience on the water, a private charter offers unmatched value.

Ready to plan your Stingray City visit with Crazy Crab?

Start with our Adventure Planner to shape your perfect day on the water, or jump straight in and book your private Stingray City adventure.