Safety at Stingray City: How to Stay Safe and Protect the Stingrays

Visiting Stingray City is pure magic! Prepare to encounter warm, shallow water, soft sand beneath your toes, and gentle southern stingrays gliding around you like old friends. But for all the joy and wonder in the North Sound, safety is everything. Safe guests. Safe rays. Safe interactions.

Stingray City is one of Cayman’s most iconic wildlife experiences, and many visitors arrive with the same question: Is Stingray City Safe? The answer is yes — especially when you know how to interact with the rays in a calm, respectful way.

At Crazy Crab, we follow the highest standards for responsible wildlife encounters. This post focuses on how to stay safe at Stingray City and the simple habits that protect both you and the rays — the core of true stingray safety.

Why Safety Matters at Stingray City

The rays are wild animals — comfortable with people, yes, but still relying on instinct. A startled step, a hand placed in the wrong spot, or mishandled food can cause accidental bumps or bites — which is why people sometimes wonder if a stingray dangerous encounter is possible. Meanwhile, careless interactions can harm the rays’ delicate gills, eyes, cartilage, and skin.

Safe, respectful behaviour keeps everything calm and magical… exactly how it should be.

Safe Stingray Interaction Guidelines — The Crazy Crab Way

No back rubs or “massages.” Ever.

This rule addresses an outdated and illegal practice where a stingray is lifted out of the water and placed on a guest’s back so its wings appear to “massage.”

This must never happen. Stingrays should not be lifted out of the water under any circumstances. Their internal organs rely on the support of the water column; lifting them is stressful, dangerous, and harmful. Keeping the rays submerged is essential for their well-being.

Be mindful of gills, eyes, mouth, and tail

Their gills and eyes are delicate, and their tail barb are strictly defensive. Avoid touching these areas entirely. Gentle, open-hand contact on their wings (while they swim past) is okay, but only when our guides show you how.

Shuffle your feet — and always look where you’re moving

Rays often settle into the sand. Shuffling signals you’re coming and allows them to move away calmly. Also, don’t walk backwards. It’s the easiest way to accidentally step on a ray.

Hold food correctly, and only put it in the water when you’re ready

Stingrays are enthusiastic eaters. To avoid nips or suction bites:

• Keep the squid out of the water until the moment you feed.
• Curl your fingers around your thumb to hold the squid.
• Keep your thumb tucked safely inside the fist.

This technique helps the ray focus on the food — not your fingers — as it glides over your outstretched hand and gently sucks the squid out of your closed fist.

Never rub squid on your body

It sounds funny, but it happens: a quick wipe on a swimsuit and suddenly a curious stingray swims up expecting a snack. Squid scent attracts them, and you might end up with an unwanted stingray hickey. Carefully handle the squid and avoid getting food scent on your body.

Stay calm, move gently, and follow your guide

The rays respond beautifully to calm, confident guests. Smooth movements keep everything peaceful. And when in doubt, follow your Crazy Crab guide: we know the rays, the water, and the safest ways to enjoy the experience.

A Private Charter Makes All the Difference for Your Stingray City Tour

By choosing a Crazy Crab private charter, you ensure a low-stress environment where our two guides can provide personalized attention and demonstrate these techniques one-on-one. This calm, focused approach is the best way to safely connect with the famous residents of Stingray City.

No crowds. No competing for space. Just you, your crew, and a safe, unforgettable encounter with the rays.

Why These Guidelines Matter for Your Stingray City Visit

Everything we do at Stingray City centers on one goal: a safe, respectful connection between you and the rays. When you move calmly, feed correctly, and give these gentle animals space, the experience becomes smoother for both you and them. Protecting the rays by keeping them submerged, avoiding contact with their delicate gills and eyes, and allowing them to glide freely helps ensure they remain healthy for years to come.

Meet them with care, and something unforgettable happens. The rays glide a little closer, hang out with you a little longer, and the moment becomes something you’ll carry with you long after you leave the North Sound.

Ready to experience Stingray City the safe, respectful, and unforgettable way? Book your Crazy Crab private charter and let our guides show you the magic.

FAQs About Safety at Stingray City

Is Stingray City safe for children?

Yes! Stingray City is very safe for children when appropriately guided. The sandbar is shallow, our boats stay close, and our two guides provide hands-on support the entire time. We help children learn to shuffle, interact gently, and feed the rays safely, creating a fun, confidence-building experience.

Can stingrays bite or sting you?

Stingrays don’t bite in the way fish do, but they can give a gentle suction nip if fingers aren’t tucked away during feeding. Their tail barb is only used defensively, so as long as you shuffle your feet, move calmly, and follow our guidance, the risk of a sting is extremely low.

How do you safely hold a stingray?

At Stingray City, the rays are accustomed to gentle human interaction — but you should only hold a stingray with the assistance of an experienced guide. Never lift a stingray out of the water. When guided, you’ll keep the ray fully submerged, support its body with both hands, and hold it with its nose toward your chest and tail facing away. Our Crazy Crab crew shows you exactly how to do this safely so you and the stingray stay relaxed and comfortable.

Can I combine a private Stingray City visit with other cool experiences?

Absolutely — that’s one of the best parts of booking a private Crazy Crab charter. After Stingray City, you can add stops like Starfish Point, snorkeling the barrier reef, exploring hidden coves, or even a sunset cruise or Bio Bay experience. Our team helps you tailor the perfect adventure so you can fit in all the moments you’re dreaming about.