Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman (and Snorkeling the Reef)
Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman is one of those experiences that feels just as exciting the second time around as it does on your first visit.
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We first swam with stingrays in Grand Cayman cruise port years ago and recently had the chance to do it again during a Southern Caribbean cruise, one of our favorite itineraries. We could have spent the day at Seven Mile Beach, but we chose to revisit Stingray City, hoping for clearer skies this time. Our first visit was marked by off-and-on rain, and it had been so long that we needed to refresh our memories. The experience this time was night and day, thanks to the beautiful weather. With the sun out and the water sparkling, we finally saw first-hand what makes the waters surrounding Grand Cayman so breathtaking.
Georgetown, Grand Cayman, is a tender port, so guests are brought ashore by smaller boats before starting their day on the island.
Read on for our whole experience, tips on choosing a tour, and other things to do while visiting Grand Cayman Island.
What is Stingray City?
Stingray City is a shallow sandbar in Grand Cayman’s North Sound, where wild southern stingrays gather in the open water. It’s not an enclosed area but part of the sea, and you can stand in waist-deep water as these stingrays swim freely around you. The only way to get there is by boat, and it’s one of the most popular excursions for cruise passengers and visitors to the island.
Stingray City and Two Snorkel Spots
After tendering to shore in Grand Cayman, we met our tour group at Captain Marvin’s office in Georgetown. I booked this excursion independently after reading so many positive reviews about their Stingray City tours. We chose the Stingray City and Two Snorkel Stops option, skipping Starfish Point this time and saving it for another visit.
Once everyone checked in, we hopped on a small bus that took us to the marina, about a ten-minute drive away. From there, we boarded the boat for our morning on the water. We completely lucked out with a clear, sunny day, exactly what you hope for in the Caribbean. The sea was calm, the sky was bright blue, and the warmth made it easy to slip right into vacation mode.
Swimming with Stingrays
The ride out to Stingray City took about twenty-five minutes across the North Sound. You could spot the sandbar from a distance, surrounded by boats already anchored for the same experience. It is a popular stop, but even with a few groups out there, it did not feel crowded.
Despite the name, you do not actually swim with the stingrays here. The water is waist-deep, and you stand on the sandbar’s soft white sand as these graceful rays glide around you. Before getting off the boat, the guides explained how to interact safely with the stingrays and made sure everyone had plenty of time to touch, feed, and take photos with them.
It can feel a little strange at first when one brushes against your leg, but they are incredibly gentle. When someone has a piece of squid in hand, they know it and come gliding in fast to grab it. Be ready to let go quickly, because they are strong and move with purpose.
Our group took turns holding a stingray while one of the guides helped us pose for photos, alongside a professional photographer who captured each moment. I even held one and gave it a quick kiss for good luck—a Stingray City tradition said to bring seven years of it. The team worked quickly, so everyone had their chance without feeling rushed. It’s one of those moments you can’t help but smile through, even if you’re a little nervous at first.
It was just as busy as before since Stingray City always attracts a crowd, but the sunny weather made a huge difference. Crowds depend on the time of day and the number of ships in port. It may be touristy, but it is a safe, well-run experience in open water where the stingrays roam freely. They clearly love the food and are not shy about coming over for it, which makes standing there among them feel like a fun experience.
Snorkeling in Grand Cayman
After our time with the stingrays, we headed to two snorkeling spots, Barrier Reef and Coral Gardens. I’d been to Coral Gardens before on our first visit, but that day was gray and gloomy. This time, the sun was out, and the water was clear enough to see straight to the reef below. The difference in visibility was incredible.
Snorkeling gear was provided for anyone who didn’t bring their own. What made this stop especially pleasant was the balance of structure and freedom—the guides were there to assist and keep an eye on everyone, but you could also explore at your own pace around the boat.
Both reefs are part of the protected North Sound, known for its calm, shallow waters and colorful marine life. The coral formations here help shield the coastline from strong waves, making snorkeling conditions ideal most days.
The reefs were calm and colorful, with plenty of tropical fish swimming through the coral. At one point, I spotted a couple of stingrays gliding along the sandy bottom and even a few sea turtles drifting peacefully nearby. It was such a memorable moment and completely unexpected. I could have stayed out there longer just watching the sea turtles. The water was so clear and bright that even a short snorkel felt relaxing and worth the stop.
Safety and Tips for Swimming with Stingrays in Grand Cayman
- Swimming with stingrays is safe as long as you follow the guide’s instructions. Avoid swimming over, stepping on, or touching them without guidance.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen.
- Bring sunglasses and a sun hat.
- Bring your own snorkeling gear if you don’t want to use theirs.
- Bring an underwater camera or GoPro for the best photos.
- Always go with an experienced tour operator and listen to the crew while you’re in the water. They know how to keep both guests and stingrays safe.
Read more: Must-Pack Items for a Caribbean Cruise Vacation
Booking a Stingray City Tour in Grand Cayman
There are a few ways to book a Stingray City tour, depending on how much flexibility you want and how comfortable you are booking independently.
1. Through the cruise line or your hotel
Booking directly through your cruise line is the easiest option, especially since Grand Cayman is a tender port. Cruise-booked excursions include priority tendering, so you won’t have to worry about getting off the ship quickly or missing your tour. The timing and transportation are guaranteed, taking the stress out of coordinating everything yourself.
2. Independently with a local operator
For smaller groups and a more personal experience, consider booking directly with a local company. This time, we went with Captain Marvin’s, but chose to book via Viator, one of the island’s most reputable tour operators, and had a great experience from start to finish. Their staff handled everything smoothly, and the communication before the tour was excellent.
If you decide to book independently, keep in mind that Grand Cayman is a tender port. You’ll want to plan for extra time to get off the ship early and make it to your meeting point. Be sure to confirm the tour’s return time as well, so you’re back in plenty of time for the last tender.
Whichever option you choose, make sure your operator is licensed and well-reviewed. Most tours visit the same main sites such as Stingray City, Barrier Reef, Coral Gardens, or Starfish Point, but group size, timing, and overall experience can vary.
- Grand Cayman Catamaran Tour to Stingray City and Rum Point [book here]
- Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Garden [book here]
- Private Half Day Stingray City, Snorkeling and Starfish Beach Tour [book here]
Read more: How to Navigate Booking Your Own Shore Excursions
Other Things to Do in Grand Cayman
If you are planning your day in Grand Cayman and decide to skip Stingray City, here are a few other ways to spend your time on the island.
🍴 Go on a Food Tour: Grand Cayman is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and a guided food tour is a great way to see why. Starting in Georgetown, this walking tour includes several local tastings and a chance to learn about the island’s food culture along the way.
🏖️ Beach Day at Seven Mile Beach: This iconic stretch of sand is a favorite for cruisers and resort guests alike. Take a taxi from the port, bring a towel, and spend a few hours swimming or relaxing by the water. Public access makes it easy to stroll along the shoreline.
🪨 Cayman Crystal Caves Tour: Located on the island’s north side, the Crystal Caves are filled with dramatic rock formations and hanging stalactites. Guided tours include transportation and offer a look at one of Grand Cayman’s most unique natural sites.
🌴 Spend the Day at Rum Point Beach: On the quieter north side of the island, Rum Point Beach has calm water, food and drink options, and a laid-back vibe. It is a great spot to swim or snorkel, and it is close to Starfish Point if you want to visit both.
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Kathy Ava
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.