The weather could not have been more perfect for our amazing excursion to Stingray City. We arrived at the pier early to catch our tour boat taking us to the barrier reefs of the North Sound. After a 25 minute ride, the boat anchored near a series of shallow sandbars. The snorkeling site was teaming with colorful fish and the infamous southern stingrays.
With our snorkeling equipment in hand, we disembarked into the sound. Carefully shuffling our feet so that we did not step on the stingray’s barb, we arrived in the shallow waters measuring three to four feet deep. Our guide had brought a pail of chummed squid meat for us to feed the stingrays. We were instructed to hold our hands flat underwater so the stingray will try to “suck” the meat from our hands. Before long, we were surrounded by nearly 50 stingrays ranging in various sizes, rubbing up against us with hopes of being fed. These gentle giants were so friendly, we could pet them, feed them and take photos with them.
Stingrays are known to live 15 to 25 years and learned that several of the stingrays on our tour were regulars. Some of the star stingrays in the group were “Ray Charles” and “Sugar Ray.” I was most surprised at how unafraid they were of humans and that they were actually playful, rubbing up against us with their soft, slimy-feeling fins.
We enjoyed our 90 minute encounter with these amazing sea creatures which was such an amazing, educational experience. If you visit the island of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is a must.
Have you visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman? What did you think of your experience? I would love to hear what you thought about snorkeling with stingrays if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience at Stingray City and wishing you many Happy Travels!
What to See and What to Do:
Stingray City Cayman Islands
31026 Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands KY1-1205
Telephone: 345 322 3400
Visit the website for a number of excursions that include a trip to Stingray City.
Where to Stay:
Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110
Where to Eat:
Bacaro
Yacht Drive, West Bay
Grand Cayman, KY1-9006
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 749 4800
I could not resist the Salumi e Formaggi Platter assorted cured meats and gourmet cheese, olives, dried figs, nuts and homemade crackers and ended my night with a chocolate martini.
What to Eat:
- Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
- Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
- Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
- Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
- Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
- Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
- Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.
What to Read:
- The Firm by John Grisham
- Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
- The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
- Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas
Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:
- Cayman Crystal Caves: stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
- Rum Point: beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
- Seven Mile Beach: pristine white sand for miles
- Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
- Stingray City: above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
- Sunset over the Edge Cafe: amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar
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