Stingray City
Stingray City
5
About
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Stingray City
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
7 within 5 kms
Attractions
15 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- RoxanaIllinois6 contributionsFantastic experienceWe had a private tour with Jason of the Cayman Snorkel Co. It was an awesome experience. One of our group had done this before on a calm day. Unfortunately it was very windy on our day. Jason did his best to make sure we had a good time. It was very choppy, but the sting rays were all around us. There were dozens of them and they take the squid right out of your hands. Because it was so choppy there was only one other boat there. Try to do this when there are no cruise ships in port, otherwise there are many boats, although there are plenty of sting rays to feed, and kiss, and stroke. Awesome, awesome .Visited December 2022Written December 17, 2022
- Melissa MPhoenix, Arizona8 contributionsGrand TourWe took the grand tour that covered snorkeling the reef and turtles. We interacted with the stingrays and starfish. Excellent tour guide very knowledgeable, awesome photographer and first mate Caleb was an added gemVisited December 2022Written December 18, 2022
- haydontyToddington, United Kingdom28 contributionsWell worth it!An amazing trip where you end up in the middle of the sea with the water waist deep. The rays are in their natural environment and want to come and see you. Our boat trip and guide were great. But the pictures they take are $60 which I think is steep. But the trip is worth it.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten December 20, 2022
- jwhiteside2018Chicago, Illinois2 contributionsYou won’t have a better experienceCaptain and Slim were amazing, especially considering we had three children under 7 years old. They knew the spots to go and how to make sure we saw the most fish and stingray while we were out. Will definitely recommend them to other people!Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten December 29, 2022
- scubabum217 contributionswe had so much fun we did it twiceWe had so much fun we went back again. We went with Captain Marvin's and the crew was so much fun. the stingrays were so soft and so magnificent. I had a hard time figuring out which way to look because the stingrays were all around us. They took pictures of us with the stingrays too. The snorkeling on the way to stingray city was the best snorkeling we did on the whole trip.Visited December 2022Written January 6, 2023
- MikenDeb MSaint Louis, Missouri132 contributionsMuch more exciting than I anticipated!This was a great experience. I didn’t think I would enjoy it that much, but these creatures are so exquisite! The guides also made it worthwhile. The water is so clear and there were fish swimming around as well. Some people in our group fed the stingrays but I shied away, choosing to “pet” and take pictures of them only!Visited January 2023Travelled with friendsWritten February 9, 2023
- AussieBonz37 contributionsAmazing, but there’s no need to handle these beautiful wild creatures.The stingrays are a beautiful site to see. They’re there because they’re being fed squid by the tour operators. You simply stand there in the shallow water and they swim around you and even brush past your legs. With a snorkel and mask all you need to do is bob down in the water to see them up close. However it’s awful to see tour operators grabbing them and lifting them out of the water for photo ops and so people can kiss them. The stingrays are struggling and thrashing in people’s arms; they clearly don’t like it and can’t breathe out of the water. And it’s so unnecessary. Just watching the stingrays swim right next to you under the water is incredible enough. Plus they can be fed under the water itself. Please teach people to respect nature and don’t promote the idea that it’s ok to handle wild animals.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 17, 2023
- LoveTravel184700034 contributionsAMAZING TIME!A must visit when you come here. We decided to use George’s Watersports because many of the other companies had way too many people for us. This boat only took 15 people. Friendly, clean, and everyone was able to feed and hold the stingrays. The water is only waist high on the sandbar and incredibly clear. There were tons of stingrays to see and touch. An awesome excursion for all agesVisited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 18, 2023
- Susan BBirmingham, Alabama31 contributionsFavorite part of my week on Grand CaymanMy husband and I enjoyed a morning with Captain Marvin's Watersports. We had the opportunity to snorkel at two different reef sites where we saw stingrays and a variety of tropical fish. The highlight for me, however, was the time we spent on a sandbar with many large stingrays. Our hosts helped us handle them and provided us with squid to feed them. A photographer took photographs and made them available to us at a very reasonable rate. We were provided with water, juices, and snorkeling equipment. On the ride back we slowed to enjoy several large sea turtles who were swimming about and surfacing. The crew was entertaining and very friendly. I recommend this tour.Visited February 2023Written February 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
7,178 reviews
Excellent
6,160
Very good
800
Average
135
Poor
47
Terrible
36
Iris B
121 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
I was very wary of spending money to go to stingray City- which is a sandbar area where the stingrays congregate. But it was fantastic. Loads of rays the day we went. We went with Ocean Frontiers from the East End at Kaibo Yacht Club. Bring your snorkel and mask and be able to look underwater- and save your face from getting splashed by the waves.
Feed the rays with provided bait.
Little kids have to be held but still enjoyed the trip. Then drive over to starfish point - not worth paying to go there!
If you're staying on the west end of Grand Cayman, it's ok to do the 2 stop Stingray City and Starfish Point.
Bring a water bottle and a towel.
Feed the rays with provided bait.
Little kids have to be held but still enjoyed the trip. Then drive over to starfish point - not worth paying to go there!
If you're staying on the west end of Grand Cayman, it's ok to do the 2 stop Stingray City and Starfish Point.
Bring a water bottle and a towel.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark T.
San Francisco, CA41 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
One of my bucket list items in life is to swim with stingrays on a tropical island in shallow aqua clear water and that is exactly what I experienced at Stingray City. We took a 30-minute boat ride out to the sandbar and experienced something that I'd been dreaming about for almost 30 years.
Back in the day, I used to watch a movie called Flipper and I remember seeing a scene of stingrays swimming gracefully underwater and have since been wanting to swim with them. I finally made it happen and it's a trip I'll never forget. This is a for sure to do when in Grand Cayman. We did a 3-stop tour. The first stop was a deeper water snorkel experience, the second was Stingray City and the last was Starfish Point. It was a 3-hour tour and every minute was worth it. I can't wait to go back!
Back in the day, I used to watch a movie called Flipper and I remember seeing a scene of stingrays swimming gracefully underwater and have since been wanting to swim with them. I finally made it happen and it's a trip I'll never forget. This is a for sure to do when in Grand Cayman. We did a 3-stop tour. The first stop was a deeper water snorkel experience, the second was Stingray City and the last was Starfish Point. It was a 3-hour tour and every minute was worth it. I can't wait to go back!
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
veronak
253 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
This was quite the experience. I didn’t like how the stingrays felt, swimming around my feet, it made me extremely nervous.
It was high tide the day we went, and the water was rough, so as a non-swimmer, it was a bit challenging.
Would I do this again? Yes; however on a day when the water is calmer and low tide. This was an experience.
It was high tide the day we went, and the water was rough, so as a non-swimmer, it was a bit challenging.
Would I do this again? Yes; however on a day when the water is calmer and low tide. This was an experience.
Written September 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeff f
Ambler, PA910 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Couples
For this experience you take a boat to a sandbar and get in the water with the stingrays swimming all around you. It does get crowded with 4 or 5 other tour boats there, but all in all it was a great experience.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linsey T
George Town, Grand Cayman11 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Absolutely a breath taking experience! So fun! Worth it in my opinion! Guy Harvey is trying to conserve the ocean ! He happened to be there! Please let’s ALL do our part!
Written August 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bryan K
Yuma, AZ506 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Very cool experience for any age. Lots of fun for anyone in the family.
You can easily use your cell phone with very little worry (unless your accident prone).
You can easily use your cell phone with very little worry (unless your accident prone).
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pr_omo1978
Cypress, TX2 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Stingray city was every bit as advertised. The experience with the stingrays was amazing! The boat ride out to the stingrays was beautiful as well. Overall a definite 5 out 5!
Written July 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
snjmom
snjmom139 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
One of a kind trip that you can’t do anywhere else. A must do. It was the highlight of our mother daughter getaway.
Written July 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leanne S
Fremantle, Australia3 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
A must when visiting Grand Cayman.
We went with Captain Marvin's, skipper Leo and crew were first rate.
We went with Captain Marvin's, skipper Leo and crew were first rate.
Written July 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather M
Oil City, PA37 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Couples
This was a good, fun experience. Everyone was nice. Got to see several sting ray fish and got to do some snorkeling. I would recommend
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JuleneWilcock
Gilbert, AZ3 contributions
This has probably been answered, but couldn't find it for sure.... Are there people with boats waiting when your cruise ship docks at Grand Cayman that will take you to Stingray City? There are always taxi's so I assume there will be boats too, but we don't want to miss the stingrays! We also want to get out there as soon as possible, and have had to wait for tours we have booked before in other ports. Does anyone have information? Thank you!
Sabrina B
Santa Giustina, Italy51 contributions
Parto a gennaio x una crociera ,
e il mio desiderio più grande sarebbe vedere ed accarezzare le razze ,però causa di uno shock entro in acqua solo se sono con i piedi ben ancorati a terra ... Dalle foto sembra abbastanza bassa l acqua, quindi é un esperienza che passo fare in assoluta tranquillità? Sarebbe un peccato perdere quest' occasione... grazie mille
Roberto G
Montecatini Terme, Italy136 contributions
Il fondo dell 'acqua e basso e ci si può stare in piedi. Ma il problema è che credo che con le crociere non ci sia una organizzazione che preveda la visita a stingray. Bisogna fermarsi in hotel
Randi L
12 contributions
My children are 9,8 and 6 is this an appropriate excision for them?
E R
Atlanta, GA94 contributions
Yes. The water is about 4 feet deep and maybe deeper in some areas but I would have them wear a life jacket or you could hold the children. The younger one you may want to hold until they get used to the environment. The stingrays are very friendly and that can be a little scary at first. I went to Grand Cayman twice and never wanted to see the stingrays because it didn’t sound fun to me but the last time we went we finally saw them and it really is an incredible experience. I would advise trying to go when the cruise ships are not there.
What company do you recommend for the tours of Stingray city, Starfish area, etc.?
Anthony S
Brisbane, Australia1,856 contributions
We went with Captain Marvin and were very happy with the trip, crew and the whole trip.
Hi there. I've seen a ton of ads regarding going to stingray city on a large boat with a group. Can you provide me with information about where you found a private boat to take your family and roughly the cost. thank you in advance
eliserose
New York City, NY40 contributions
We used Captain Marvin. I believe they do private tours as well. Check out their website for more information.
Departure38192953240
1 contribution
Hi Alissa
What boat rental did you use? thanks
Shopper
Stamford, CT163 contributions
Red Sail Sports
GrandTour596591
2 contributions
I booked today but I still haven’t heard back for tomorrow’s excursion. Could you please let me know what time we will be picked up and what time we will be done.
Thx
maherakh
Houston, TX82 contributions
I don’t know the owner and don’t work for them. I do remember that they have morning pick up at 7:30 and afternoon at 2:30, I would suggest to call them directly to find out
Hi are these trips offered from the ports as calling at grand Cayman on cruise
nanf0ur
Concord, NH16 contributions
I’m not sure. We booked through Carnival excursions.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingSTINGRAY CITY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stingray City
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Stingray City:
- Stingray City Experience from Grand Cayman (2-Stops Adventure) (From C$99.20)
- Starfish and Stingray City Fun Tour with Reef Snorkeling- 3 stops (From C$93.77)
- Stingray City and Snorkel Tour ( 2-Stops Adventure) (From C$99.20)
- Starfish Point, Stingray City and Coral Garden (3-Stop Adventure) (From C$108.72)
- Stingray City and Snorkel Tour With Lunch (From C$169.87)
- Hotels near Stingray City:
- (9.70 km) Palm Heights
- (9.18 km) Discovery Point Club
- (8.78 km) Plantana Condominiums
- (9.53 km) Casa Caribe
- (8.62 km) Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- Restaurants near Stingray City:
- (3.64 km) Upstairs Restaurant
- (10.53 km) Veranda
- (7.75 km) Bacaro
- (9.30 km) Spanglish - Mexican Cuisine & Bar
- (10.55 km) Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden