Stingrays, turtles and dolphins in Grand Cayman
Stingray City is the stop most visitors to Grand Cayman plan around. Dozens of southern stingrays gather around visiting boats, and in waist-deep water you can feed them and touch them. Many people pair it with a snorkel stop on the Barrier Reef.
Places to go
Stingray City
Stingray City is a set of shallow sandbars in the North Sound of Grand Cayman, where southern stingrays gather around visiting boats. Most people reach it on a boat tour from George Town.
Boatswain's Beach
Boatswain's Beach is a fee-paying marine park in West Bay, with a saltwater snorkel lagoon, a commercial green sea turtle farm and a Caymanian Heritage Street. Visitors swim with turtles, walk the trails and browse the artisans.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Stingray City, Barrier Reef and Starfish Beach
Dolphin Swim Adventure and Turtle Farm
What to expect
A day at Stingray City usually starts with a boat ride from the dock in George Town. The boat crosses to the North Sound, where the sandbar is shallow enough to stand in. Dozens of southern stingrays come over hoping for food from the people on the visiting boats. You can feed them, touch them and watch them move around your legs. Many trips add a snorkel stop on the Barrier Reef, and some add a third stop for starfish.
The whole outing takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Trips are run by several operators. The sandbar suits people who want close, easy contact with marine life, and it is a good first swim for children.
Where to go
- Stingray City sandbar. Shallow North Sound sandbar where you feed and touch southern stingrays in waist-deep water. The island's best-known excursion. About 30 minutes by boat. A trip that goes here: Stingray City and Two Snorkel Stops, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $119 a person
- Boatswain's Beach turtle farm. A 24-acre marine park and the world's only commercial green sea turtle farm, with over 16,000 turtles and a snorkel lagoon. West Bay, by taxi. A trip that goes here: Dolphin Royal Swim and Turtle Farm, 2 Hours, $219 a person
- Cayman Turtle Center. See green turtles and touch them in a tank, then visit Predator Reef to get close to nurse sharks and tarpon. A trip that goes here: Stingray City and Two Snorkel Stops, 3 Hours 30 Minutes, $119 a person
Getting there
The trip out to the sandbar takes about 30 minutes one way. Boatswain's Beach in West Bay is reached by taxi.
When to go
Stingray City runs year-round, and the rays are there in every season. Operators run trips through the day.
Good to know
- Wear a swimsuit under light clothes, bring water shoes and sunscreen, and leave loose items on the boat.
- Do not lift or chase the rays. Researchers say handling them harms them, and stings are rare but painful.
- The Stingray City sandbar is shallow and the water is warm. Snorkel gear is often included on the reef stop.
Questions
Is Stingray City safe for children?
The sandbar is waist-deep, so children can stand in the water with an adult. Stings are extremely rare, but the barb can be very painful, so follow the guide's instructions when handling the rays.
How do I get to Stingray City from George Town?
The sandbar is in the North Sound, about 30 minutes by boat from George Town. Several operators run tours.
Can you touch the stingrays at Stingray City?
Yes, visitors can feed and pet the southern stingrays in waist-deep water. Researchers have raised concerns that feeding and handling them harms the rays, and lifting them for photos is not recommended.
