Your Day Trip to Stingray City: Swimming with the locals

Booked your Cayman Island getaway and want to visit the iconic stingrays? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve curated this rough itinerary for a day trip to Stingray City to assist you in making the most out of your trip to the Island’s most unique and exhilarating attractions. So, whether you’ve swam with the stingrays before or you’re a first-time visitor, we hope this itinerary helps. Let’s dive right in!

Sample Itinerary For a Day Trip to Stingray City

Feel free to use this itinerary exactly how is, or use it as a blueprint to create your own. Every group is different so plan the perfect day-trip schedule for this memorable adventure, we’ll provide all the need-to-know information to help you do so. Having a well-planned itinerary will make sure you have the best experience at Stingray City possible, knowing the right times to show up and plan which activities you want to do will enhance your trip greatly. Once you decide on when to go and where to book a tour, you’re ready to start planning your day trip.

6:30 AM – Departure from Accommodation

Start your adventure early by leaving your accommodation at 6:30 AM. We recommend arranging your transportation in advance, whether it’s through a rental car or a scheduled tour bus pick-up. An early start helps you beat the crowds and maximize your day. Don’t forget to pack snacks and water to keep you energized for the morning activities.

Take into account where you’re staying and the travel distance time from your vacation rental to the marina. If staying in Cayman Island’s North Side, you’re a bit further away, roughly a 50-minute drive. If you’re staying in Seven Mile Beach, you’re luckily very close to the marina, Safehaven Marina is one of many places boats leave for Stingray City.

7:30 AM – Arrival and Breakfast Near the Marina

Fuel up for the day at a local café or breakfast spot near the marina. Opt for a light and energizing meal like fresh fruits, yogurt, or granola, you don’t want to be too full before swimming. Check out Island Naturals Cafe in Seven Mile Beach near the marina.

9:00 AM – Boarding the Boat

Check-in for your boat tour and prepare for departure. Make sure to apply sunscreen, secure any personal items, and get ready for the journey. The boat ride to Stingray City usually offers splendid views. 

Depending on where you board your boat, the journey to Stingray City should take around 30-40 minutes, so enjoy it and keep an eye out for early signs of marine life around you. 

10:00 AM – Arrival at Stingray City

Upon arrival, dive into a range of activities available at Stingray City. You can swim, snorkel, and interact with the friendly stingrays in their natural habitat. The clear, shallow waters make for an unforgettable experience with these magnificent creatures.

You can swim alongside, feed, and gently touch the stingrays under the guidance of experienced instructors. Besides snorkeling with these graceful creatures, you can also take underwater photos while the instructors tell you all about these magnificent creatures.

12:00 PM – Lunch on the Boat or at a Nearby Beach

Enjoy a pre-arranged lunch onboard or pack a picnic to savor on a picturesque nearby beach. If you choose the beach, try local specialties like conch fritters or mango salads that you can prepare in advance. When booking you’re tour through certain companies you can prepare in advance a food and drink selection for your group to enjoy during your visit.

1:30 PM – Additional Snorkeling or Exploring Nearby Areas

After lunch, take the opportunity to explore other snorkeling sites or nearby attractions. The Cayman Islands are home to vibrant coral reefs and secluded small islands, so use this time to make the most out of your trip and see as much as possible. Some tours will include these spots in the trip to visit.

3:00 PM – Return Trip

Begin your return trip to the marina around 3:00 PM. This is a great time to relax and reflect on the day’s experiences. You might want to go through your photos, maybe even put up that Instagram of you feeding a stingray!

4:00 PM – Back at the Marina and Return Home

Once you arrive back at the marina, make sure you have all your belongings before heading back to your vacation rental. After a long day of sun and sea, take some time to unwind. If you’re still up for it, head out for dinner at a nearby restaurant; the perfect end to the perfect day.

What to Expect?

When you arrive at Stingray City, you’ll be greeted by a large group of stingrays gliding gracefully through the shallow water. The guides will give you a brief overview of how to interact with the stingrays, which includes holding out your hand with a piece of squid (provided by your guide) for them to feed on and stroking their backs. They can also help you take a picture if you want to.

The stingrays are wild and are not trained to perform tricks or stunts, so your interaction with them will be natural and unscripted. You can expect to spend about 30-45 minutes in the water with the stingrays, depending on the tour you choose.

Are Stingrays Friendly?

Southern Stingrays, the kind that is typically found in Stingray City, are generally considered to be friendly and docile animals. They are wild creatures, but they have grown accustomed to being fed by visitors and tend to be curious and approachable around people. They are also accustomed to the human presence since the place has been a tourist spot for a long time. 

However, it’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. They can defend themselves if they feel threatened or disturbed and they might sting as a response to that. So, always follow the instructions of your guide and do not do anything that makes you or the stingrays uncomfortable.

Preparing for Your Swim

Despite their friendly behavior, stingrays are wild animals, so there are some safety precautions you should take. First, be sure to wear appropriate clothing and footwear—something that you don’t mind getting wet in and that can be worn in water is recommended. Second, always follow the instructions of your guide and do not do anything that makes you or the stingrays uncomfortable. And be sure to bring a towel and sunscreen.

Easy tips for making the most of your experience at Stingray City