No, Stingray City in Grand Cayman is not dangerous. It is a safe place to be, and the resident stingrays are friendly, however you must take precautions when visiting the sandbar. You should also go with a professional tour guide and follow every instruction.
Stingray City is safe, but like every other place, it can become dangerous if you are not careful. On September 4, 2006, conservationist Steve Irwin died from the piercing of a Stingray barb. During a documentary filming, Steve had moved closer to the stingray to capture it swimming off when the stingray’s barb pierced him deeply in the chest, which got to his heart.
This article answers all the questions you have about Stingray Grand Cayman. Also, are you interested in visiting the Sandbars of Grand Cayman? This article will guide you through the process.
Also, be sure to check out my top place to stay in Grand Cayman – the Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile Beach.
Is It Safe to Swim with Stingrays in Grand Cayman?
Is it safe to swim with stingrays on Cayman Island? Yes, it is safe. However, if you get too close to a stingray, you might get stung by its poisonous tail. Stingrays can be playful and calm. When you are in the water with them, they will usually try to collect food from you or even drag your camera or anything else you hold with their mouths.
However, these fish can also be unpredictable. Although most tour guides claim that it is rare to get stung by a stingray, 1 in 10 people get stung among a group of tourists.
When swimming with stingrays, it is important to maintain as much distance as you find comfortable because of their unpredictability. And if you do get bitten by a stingray and start to feel dizzy, nauseous, and feverish, get medical attention immediately so it doesn’t get worse.
Sometimes, it is not the stingrays that make the sandbars dangerous. Going during the holiday or summer when many tourists at Stingray City can also be dangerous. Some tourists complained that the sandbars got too overcrowded, and they could hardly get around due to the many boats and people. Some were even unable to see the stingrays. There were also several unavoidable collisions by people trying to find their way amongst the crowd in the water, which resulted in injuries.
If you plan to enjoy a safe trip to Stingray City, it is essential to know the right time to go, swim at a distance from the fish, and follow the instructions of your professional tour guide.
Stingray City Tours
Apart from visiting Stingray City to see the stingrays, other exciting activities exist. At Stingray City, you can enjoy watersport activities like snorkeling, jet skiing, catamaran boat sailing, and turtle diving. Depending on your tour guide, you can get to the city from the Cayman Islands by boat or on a yacht.
Here’s a few tour options from our trusted partner, Viator.
Tour guides like George Watersports or Stingray’s official tour company can help you get around the city for your adventures. Heres a list of other Stingray City tour companies in case they are booked.
You can also see the starfish point in Grand Cayman, not too far from the island.
How much does it cost to tour Stingray City in Cayman?
Depending on your chosen activities and tour company, prices may vary from $100 to $200 per person. The island destination also determines the cost.
- Visit to Stingray City: $100–$200 per person
- Visit Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Tour: $65 per adult, $55 per child
- Visit Stingray City, Coral Gardens, Starfish Tour, and Seven Mile Beach: $83 per adult, $65 per child
- Visit Stingray City, Coral Gardens, Starfish Tour, and Turtle Tour: $125 per adult, $99 per child
How Many Hours Does Each Tour Take?
The average duration for each tour in Stingray City on Cayman Island is from 3 hours to 6 hours, depending on how many places you plan to see.
Related Content: Best Places for Shore Diving in Grand Cayman
Rules to Follow to Stay Safe in Stingray City, Grand Cayman
If you plan to visit Stingray City to swim with the stingrays, here are some rules to help you stay safe:
- It’s okay to touch and feed the stingrays, but ensure you avoid their tails, which are sharp and venomous.
- Never go near a stingray without supervision from a professional tour guide.
- Maintain a safe distance from stingrays because accidentally touching their barbs can lead to injuries and piercings.
- Be conscious of your surroundings because it is easy to miss the small stingrays, which are as dangerous as the big ones.
- Do not put your hands into the mouth of a stingray.
- Ensure that you put on a life vest before going into the water.
- If you are too nervous, it is better not to get into the water; stingrays may sense your nervousness and turn on you. Stay calm!
- Don’t jump into the water. Enter carefully and look around for stingrays to avoid stepping on one. Sometimes, accidentally stepping on a stingray can aggravate the fish.
- Get travel health insurance if you get stung, so you don’t have to pay huge medical fees.
Is Stingray City in Cayman Worth It?
Yes, Stingray City in Cayman is worth it. It is your go-to adventure place for thrilling watersport activities. It is an incredible place for children and adults, visited by over 2000 tourists per day. You can also walk on the sandbars while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Here’s a clip from our last trip! Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Is Stingray City Safe?
Michelle had apprehensions about handling these creatures, but as you can see in the Stingray City pics and videos, she quickly overcame them. Yes, Stingray City is safe!
What Happens if A Stingray Attacks You?
This is rare; however, if a stingray attacks you with its sharp tail, you may get a cut or painful injury on that part of your skin. This injury can either be major or minor, depending on whether the sting from the stingray gets deep enough for its venom to be released. If you get stung by a stingray, seek medical help immediately.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Stingray City?
Early mornings during the week from March to June are the best time to visit Stingray City. The island is usually quiet during this time, and you will also pay lower prices for hotel rooms and transportation because there will be fewer tourist visits.
Is the Water at Stingray City Very Deep?
The water at Stingray City is not very deep. While standing, you can see the bottom of the water very clearly. It usually rises to the level of the waist.
Is It Dangerous to Touch a Stingray?
You can touch the soft body of a stingray with the help of a professional tour guide; however, it is dangerous to touch the tail or barb of a stingray.
What Should You Do if A Stingray Approaches You?
If a stingray approaches you, flap your legs underwater to announce your presence. Stingrays are usually scared of being stepped on, so they can swim away if they know your presence. This is also why they get triggered to strike when stepped on. So, ensure you stay alert so you can flap when you notice anyone coming close to you.
How Many People Have Died from Stingrays?
Across the world, there have only been 20 records of stingray deaths, the most prominent being the death of Steve Irwin. However, there have been records of many injuries and piercings by stingrays. It is quite rare to die from the piercings of a stingray, except if you get stung on your chest or heart.
Conclusion
Is Stingray City dangerous in Grand Cayman? No, it is not dangerous; however, ensure to go when there are fewer tourists to enjoy the plethora of activities at Stingray City. Also, tread carefully when you are inside the water with the stingrays. It is essential not to go when it is overcrowded to get a clear glimpse of the water to prevent accidentally stepping on a stingray. Lastly, follow a professional tour guide and strictly follow their instructions. If you mistakenly get injured or pierced by a stingray, seek medical care immediately.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
