Grand Cayman is arguably the best diving in the Caribbean. But one of the main points of interest is Stingray City. A shallow sand bar where hundreds of friendly stingrays come and swim amongst snorkelers anxiously waiting to pet and observe them. This is a very popular choice for cruise excursions, making it extremely crowded all day every day. The first time I went to stingray city was on a cruise when I was in college, and as fun as it was, there were way to many people.
On my most recent trip the Cayman Islands my family and I spent the day at Rum Point (read more here). Red Sail Sports offers a lot of options at Rum Point for the day. One being stingray city, but this time I could dive it. Not only could I dive it, but my family who wasn’t certified were able to join me and they snorkeled. AND the location was about 1 1/2 miles away from the very touristy stingray city.
Red Sail Sports takes you to the original stingray city, and you are dropped in an area about 16ft and the sting rays are more playful and stick around for you. Or maybe the stick around for the squid you are feeding them. This area was first discovered by fisherman who came to calmer waters to clean their fish. They would dump the fish scraps overboard. The stingrays got wise and started to routinely show up when the boats come.
Not only do stingrays at stingray city do this, but I’ve also seen this type of behavior happen with sharks for this free dive, and this dive!
While I sat on the ocean bed, my cousins (not dive certified) could free dive and interact with the rays too. Although the snorkelers also get squid, to attract the rays, they are definitely more interested in the divers!
These graceful swimmers are playful, friendly, and love the attention. No, they are not aggressive. No, they aren’t going to sting you with their tale.
This was one of my favorite dives because the interaction was just fun. If you want to see a a video check out my facebook page! And if you are interested in what else to do on Grand Cayman Island check out my Travel Guide! Thanks so much for reading!!!
Where is your favorite place to dive? I’m always looking for new ideas for dive spots!
OMG this looks amazing! I’ve been snorkeling in the Keys before but not here!!
the keys are a great place to snorkel and to dive!
haha its a lot of fun – there is seriously zero danger in this dive 🙂
this is a one of a lifetime experience! glad you enjoyed it and braved it girl not everyone has the guts to try this!
Courtney Bentley || http://www.starsystemz.com
These photos look so cool!! Happy weekend!
Vanessa | http://www.vanessarenae.com
thanks vanessa!
Totally blown away by the photos. Man, I tell ya, this Earth that we reside in is quite beautiful. Thanks for bringing us along on your diving journey.
Wow I’m so jealous. These pictures are so breathtaking. Omg even though i might be a bit freaked out at first about being so close to stingrays this does look like such a fun experience that i wouldn’t want to miss ♥
OMG this is so fun! I would be too terrified to ever do this
– xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
This looks like so much fun! And your images are amazing!
thank you! the gropro def caught some good shots on this dive!
Thanks for sharing this information with us. Look here we provide custom, luxury, private trips to Stingray City, Starfish Point, the Bioluminescence Bay and more. If you want to avoid the crowds, and experience the natural beauty of Cayman then join us. From our Owner/Operator care, to our knowledge and service, you will have a day to remember with us.
Thanks! ill keep that in mind for the next time i make it down there! love it in the Caymans!!