Are you visiting Stingray City on your trip to Grand Cayman? We’re not surprised! This incredible place is one of the most popular attractions our paradise island has to offer — and with good reason! Where else can you swim, snorkel, and interact with wild stingrays in their natural habitat?
On our Stingray City, Grand Cayman tours, we receive many questions about the majestic stingrays gliding through the crystal-clear waters — and we imagine you have plenty yourself! We love sharing our passion for these amazing animals, so we’ve put together this list of five things we bet you didn’t know about the stingrays at Stingray City.
Scroll down to learn more about these captivating creatures before your trip. If you have any questions about our tours and activities here in Grand Cayman, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The Stingrays at Stingray City are Comfortable with Human Contact
It’s only natural to have initial concerns about interacting with wild marine animals in their ocean habitat. However, when it comes to the southern stingrays that call Stingray City home, you have nothing to worry about! These stingrays are not naturally aggressive toward humans. What’s more, the stingrays that inhabit Stingray City are even more docile than most as they have been exposed to human interaction for generations.
These animals have been visiting the area for decades. They were first attracted by discarded scraps from local fishermen, and now they know that boat tours come with tasty snacks too! Our guides are trained to show you the proper way to interact with these stingrays. You’ll receive a full safety briefing before you enter the water. You can also look at the official guidelines for stingray handling to learn more ahead of your trip.
Yes, these stingrays are wild animals. But if you treat them with care, consideration, and respect, you’ll be able to touch, hold, and maybe even kiss them for seven years of good luck! For even more reassurance, read our guide Can the Stingrays at Stingray City Sting You? for a deeper dive into the topic.
And remember, only the stingrays at Stingray City can be touched as we’ve described because of their familiarity with humans. No other stingray in Grand Cayman may be approached in such a manner — for their safety, and yours!
Stingrays Have a Unique Way of Breathing
Most fish breathe through gills, which extract oxygen from the water. However, stingrays have a different method. They draw water into their mouths and over specialised structures called gill slits. These slits extract oxygen before expelling carbon dioxide. In fact, a stingray’s gill slits are located on the underside of its body. If you look closely, you can see them moving as the stingray breathes. This unique breathing mechanism allows the stingray to remain motionless on the sea floor, waiting for prey to approach. Because of the location of their mouths and gill slits, it’s important to never lift a stingray out of the water!
Are you wondering how you’ll make your way to this fun and fascinating spot? Check out our guide How Do You Get to Stingray City? for all the information you need.
Southern Stingrays Can Grow Up to Five Feet Wide!
When you see a southern stingray up close, you’ll quickly realise just how big these creatures can become. Their flat, diamond-shaped bodies can grow up to five feet in width, making them one of the largest stingray species in the world. Despite their size, southern stingrays are graceful swimmers. With a powerful tail, they can maneuver through the water with ease. They can even jump several feet out of the water to avoid predators!
We’re sure you’re planning many other memorable adventures here in Grand Cayman. Read our guide How to Get Around in the Cayman Islands to ensure you make the most of your time here.
Stingrays Can Sense Electric Fields
Stingrays have a special sense organ, called the ampullae of Lorenzini, that allows them to detect the weak electrical fields generated by other animals, including humans. This helps them locate prey and avoid predators. Interestingly, some researchers believe that stingrays may also use this sense to navigate their environment. By detecting the Earth’s magnetic fields, they may be able to orient themselves and find their way through the water.
Of course, stingrays aren’t the only marine life you’ll come across in the islands. Read our guide to the 10 Aquatic Animals You’ll Encounter in Grand Cayman to find out more about this incredible ecosystem!
Stingrays Have a Symbiotic Relationship with Some Fish
Cleaner fish, such as gobies and wrasses, swim inside stingrays’ mouths and gill chambers to remove parasites and dead tissue, keeping them healthy and free of infection. This symbiotic relationship benefits both species, as the cleaner fish get a free meal, and the stingray gets a thorough cleaning. You may even see a group of cleaner fish working together to clean a single stingray.
It’s a fascinating sight and a reminder of the complex relationships that exist in the ocean.
So, now we’ve reached the end of our list, is Stingray City in Grand Cayman worth the visit? The answer is a resounding yes!
Experience the Thrill our Our Stingray City Tours in Grand Cayman
We hope you’ve found these five incredible facts about the stingrays at Stingray City enlightening. At Red Sail Sports, we believe that education and conservation go hand in hand. We’re committed to promoting responsible tourism practices that protect these incredible creatures for generations to come.
To start planning your safe and respectful adventure with these truly unique animals, browse our range of Stingray City tours. And for more information about any of our Grand Cayman excursions and beach activities, please feel free to get in touch.
