This dive site, known as Stingray City, is Antigua's most popular marine attraction, located on a shallow sandbank. It offers a unique opportunity to interact closely with Southern Stingrays in their natural environment, although they are regularly fed by visitors. Guests walk, swim, or snorkel in very shallow waters, typically 2 to 4 feet deep (0.6 to 1.2 meters), to feed, touch, and pet these fascinating creatures. There is no complex underwater navigation; the experience is entirely focused on direct interaction with the rays on the sandy bottom.
The primary marine animals visible at Stingray City are numerous Southern Stingrays (Hypanus americanus), which are the main draw. Due to the feeding activities, it's possible to see some small reef fish attracted to the area. The site itself is predominantly a sandy bottom, and as such, there is minimal coral growth or diverse plant life.
The best time to visit Stingray City is generally during Antigua's dry season, from December to May, for optimal weather conditions and calm seas, though it operates year-round. Visitors should be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season, and are advised to listen to the guides for instructions on how to safely interact with the rays. For snorkelers and freedivers, the extremely shallow depth makes it an ideal location for extended surface time and intimate encounters with these magnificent animals.
