This dive site, Stingray City, is a world-renowned shallow sandbar situated in the North Sound of Grand Cayman. It has become famous for its unique opportunity to interact with a large population of tame Southern Stingrays. Navigation is simple, as visitors stand or kneel in the waist-deep water on the sand, surrounded by the inquisitive rays. The site's origin is attributed to local fishermen who would clean their catch in the area, attracting stingrays that eventually became accustomed to human presence and feeding.
The main attraction at Stingray City is the abundance of Southern Stingrays (Hypanus americanus), which are exceptionally tame and allow close interaction, including feeding and petting. Beyond these iconic rays, the sandy bottom offers minimal diversity in terms of corals or diverse fish species. Occasionally, small juvenile fish or other sand-dwelling creatures might be observed, but they are not the primary focus.
Stingray City is a year-round destination, though the period from December to April typically offers the most favorable weather conditions with calmer seas. Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help avoid peak crowds. This site is uniquely suited for snorkelers and freedivers due to its extremely shallow depth, providing an unparalleled opportunity for close-up encounters with large marine life. It is not suitable for traditional scuba diving given the maximum depth of 1 meter.
