Summary
First things first, make your way to Antigua!
HOW TO GET THERE
Once you are in Antigua, proceed to Stingray City. It is a well-frequented location, indeed, it is one of the first attractions you encounter at immigration. A taxi is necessary to reach this destination unless you are accommodating in Seaton Village. If you are driving, their official website provides comprehensive directions on how to get there — www.stingraycityantigua.com
You will be required to take a boat from the landing site to Stingray City. The boat journey is merely a five-minute voyage from the mainland, thus, you will arrive almost immediately upon departure.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The entry fee is USD$50. (This is entirely worthwhile, I must add). My debit card was not operational during my visit (it appears this is a common issue that many face upon arriving in Antigua, therefore, it is advisable to notify your bank prior to departure) and I opted to use my credit card which was accepted. The key point is that you can settle the payment either via cash or card upon arrival. They accept USD$, but you can also pay in ECD (East Caribbean Dollars).
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO TAKE WITH YOU?
- Sunscreen — There is limited shade available (and it is best there isn’t) so apply sunscreen generously before arriving.
- Swimwear — There are changing facilities available, so simply place it in a bag and proceed.
- Dry clothes — Unless you intend to remain in wet attire, it is advisable to carry a change of clothes.
- Underwater camera — I recommend using a GoPro (US version here | UK version here)
There is no need to worry about snorkeling equipment or footwear. They will provide the snorkeling gear, and any footwear will be required to be removed prior to boarding the boat.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO SWIM WITH STINGRAYS?
The photographs will illustrate this experience effectively. 🙂
Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to interact with the stingrays. The stingrays present are wild, yet they appear to be accustomed to human presence, showing little hesitation, particularly if food is involved.
You are taken out to the calm, sandy waters of the Caribbean Sea (though not too far out), where you can witness the stingrays up close.
Observe how accustomed they are to human interaction.
This particular stingray even approached for a selfie with me! 🙂 (Not really, I was unaware of its presence until it swam by).
Just observe that smile!
The stinger on the stingray is a common concern, and I will be frank—stingrays do possess a stinger and can sting if provoked. However, this usually occurs if they are inadvertently stepped on, so the first lesson upon arrival is how to perform the stingray shuffle!
The stingray shuffle consists of walking backward without lifting your feet. If you approach any stingrays, they will typically vacate the area before you reach them. After a short period of engaging in this behavior, the stingrays will recognize your presence, allowing you to stroll around freely.
Additonally, you have the option to feed the stingrays during your visit. We fed them squid, and since they have flat teeth, it is recommended to retract your thumb while holding the calamari, allowing them to suck it off you without any issues.
As a side note, their suction is remarkably strong, reminiscent of the latest vacuum cleaner, so be prepared to let go as soon as they approach.
I managed to execute this with utmost poise and elegance as the photograph illustrates. 🙂
After successfully feeding them while standing, I opted to sit down for a better view of the stingrays while I fed them again… (I apologize for the subsequent blurry pictures).
Stingrays (not surprisingly) exhibit a strong affinity for being fed, so as soon as they realize you possess food, numerous stingrays will gravitate toward you…
…which can sometimes feel overwhelming, yet it is undeniably exhilarating!
I was so captivated by feeding them that I completely neglected to take proper selfies (the first encounter was entirely unplanned, after all).
Consequently, I intended to rectify this oversight; however, the stingrays remembered me due to the previous feeding…
…and they came quite close in hopes of receiving more food.
I was completely unaware of their approach until one touched me!
While I would prefer to portray calmness, my expression likely conveys a different sentiment…
It appears that in my fascination with the stingrays, I overlooked the presence of other marine life. Does that fish, positioned above on the right, not seem agitated?
My time included pursuits after the stingrays…
Stingrays are genuinely captivating creatures, do you not agree?
