STINGRAY CITY GRAND CAYMAN - IS IT DANGEROUS?

Am I going to die?

This is a question Captain Mario hears often when taking excursion guests to visit the Stingray Sandbar in Grand Cayman.

His answer?

"Yes, we are all going to die, but hopefully not today, and not with us."

Cuddling a stingray at Grand Cayman's stingray sandbar

Years after the paradoxical death of dedicated conservationist Steve Irwin, Grand Cayman - home to the wondrous Stingray City Sandbar, still feels the sting. It is no small task to remove the barb of this memory from the island guests when faced with the life changing opportunity to interact with, feed and even kiss, our stingrays.

Our company and crew considers itself privileged to observe their guests transforming from fear-filled, intrepid visitors to awe inspired ambassadors of the stingrays. Each giggling guest is seen as a stroke against the tide of ill repute regarding these ethereal creatures. The magic belongs to the Cayman stingrays and their azure Caribbean Sea arena - we are there simply to help you experience the moment.

Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Stingrays will react defensively if perceiving danger. None of the stingrays are forced into this interaction, they are there of their own free will - some will disappear for weeks, others are regulars whom we see daily. Our "girls" have had over 35 years of contact with humans - just listen to your tour guides and treat the rays with respect and you will have an experience that you will not only live through, but never forget.

STINGRAY CITY EXCURSION......JUST ENJOY

Watch.

Breathe.

Escape.

Dream a little.

Stingray City tours and snorkel excursions - Grand Cayman

"IT WASN'T ME" SAYS CAPTAIN MARIO

The "other woman" is pregnant. 

Captain Mario and Barbara have a close relationship (check out the photos below). It's a special bond which many of our guests don't believe until they witness it.

Captain Mario and stingray Barbara - Grand Cayman

We make one snorkel stop during our excursions in Grand Cayman, and Captain Mario's eyes are always on the lookout for his "girl". If he spots Barbara, he dives into the Caribbean waters, opens his arms and she swims straight into them for a snuggle.

Lately, he has noticed a little rounder Barbara........and is now pretty certain she is pregnant. Captain Mario is quick to say "it wasn't me" but we have to wonder......if they come out bald and with a love for pizza, he's gonna have to take responsibility.

No matter who the daddy is, we are all delighted and wish her health and safety - and hope she brings them to meet us!

Adore you Barbara!

Barbara.....with her two little bumps!

For those interested, stingrays are oviparous and incubate the eggs inside for approximately 8 months. They hatch inside their mother and are then delivered all rolled up like newspaper. They uncurl themselves, swim off, and are 100% self sufficient straight after birth.