Stingray City

Stingray City, Antigua and Barbuda - Complete Travel Guide

Stingray City in Antigua and Barbuda is one of the Caribbean's most extraordinary marine experiences, located in the crystal-clear shallow waters off the coast of Antigua. This unique natural attraction allows visitors to swim, snorkel, and interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat, creating unforgettable memories in waist-deep turquoise waters. The site has become famous worldwide for its gentle rays that glide gracefully around visitors, often seeking affection and food from tour guides and guests alike. While Stingray City is the main draw, the surrounding waters offer incredible snorkeling opportunities with busy coral reefs, tropical fish, and pristine underwater landscapes. The experience is typically combined with visits to other nearby attractions like Cades Reef, one of Antigua's largest coral reef systems, making it a perfect day trip for marine life enthusiasts and families looking for an authentic Caribbean adventure.

Top Stingray City

Swimming with Stingrays

Experience the magic of swimming alongside gentle southern stingrays in shallow, crystal-clear waters. These friendly creatures will glide around you, and experienced guides will show you how to safely interact with and even hold these magnificent animals. The rays are accustomed to human interaction and often seek out visitors for gentle touches and feeding opportunities.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $75-120 per person and run 3-4 hours. Book with reputable operators who prioritize marine conservation and have experienced guides. Morning tours often have calmer waters and better visibility. Look for operators that include snorkeling equipment and refreshments.

Snorkeling at Cades Reef

Explore one of Antigua's most spectacular coral reef systems, featuring busy coral formations and diverse marine life including parrotfish, angelfish, and sea turtles. The reef offers excellent visibility and relatively shallow depths, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Many tours combine Stingray City with Cades Reef for a full day of underwater exploration.

Booking Tip: Usually included in Stingray City combo tours for $90-150 per person. Best visibility occurs in the morning with calmer seas. Choose operators that provide quality snorkeling gear and have marine biology guides who can identify local species. Reef-safe sunscreen is essential.

Catamaran Sailing Excursions

Sail the pristine waters around Antigua aboard spacious catamarans, often with stops at Stingray City and secluded beaches. These tours typically include open bars, Caribbean lunch, and multiple snorkeling stops, providing a relaxing way to experience the island's coastal beauty. The journey itself offers impressive views of Antigua's coastline and neighboring islands.

Booking Tip: Full-day catamaran tours cost $100-180 per person and typically include meals and drinks. Book tours that limit passenger numbers for a more intimate experience. Wadadli Cats and Mystic Ivory Coast are popular operators. Tours run year-round but may be cancelled in rough weather.

Deep Sea Fishing

The waters around Antigua offer world-class deep sea fishing opportunities with chances to catch marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. Professional charter boats provide all equipment and expertise needed for both novice and experienced anglers. The fishing grounds are relatively close to shore, typically within a 30-minute boat ride.

Booking Tip: Half-day charters start around $400-600 for up to 6 people, full-day trips $800-1200. Peak fishing season is December through April. Book with IGFA-certified captains and boats with proper safety equipment. Many operators offer fish cleaning and cooking services at local restaurants.

Helicopter Tours

Experience impressive aerial views of Stingray City, coral reefs, and Antigua's impressive coastline from above. These scenic helicopter flights provide unique perspectives of the island's 365 beaches, turquoise waters, and lush interior landscapes. Flights often circle around Stingray City, allowing passengers to see the rays from above before their water-based encounter.

Booking Tip: Tours range from $150-300 per person for 15-30 minute flights. Book in advance as availability is limited, especially during peak season. Morning flights often have better visibility and less turbulent conditions. Weight restrictions may apply, and cameras are encouraged for spectacular photo opportunities.

Getting There

Stingray City is accessible only by boat from various departure points around Antigua. Most visitors join organized tours that depart from Jolly Harbour, Antigua and Barbuda, or Stjohns Harbour, with boat transfers typically taking 20-45 minutes depending on the departure point. If staying at an all-inclusive resort, many offer Stingray City excursions as part of their activity programs. Private boat charters are also available for those seeking a more exclusive experience, and some helicopter tours include aerial views of the site before water activities.

Getting Around

Since Stingray City is a marine attraction, transportation is exclusively by boat. Most visitors book organized tours that include round-trip boat transportation from various marina locations around Antigua. The tours typically use catamarans, speedboats, or sailing vessels depending on the operator and package chosen. Once at the site, movement is on foot in the shallow waters, with life jackets and snorkeling equipment provided by tour operators for safety and comfort.

Where to Stay

Jolly Harbour

Stjohns

Antigua and Barbuda

Runaway Bay

Five Islands Peninsula

Antigua and Barbuda

Food & Dining

Most Stingray City experiences include meals as part of the tour package, typically featuring fresh Caribbean cuisine, grilled fish, rice and peas, and tropical fruits served aboard catamarans or at nearby beach locations. Many tours include open bars with local rum punches, beer, and soft drinks. For those staying overnight in the area, Jolly Harbour offers several restaurants including Papa Zouk for Caribbean fusion cuisine and Sheer Rocks for upscale dining with ocean views. Local beach bars and grills near departure points serve fresh seafood, conch fritters, and traditional Antiguan dishes, providing authentic island flavors before or after your marine adventure.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Stingray City is during Antigua's dry season from December to April, when weather conditions are most favorable with calm seas, excellent visibility, and minimal rainfall. Morning tours typically offer the best conditions with calmer waters and clearer skies for photography. While the attraction operates year-round, the summer months (May to November) can bring occasional tropical storms and rougher seas that may affect tour schedules. Water temperature remains warm (78-82°F) throughout the year, making swimming comfortable in any season. Peak tourist season runs December through March, so booking in advance is essential during these months.

Insider Tips

Bring an underwater camera or waterproof phone case to capture the incredible stingray interactions, but avoid using flash photography which can startle marine life

Wear reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem and consider a rash guard for sun protection while snorkeling

Book combo tours that include multiple stops like Cades Reef and beach visits to maximize your day on the water and get better value for money