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Stingray City is probably the most popular sea attraction in Antigua. On the sandbank, in 2 to 4ft of water, visitors are allowed to feed, touch and pet these huge and fascinating fish. Despite the site being crowded and controversial because of rays feeding, it offers a unique experience to those who still decide to visit it.

Snorkeling with stingray at Stingray City, Antigua
The Roughtail stingray is one of the two species of rays commonly encountered at this location.

How to get to Stingray City in Antigua?

Stingray City is privately owned site and the only way to visit it is through Stingray City Antigua, the company which manages the site. The tour costs around $50 per person, including one hour on site with the stingrays. Mercers Creek Bay jetty is the tours main departure point.

This excursion is also sold to the hundreds of cruise passengers arriving each day in Antigua. The price is much higher (about $100 per person) but includes a round-trip transfer between your boat and the jetty.

Stingray City snorkeling map, Antigua
Stingray City Antigua snorkeling map.

Water entrance for snorkeling Stingray City

You will enter the water from the floating platforms installed on the sandbank. Follow your guide’s instructions.

Stingray City snorkeling exploration

Stingray City is a large and shallow sandbank (↕5ft/1-1.5m) sheltered by a coral reef.

As soon as you are in the water, the stingrays will come to greet you. They are used to being fed and tend to be inquisitive. Most of them are large specimens, spanning over 6 feet. Tours generally allow visitors to spend 30 to 45 minutes on the sandbank, so you have plenty of time to watch, touch, and feed the stingrays.

Snorkeling with stingray at Stingray City, Antigua
Some stingrays are huge, up to 6 feet/2 meters large.

If you snorkel a bit away from the crowds, you may spot, in addition to the rays, shoals of jacks, boxfish or small barracudas.

Even though stingrays are free, feeding is practiced on a daily basis at this location. This practice has received criticism that focuses on its ecological and behavioral impacts. You may also find the organisation somewhat frustrating, even though the atmosphere is joyful. If you like wide-open spaces, wildlife and snorkeling in complete freedom, then you should go elsewhere.

Snorkeling with stingray at Stingray City, Antigua

Handle the stingrays with care and make sure you never step on a ray.

Restaurants & accommodation nearby

Stingray City is located on a reef, so there are no restaurants or accommodation on site. Tours usually include soft drinks – inquire when you book.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth5ft/1.5m
  • Water entranceEasy, from wooden platforms
  • Potential DangersStingrays
  • LifeguardYes
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costsFrom $50pp.
  • Restaurants nearbyNo
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.