Antigua: Stingray City & Long Bay Beach Tour with Pickup

Summary

Swim with stingrays then unwind on white sand at Long Bay

You’ll wade among gentle southern stingrays at Stingray City Antigua, feed them in clear water (no swimming skills needed), then stretch out on Long Bay Beach’s powdery sand with time to swim or snorkel. Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port, drinks, and even a personalized certificate signed by your guide — little moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this soft slap of water against the boat as we pull up to Stingray City Antigua — honestly, I was a bit nervous. Our guide, Janelle, grinned and told us not to worry; “They’re like puppies, just wetter,” she said. I could smell salt and sunscreen in the air, and someone behind me was laughing nervously. The ride out only took about eight minutes but my heart thumped like it was longer. When we finally stepped down into the water (it’s only about chest-deep), you could see these shadowy shapes gliding around your legs — stingrays, just cruising by like they owned the place.

I didn’t expect to actually feed them — Janelle handed me a little fish and showed me how to hold it flat so the ray could slurp it right from my hand. It felt weirdly silky, almost electric for a second. One of them brushed past my knee and I let out this ridiculous squeak (my partner still teases me). There were kids in our group who looked way braver than I did. We all got these personalized certificates with our names on them afterward — a small thing but kind of sweet, especially since Janelle signed each one herself.

After rinsing off the sea tingle, we headed back for some fruit punch (or rum punch if you wanted) and then on to Long Bay Beach. That sand really is like talc — I kept brushing it off my feet but it clung anyway. Some folks went snorkeling with the gear they gave us; I just floated for a while listening to distant music drifting from a beach shack and watching pelicans dive-bomb for fish. The sun was hot but there’s shade under the trees if you need it. I still think about that feeling — salt drying on my skin, nowhere else to be for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stingray City and Long Bay Beach

• Pass Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
• Take fast boat to Stingray City
• Feed and touch stingrays in water
• Return by boat to shore
• Relax or snorkel at Long Bay Beach

Top questions

How deep is the water at Stingray City Antigua?

The water is about 1.4 meters (approximately 4.5 feet) deep at Stingray City Antigua.

Is hotel or cruise port pickup included in this tour?

Yes, both resort and cruise port pickup are included in the tour price.

Do I need swimming skills for Stingray City?

No swimming skills are required; you can stand comfortably in the shallow water with the stingrays.

What drinks are included on this tour?

You’ll be offered complimentary rum punch (for adults), fruit punch, or water during the tour.

How long does it take to reach Stingray City by boat?

The boat ride from shore to Stingray City takes about 8 minutes each way.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Is snorkeling equipment provided at Long Bay Beach?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included for guests who want to explore Long Bay Beach’s seabed.

Will I get something to remember the experience?

You’ll receive an exclusive personalized certificate signed by your guide after visiting Stingray City Antigua.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip pickup from your hotel or cruise port, all entry fees and taxes covered, use of snorkeling gear at Long Bay Beach, complimentary drinks (rum punch for adults), an exclusive personalized certificate signed by your guide, plus a free SPF 50+ rash guard for every guest before returning comfortably by air-conditioned vehicle.