Swim with Southern Stingrays in Antigua: Small-Group Adventure

Stand in shallow water and feed stingrays that glide past your hands

Swim with Antigua's southern stingrays in their natural habitat on a small-group activity that includes hotel pickup, a local guide, rashguard, and about three hours total (boat ride, 60 minutes in the water, return trip and shore time). No swimming skills are required; the water stays shallow enough to stand throughout. The stingrays are completely free and wild, not confined or trained.

The Experience

What makes this different from a zoo visit is that the stingrays live wild in their natural environment—you enter their space, not the other way around. After a van ride to the departure point, you board a high-speed boat for a 10-minute crossing to Stingray City. The water there is shallow and clear enough that you stand comfortably the entire time, which is why no swimming ability is needed. For 60 minutes you feed, touch and interact with the animals as they move around you freely. A local guide is with you throughout, sharing how the stingrays behave and what you're seeing, then assists you getting in and out of the boat.

The return trip takes another 10 minutes by boat. Once back on shore, you have about 20 minutes to rinse off in a freshwater shower, use the restroom, and grab a complimentary drink (rum punch for adults, fruit punch for others). Professional photos are available to view during this time, though purchasing them is optional. The whole experience—land travel, boat rides, water time and shore break—runs approximately 100 minutes. An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your hotel and brings you back, so there's no need to arrange taxis or navigate to the dock yourself.

The activity suits families, children, seniors and anyone with mild mobility limitations because getting on and off the boat is straightforward and the water depth means you're never out of your depth. The Times UK named swimming with southern stingrays among Antigua's top holiday experiences, which is why this small-group format fills up regularly during cruise season.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• round-trip high-speed boat transport to Stingray City.
• a rashguard for water wear.
• a local guide throughout.
• complimentary water, rum punch (18+) or fruit punch.
• freshwater shower and restroom access on shore.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Antigua chiama IT Tour by C.M.W.

Is this one for you?Your guide speaks English and shares local insights as you go, so you understand what the stingrays are doing and why the experience works the way it does. This suits anyone—families, non-swimmers, older travelers—who wants to interact with wild animals in shallow water without needing swimming ability or special fitness.

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Top questions

Do I need to know how to swim to interact with the stingrays?

No swimming skills are required. The water at Stingray City is shallow enough that you stand comfortably throughout the 60-minute session, so even non-swimmers and children can feed and touch the stingrays safely.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The activity includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, the high-speed boat ride both ways, a rashguard to wear in the water, a local guide, all fees and taxes, and complimentary water and punch. You don't need to bring a towel or arrange your own transport; professional photos are available to purchase separately if you want them.

How long does the whole thing take from pickup to drop-off?

The total experience is approximately 100 minutes, which includes van travel to the dock, a 10-minute boat ride out, 60 minutes in the water with the stingrays, a 10-minute boat ride back, and about 20 minutes on shore for a shower, restroom and a drink.

Are the stingrays trained or kept in a confined area?

The stingrays are completely wild and free, living in their natural Caribbean habitat. This is not a zoo or circus—you're entering their environment and interacting with them as they move around naturally, which is what makes the experience authentic.

Is this activity suitable for families with young children or older adults?

Yes. The shallow water, simple boat entry and exit, and the guide's assistance throughout make it accessible for children, families, seniors and guests with mild mobility limitations. Infants must sit on an adult's lap during the boat ride.