Antigua: Stingray City Swim & Sandbank Tour with Pickup

Summary

Swim with wild stingrays in Antigua’s clear shallows

You’ll wade into crystal-clear waters at Stingray City Antigua, meet wild stingrays up close on a shallow sandbank, and share laughs with local guides who know every ray by name. With round-trip pickup from your resort or cruise port, plus drinks and snorkel gear included, you’ll leave with salty skin and one of those memories that sticks around long after you’ve dried off.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing in the van before we’d even left St. John’s — our driver, Devon, kept pointing out little things along the road to Seatons (I’ll never forget the way he pronounced “bougainvillea”). The air smelled like salt and something sweet I couldn’t place. It was only about 20 minutes until we reached the dock, but I felt like I’d already seen a different side of Antigua just from those windows.

The boat ride to Stingray City Antigua is short — maybe eight minutes? — but my heart was thumping anyway. The water out there isn’t deep; when you step off onto the sandbank, it comes up to your waist (I’m about 5’6”). There’s this weird feeling of standing in the middle of nowhere, just sky and blue water all around. Suddenly these big, soft shapes glide up beside you. Our guide, Li, handed me a chunk of squid and grinned: “They know it’s snack time.” I tried not to flinch when one brushed my leg — it’s like velvet mixed with jelly. Not scary at all, just… odd and gentle.

I didn’t expect how calm it would feel out there. The stingrays are free — they come and go as they want. Li told us their names (apparently some have been visiting for years), and he snapped photos while we awkwardly tried to hold one for a second. My nephew squealed when a ray flapped by his feet; even the older folks in our group got into it after a minute or two. Fruit punch tasted extra cold after all that sun and saltwater. On the way back, someone passed around rum punch (only for the grownups) and everyone looked a little dazed in that happy way you get after doing something new together.

I still think about that moment standing ankle-deep on a sandbar in Antigua, sun on my shoulders and stingrays swirling around us like old friends. It wasn’t what I expected — slower, softer somehow — but that’s probably why I remember it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stingray City boat trip and transfers

• Van transfer to Seatons village
• Boat ride to stingray sandbank
• Swim and interact with stingrays
• Boat ride back to Seatons
• Transfer to resort or port

Top questions

How long is the boat ride to Stingray City Antigua?

The boat ride from Seatons to Stingray City takes about 8 minutes.

Do I need to know how to swim for this tour?

No swimming skills are required; you can stand on the sandbank where the stingrays gather.

Is round-trip transportation included from my hotel?

Yes, pickup is included from select resorts or the cruise port in St. John's.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, people of all ages are welcome; infants must sit on an adult's lap during transfers.

What should I bring for swimming with stingrays?

A rash guard is provided (SPF 50), plus snorkel gear—just bring your swimsuit and towel.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, water is included for everyone; fruit punch or rum punch is available (rum for ages 21+).

How deep is the water at Stingray City?

The water is usually about 150 cm (4.75 ft) deep—waist-high for most adults.

Will there be photos taken during the experience?

Your guide will take pictures so you can have memories to take home.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable pickup from your resort or cruise port in St. John's, an air-conditioned van ride to Seatons village, an eight-minute boat trip out to Stingray City Antigua’s sandbank, use of rash guards (SPF 50) and snorkeling equipment, plus water and fruit punch—or rum punch if you're over 21—before returning relaxed at the end of your morning adventure.