When thinking about stingrays, you will probably think about Steve Irwin, the Australian television star, who was killed by one in 2006. Stingrays are dangerous, but in Antigua and Barbuda, it is possible to swim even with the stingrays.
Where is Antigua and Barbuda located?
It is located in the Caribbean Sea, to be more specific, it is a country in the east Caribbean. Located North from the French island Guadeloupe and East from the country St. Kitts and Nevis.
It has two islands, Antigua is the one and the other one is called Barbuda.
The Stingray swimming was happening in Antigua, which was organized during the cruise through the East Caribbean.
What to expect?
You are driving with small boats out in the ocean, until there is a sandbar appearing. At this sandbar the stingrays were coming, because of the boats, they were assuming food.
It is out in the wild and the stingrays are also wild, they are just used to having humans now and then around them.
You are getting a small briefing about that to do and what not to do. For example, how to feed them correctly. You are getting some dead fish, which you will use to feed the stingrays.
They will basically suck the fish out of your hand. It is a weird, but also amazing feeling.
How was it like?
Driving with the boat out in the ocean was great, feeling the wind and seeing the island getting smaller and smaller.
To be honest, being with the stingrays in the water, at the first moment, I was super stressed, because of knowing that they could easily kill you.
After the guids were even holding them and putting the sting inside of their mouth, I was more calm. In the end, it is a tourist attraction.
I liked it a lot, to feed the stingrays and also holding was such a great experience. Sadly my underwater camera was broken, so many underwater pictures were not possible, but that doesn’t matter too much.
At the end the experience is what is important.
Summary
Stingray swimming in Antigua and Barbuda is one of the most touristic activities on the island. It is also something great to do, the experience is amazing, it is just possible in other places in the world too.
The way I did it was not the best way to save money. It was just telling from my experience during the cruise I did. When wanting to do it, try to get a local offer, with that you should be able to save some money as well.
When you are doing it, just listen to the guides. They are there for the reason, that everything is going good. When you have any concern, just tell them and they will try to make it easier for you.
I would love to hear your experiences about this place, or questions. Share it with me in the comments.
Click on the text for more Central and North America stories.
