North Sound, Grand Cayman, Ilhas Cayman

Stingray Sandbar

Stingray Sandbar is the snorkeling-and-shallow-water sister site to Stingray City, located a short distance away on the same expanse of shallow sand inside Grand Cayman's North Sound. While Stingray City sits in roughly 3 to 4 metres for divers, the Sandbar is in just 1 to 2 metres of water — shallow enough that visitors can stand chest-deep on the soft white sand. The same resident population of southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) glides between the two locations, and operators bring in snorkelers, beginners and non-divers for the iconic encounter at the Sandbar. The crystal-clear water, near-zero current and tropical sun make it a year-round attraction. Permitted handlers feed squid to bring the rays in close, allowing visitors to feel their soft velvet skin. Other wildlife includes occasional southern stingrays foraging the surrounding turtle grass, blue runners, schoolmaster snapper, sergeant majors, juvenile bonefish and yellowfin mojarra. The site is universally considered one of the most accessible wildlife encounters in the Caribbean, suitable for all ages and swimming abilities. North Sound conditions stay calm year-round.