Stingray City was a blast.  We got on the Happy Hooker, a 54' custom sportsfisher, with about 10 other people visiting for the day from one of the cruise ships.  Current and chop near the barrier reef was a little strong so the captain went to "the aquarium" first, followed by about 20 min at the stingray city sandbar, then about 20 min stop at the "coral gardens."
The sandbar was the main attraction where we were swarmed by about 50 rays.  They swarmed among us for the 20 minutes we were there, brushing up against you and over any outstretched arms and hands looking for food.  Our captain was feeding them and would pick them up.  We each got to hold one for a few seconds before letting it go.  No flippers or booties are allowed on the sandbar as these could scrape the rays delicate skin, but holding them in the water is not a problem.  This was unanimously the kids' favorite activity of the week.

back up