4 hours · from US$1,250
Stingray City & Coral Gardens
The Sandbar, then a reef snorkel at Coral Gardens (about 10 ft deep), where stingrays often glide through from the Sandbar. The classic half day.
Private Stingray City Charters
Grand Cayman Island Stingray City Tour by Private Yacht
A private Stingray City tour with Surfside Charters takes your group — and only your group — to meet the wild southern stingrays of Grand Cayman’s North Sound. Stand in 2–4 feet of water at the Stingray City Sandbar or snorkel the original Stingray City in about 12 feet, then add Coral Gardens, the Barrier Reef or Starfish Point. Half-day charters start at US$1,250 for the whole boat and depart from Camana Bay.
| Where | Stingray City Sandbar and Stingray City, North Sound, Grand Cayman |
|---|---|
| Water depth | Sandbar 2–4 ft (stand up) · Stingray City about 12 ft (snorkel) |
| The stingrays | Around 90 wild southern stingrays that roam free — not an enclosure |
| Trip length | 4-hour half day or 7-hour full day |
| Price | From US$1,250 per boat (Mojito Majic) · US$4,200 (Bamboozled) |
| Departs | Camana Bay — 8:00 or 9:00am recommended; pick-ups by arrangement |
| Good for | All ages, including non-swimmers at the Sandbar |
Whole-boat prices for a 4-hour half day. Compare all trips · All rates
Two Sites, One Trip
Stingray City Sandbar vs the Original Stingray City
“Stingray City” is really two sites a short hop apart in the North Sound, a 35-square-mile lagoon protected by the reef. Both are home to wild southern stingrays that have gathered here for generations.
The Sandbar: stand with the rays
Powder-white sand and clear water just 2–4 feet deep. Everyone can stand, including non-swimmers and young children, which makes it the classic stop for families and first-timers — and the best spot for photos.
Stingray City: snorkel above them
About 12 feet deep, so you float above the rays with a mask and snorkel and watch them glide across the sand below, often with tropical fish around them. Ideal for confident snorkelers.
On a private charter you can visit one or both, and stay as long as your group likes.
What Happens in the Water
Meeting the Stingrays: What to Expect
When you arrive, your crew gives a short briefing on how to move and interact with the rays calmly and respectfully, then stays with you in the water.
- Feeding: the rays’ favourite meal is squid. Hold it flat with your thumb tucked in and they will “vacuum” it off your hand.
- Touching: your crew will show you how to gently support and stroke a ray — they are wild animals, so follow their lead.
- Shuffling: slide your feet along the sand rather than stepping, so the rays always know where you are.
- Tradition: local lore says kissing a stingray brings seven years of good luck.
Guests who would rather watch can stay on the boat’s swim platform or in the shallows at their own comfort level.
Private vs Group
Why Book a Private Stingray City Tour?
Group excursions to Stingray City run to a fixed timetable with dozens of passengers. A private charter changes the experience:
| Private charter (Surfside) | Typical group tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s on board | Only your group | Shared with other passengers |
| Time at the stingrays | As long as you like | Set by the schedule |
| Other stops | Your choice: reef, Starfish Point, lunch, sailing | Fixed route |
| Departure time | You choose | Set departures |
| Pricing | Per boat — the more guests, the lower the per-person cost | Per person |
Sample Itineraries
Build Your Stingray City Day
Every route is planned with you and adjusted for the weather on the day. Popular combinations:
4 hours · from US$1,250
Stingrays, Reef & Starfish Point
Add knee-deep Starfish Point to see red cushion sea stars, and cruise back through the Mangrove Channel. Great for families.
7 hours · from US$1,850
The Full North Sound Day
Stingray City, the Barrier Reef, Starfish Point, lunch near Rum Point or Kaibo, and time for paddleboards and SeaBobs. See our full-day charter.
Stingray City Prices
How Much Is a Private Stingray City Tour?
Surfside prices are for the whole boat, not per person. A half-day is the most popular choice for Stingray City.
| Boat | Price (whole boat) | Guests | Per person, full boat* | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mojito Majic · half day (4h) | US$1,250 | Up to 8 recommended, 10 max | ≈ US$156 (8 guests) | Book |
| Bamboozled · half day (4h) | US$4,200 | Up to 14 recommended, 30 max | ≈ US$300 (14 guests) | Book |
| Mojito Majic · full day (7h) | US$1,850 | Up to 8 recommended, 10 max | ≈ US$231 (8 guests) | Book |
| Bamboozled · full day (7h) | US$6,600 | Up to 14 recommended, 30 max | ≈ US$471 (14 guests) | Book |
Choose Your Yacht
Which Boat Is Best for Stingray City?
Both boats reach the Sandbar comfortably. Choose by group size and how you want the day to feel.
Up to 30 guests
Bamboozled · 56ft Lagoon Sailing Catamaran
Space, shade and stability for families and larger groups, with a flybridge, wet bar, SeaBobs and paddleboards. Choose Bamboozled when the journey matters as much as the stingrays, or for celebrations and groups over 12.
Up to 10 guests
Mojito Majic · 38ft Intrepid Power Yacht
Fast, sleek and ideal for couples, families and groups of up to 10 who want more stops in less time. Dual dive platforms make getting in and out of the water easy.
Your Crew
Guided by a Local, Qualified Crew
Surfside Charters is family owned and Caymanian crewed, and every trip is private: the boat, captain and crew are yours for the whole charter. Our captains and crew hold professional qualifications covering captain credentials, first aid, CPR, marine radio and safety training, alongside PADI experience and years of local knowledge of the North Sound.
- Private charter — never shared
- Departs Camana Bay; pick-ups by arrangement
- Snorkel gear, life jackets & noodles included
- Towels, WiFi & Bluetooth music
- Fresh fruit platter, chips, water & soda
- Rated 5.0 from 68 reviews on TripAdvisor, Google & FishingBooker
Before You Book
Stingray City FAQs
Yes. The Stingray City Sandbar is only 2–4 feet deep, so most guests can stand. Children should be supervised by an adult, and life jackets, snorkel vests and noodles are on board. Your crew briefs everyone before entering the water and stays with the group.
The Stingray City Sandbar is 2–4 feet deep, so you can stand with the rays. The original Stingray City is about 12 feet deep and is enjoyed by snorkeling on the surface.
A private half-day (4-hour) charter costs US$1,250 for the whole boat on Mojito Majic or US$4,200 on Bamboozled. A full day (7 hours) is US$1,850 or US$6,600. Prices are per boat, not per person.
On a private charter there is no fixed limit — you stay as long as your group is enjoying it. A 4-hour half day leaves time for the stingrays plus one or two more stops such as Coral Gardens or Starfish Point.
Yes. Around 90 wild southern stingrays live freely in the North Sound, which is protected by the reef. They are not kept in an enclosure; they gather at the Sandbar and Stingray City because of decades of gentle feeding.
Yes. Tell us your ship’s all-aboard time when you enquire and we will plan departure, pick-up and return around it. Because the charter is private, the timing is built around your schedule.
More Ways to Spend Your Day
Half-day charters, full-day charters, snorkeling charters, sunset cruises and reef and deep-sea fishing — every Surfside trip is private and built around your group.
Stingray City, Your Way
Reserve Your Private Stingray City Tour
Pick your boat and trip length, tell us what else you want to see, and we will plan the route around your group.