Stingray City. The top watersports attraction in the Cayman Islands, Stingray City, is located in the mouth of the North Sound, halfway between the West Bay and the East End. Here, fishermen once cleaned their catch, attracting large Atlantic southern stingrays who are accustomed to being handled by participants in daily snorkeling excursions.

In 1987, Skin Diver magazine deemed this site "Stingray City" and since that time there's been no looking back. Stingray City is shared by many watersports operators, who offer half- and full-day excursions that include stops at both deep and shallow spots. Operators depart from all along the island for this adventure. The site is now one of the most popular in the Caribbean; often called "the world's best 12-foot dive," it can be enjoyed by both snorkelers and scuba divers.

Truly, this is one experience not to be missed. We have done the Stingray City experience several times using different operators and never leave disappointed. The trip out on the North Sound to the site is quick and scenic, but nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of petting, feeding, and being caressed by the stingrays. After mooring, some vacationers are a little cautious about heading into the waters (the stingrays are far less shy). We've noticed that all but the most nervous swimmer enjoys this experience.

On the shallow stop, the Sandbar, visitors stand (as still as possible to prevent kicking up sand and lowering visibility) while the stingrays swoop by, often brushing participants like some large rubbery frisbee. Operators begin the feeding and, as visitors become more comfortable with the process, others can feed and even hold the large rays.

Trips cost about US $45 per person and typically include three stops, the deepest of which is Stingray City at about 12 feet, followed by the shallower Sandbar, about three feet deep. Don't miss the chance to feed the rays some squid. Just pinch the squid between your fingers, arch your fingers back like you're about to slap someone, and put your hand down in the water: the greedy stingrays will do the rest. (If you don't arch your fingers back, the rays might suck up your fingers and give you a little scare. They don't have teeth, but their lips are a firm cartilage that will give you a jolt.) Typically about 30 stingrays frequent the area, so you're just about guaranteed the opportunity to pet and swim alongside these beautiful creatures. After feeding the stingrays, most operators then take snorkelers over to Coral Gardens, a beautiful snorkel area with several large coral heads, fans, and abundant marine life.

STINGRAY CITY SCUBA OPERATORS
These excursions leave from all over the island (most along Seven Mile Beach) and many include free shuttle service from hotels and condos.

Abanks Watersports and Tours (345) 945-1441
Aqua Delights (345) 945-4786
Bayside Watersports (345) 949-1750
Black Princess Charters (345) 949-0400
(Seven Mile Beach) (345) 949-3821
Beach Club Hotel and Dive Resort (800) 482-3483 (West Bay)
Bob Soto's Diving Ltd. (800) 262-7686 (locations on Seven Mile Beach
Cayman Delight Cruises (345) 949-8111
Crosby Ebanks C&G Watersports (345) 945-4049
Don Foster's Dive Cayman Ltd. (800) 83-DIVER
Fantasea Tours, Seven Mile Beach (345) 949-2182
Frank's Watersports (345) 945-5491 (Seven Mile Beach)
Kelly's Watersports, West Bay (345) 949-1193
Kirk Sea Tours and Watersports (345) 945-1611 (Seven Mile Beach) 
Ocean Safari Ltd., George Town (345) 949-6986
Oh Boy Charters, West Bay (345) 949-6341
Red Sail Sports, Seven Mile Beach (800) 255-6425
Scuba Sensations, Seven Mile Beach (800) 767-0445
Tourist Info. & Activity Services (345) 949-6598 (Seven Mile Beach)
Wet 'n' Wild, Seven Mile Beach (345) 949-918

Scuba Diving
While Stingray City may be deemed the world's best 12-foot dive, the East End offers plenty of other dive sites for all ability levels:

Julie's Wall: Set east of where Frank Sound Road intersects with the main road, this dive site is located 60 to 100 feet below the surface. An intermediate-level dive, the wall is home to black coral formations and rays are often spotted here.
The Maze: Located on the South Channel (not far from the Wreck of the Ten Sails), this is a honeycomb of tunnels that form a veritable maze. Best suited to intermediate and advanced divers, the site is 60 to 100 feet, but some of the passages lead far beyond that.
Snapper Hole: A 30- to 60-foot dive, this is a favorite with beginners, but still offers tunnels, plenty of marine life, and even an anchor from an 1872 shipwreck. The site is on the East End outside the reef that forms Colliers Bay.
Tarpon Alley: This wall dive of 60 to 100 feet is near Stingray City, just outside the North Sound. A favorite with underwater photographers, the alley has drop-offs, canyons, and, of course, huge schools of shiny tarpon.
Eagle Ray Pass: East of Tarpon Alley and across from the main channel into the North Sound, Eagle Ray Pass is named for the rays that are often sighted here. This wall dive runs 40 to 100 feet.
Grand Canyon: Situated near the Sandbar west of Rum Point, this 80- to 110-foot wall dive is for intermediate and advanced divers.