Referred to as the world's best "12-foot dive", Stingray City, in Grand Cayman's North Sound, has become a definitive goal for divers and snorkelers in the Caribbean. Plunging in these shallow depths can be an unforgettable experience, the chance to mingle up close and personal with Atlantic southern stingrays in the wild.

The rays were first attracted to these waters by the scraps left by fishermen, who used the area to clean their fish. They weren't scared off either by locals who set up volleyball nets on the sandbar here, perhaps thinking more snacks would be involved.

Local dive operators recognized the economic possibilities and began offering trips to Stingray City, and the opportunity to feed and touch these elegant creatures, with wingspans of up to five feet and skin like wet velvet. If you fancy doing the same, check out any number of boat operators throughout the island; excursions start at about US$35 per person and include snorkeling gear

Cayman Islands
     travel guide

Cayman Islands
Overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
Info and sites
Diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving