Stingray Surprise (Grand Cayman)
Photo: Sarah Sekula
As a newbie in any destination, essentially, I’m searching for something highly unusual, something I can’t do at home. Something so refreshing different that it renews my sense of being and quells my familiar frenetic pace.
In Grand Cayman, I found it on day three. On a sandbar. Forty-five minutes from shore. A sunny afternoon with fantastically calm waters, the timing was perfect.
I read about this place, Stingray City, before my trip. Boat-loads of tourists gather to swim with southern Atlantic stingrays. No biggie. I’ve done my share of swirling among sharks, dolphins and manta rays, so I was fully prepared to paddle alongside the pancake-shaped creatures. Ready to pet them. Ready to snap some photos.
But, then, there is was. The moment of delightful surprise I’d been hoping for. Willing participants, such as myself, had the chance to cradle a stingray. It was as easy as extending my slightly sunburned arms in front of me, squatting down to stare the stingray square in the eyes and then swimming backwards.
Okay, truth be told, it took a few minutes to get the rhythm going. Then, voila! I was fluttering along with my new prehistoric-looking pal as he gracefully glided left. And then right. Then left again.
I mirrored his movements like a synchronized swimmer nervously trying out for the team. Here, I got an up-close look at the ray’s top side. Think: granite countertop, gray with specks of golden brown and white, yet, not as shiny or smooth. The underbelly was quite the opposite: super smooth and silky.
I know what you’re thinking. Just beyond those inquisitive eyes and sandpapery topside is a 3-foot-long tail that can be deadly. And, yes, that was an initial concern. Once the ray and I parted ways, I was sure to gingerly shuffle my feet along the ocean floor, so as not to step on any stingers (there were dozens of stingrays surrounding me).
Happily, I can report that stingrays are not inherently aggressive. Truth is, the curious, docile creatures don’t even actively defend themselves. Most often, when threatened, they swim away. Occasionally, if attacked or stepped on, they will sting.
With that said, I know everyone isn’t up for this type of adventure. For those who opt to stay topside, never fear. There are plenty of spots on the boat to soak up a dose of vitamin D (not to mention, a little R&R). And plenty of tropical drinks on hand, too.
Just don’t expect to have any stories to write home about.
Cost to frolic with the rays and snorkel among coral reefs is US$60 per person. Red Sail Sports is one of the largest guide companies. For more about the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanislands.ky.
