Deep Blue Divers::Cayman Islands

STINGRAY CITY
Known today as the worlds 'Best Twelve Foot Dive' Stingray City, in Grand Cayman, is not to be missed! It's a perfect spot for an easy dive or just as good or better snorkeling. This is perfect snorkeling trip for kids and adults alike.

This site had been known to local fishermen for many years, who watched the rays gather to feed on scraps of fish when they regularly cleaned their catches in this spot. Nearby, the Sandbar has also become a popular recreation spot, especially for families coming by boat on weekends. The rays gather here, in less than four feet of water.

For centuries, these mysterious animals in the sea have been unnecessarily feared by man. This misconception of rays being dangerous fish was caused by a lack of understanding of their anatomy. This species has long, whip-like tails which contain one or two razor-sharp, serrated barbs located at the base. The barb contains venom used to deter predators. It causes pain and swelling upon contact but rays are not aggressive creatures and do not attack man or any other creatures. Their tails are used purely as defense and usually ineffective against their main predators, sharks.

The rays found at Stingray City and Sandbar have white underbellies and slate grey, brown, 'khaki' or rarely, black upper surfaces. Males of this species are smaller and more numerous at the site. Adult Females grow as large as six feet across. Relatives of the shark, with soft, cartilaginous skeletons, they also give birth to live young, with three to five, nine-inch long 'pups' born at the same time.

Although they appear to be 'sleeping,: they are actually busy feeding on their normal diet of crabs, conch, shrimp, worms and even small fish. These 'snoozing' creatures also seem to be stirring up the sand in small clouds, as they expel sediment through vents located behind their eyes. Since rays' eyes are located on the top of their bodies and their mouths hidden are on their flat underside, they cannot see what they are feeding on. They instead sense it through highly developed electro-receptors combined with an acute sense of smell and touch. In their natural state, they slowly patrol the ocean floor until they sense prey, and then cover it with their body. Rays then create a shallow depression in the sand to cover themselves, often leaving only their eyes and long tail exposed.

Perhaps the Cayman Islands' most famous attraction, Stingray City and the nearby shallows known as Sandbar provide the only natural opportunity in the world to swim with more than two dozen 'tame' Atlantic Southern Stingrays which seem to enjoy the company of humans.