The Times UK has ranked swimming with stingrays among the top three must-do experiences when visiting Antigua, making it one of the island’s highlights for travellers. This excursion allows you to enjoy this extraordinary encounter in just a single morning, leaving you plenty of time afterwards to explore other activities during the rest of your day.
One of the best aspects of this experience is that it is truly inclusive for all ages, from young children to seniors. Boarding the boat is very easy, requiring only a couple of steps, which also makes it accessible for guests with mild mobility issues affecting their legs or back. The boat ride itself is extremely short, lasting around 8 minutes before reaching the site.
Once there, you will enter the water in an area where the depth is approximately 150 cm (4.75 ft), though this may vary slightly depending on the tide conditions. You will have the chance to interact directly with these incredible animals in their natural environment. This is not a zoo or any form of captivity—the stingrays are completely free, and the experience is conducted with full respect for their habitat and well-being.
Throughout the activity, the guide will also capture photos of your experience, allowing you to bring home lasting memories of this truly unique and unforgettable moment.
As part of the day, you may also visit Betty’s Hope, one of Antigua’s most important historical sites. Once a major sugar plantation established in the 17th century, it played a significant role in the island’s colonial economy. Today, its restored windmills and ruins offer a powerful glimpse into Antigua’s past and its sugar industry heritage, making it a meaningful cultural stop during your tour.