Swimming With Stingrays
Would You Like to Swim with Stingrays? Have you been swimming with stingrays? You may have, and not known it! But, have you ever done it on purpose? It's a most amazing experience - one you will never forget. Organized excursions are offered by most cruise ships sailing Bahamian and Caribbean itineraries, and that's where many people experienced these magnificent creatures. One of the most well-known places is Stingray City, in the Cayman Islands. But there are other places, including Antigua, Grand Turk, and Nassau. You may also see them while diving or open water snorkeling, or even wading in shallow water. I'm hooked on Swimming with Stingrays, and will do it whenever I get the chance. Would you like to know more about it? Let me tell you just a little bit about these fascinating creatures, and the places where you can meet them for yourself. Then, you can decide if this incredible experience is for you. It's actually pretty safe, yes. If you're not experienced at it, just don't go looking for them on your own.
Go on an organized excursion, under the 'protection' of an experienced tour guide. They are well versed in the ways of the rays, and will instruct you on how to be on your best stingray behaviour. What about the Barbs? The poisonous barbs on their tails are used for self defense, not offense. They'll get you with them if they feel threatened - like if you step on one in shallow water. Do the Stingray Shuffle! If you are wading or walking alond in shallow water where there may be rays, forget about Mama's voice saying, "Pick up your feet when you walk."Not this time! Slide or shuffle your feet along to avoid surprising them. Stomping down on one would cause a stingray to go into defensive mode. The shuffle will alert the creatures, giving them the signal to flee, which they will. Stingrays and YOU - Have You? Have you, or would you do a swimming with stingrays experience?
I have not, and have no desire to do such a crazy thing! I'm not sure yet. No, but it's something I REALLY want to do! Yes, and once was enough. I have no desire to do it again. Yes, and I would do it again! If you participate in a swim with the rays excursion while on a cruise to The Bahamas or the Caribbean, you'll probably be introduced to the Southern Stingray, the type you see most often where the excursions go. These fairly docile creatures will fascinate you with their incredible grace and their strange beauty. One thing you may not know about rays (stingrays, eagle rays, manta rays) is that they can LEAP great distances out of the water. They usually do this in an effort to elude a predator. They have been known to land in fishing boats instead of back in the water. This must surprise the ray every bit as much as it does the occupants of the boat!
Not too long ago, this happened just off the coast of southern Florida. The stingray, probably wondering what had happened to his world, went into defensive mode, and happened to 'stab' the man in the boat. Rather than trying to remove the barb, he kept hs wits about him and instructed the only other occupant of the boat in getting the boat back to shore. That other occupant was his 10 year old granddaughter! Back on shore, help was available. He was whisked to a hospital, and survived. The next time I feel like splurging on myself (which rarely happens) THIS is what I want to buy me! The aqua of the turquoise and the sparkle of the Swarvoski crystals remind me of the sparkling turquoise wagters of the Caribbean Sea, where I got to swim with the rays for the very first time. It sure is pretty. Where Can You Find Organized Tours?
You may end up swimming with them unawares just about anywhere. They live round the world in temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, as well as the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Organized stingray tours can be found in many tourist destinations. I've been fortunate enough to swim with rays on at least eight occasions, in five different locations. 1 - Nassau, The Bahamas. My preferences may not be the same as yours, but I'll try to give you a little bit of information about each of these five places and how I feel about each one. One thing I can tell you right now is, I'm ready to go again! Many will disagree with me, but this is my first choice for a stingray swim. Because you really get to SWIM with the stingrays, not just stand around in shallow water while the sting rays swim by you.