If you find yourself in Antigua and would like to get up close and personal with some sea creatures, you really should check out Stingray City. Stingray City is a sandbar out in the Caribbean, with a dock and a roped-off area–which is for the people. The stingrays themselves aren’t caged and are free to go. But they stay, because they are fed frequently. (Insomuch as stingrays are capable of making a cost-benefit analysis, it seems to be worth it for them to be petted and photographed with tourists in exchange for a steady diet of squid.) It cost us $50 each for the boat excursion a few years ago, which came with very friendly guides, snorkel gear, and rum drinks (they are ubiquitous in Antigua). Bring a waterproof camera and you'll get some fabulous pictures of meeting the locals.

But do be careful–although they are quite used to tourists, they are still wild animals and they have been known to sting, especially if they are stepped on. The guides will demonstrate how to do the “stingray shuffle,” so you don't injure yourself, or the animals.

Website: http://www.stingraycityantigua.com

Email: info@stingraycityantigua.com

Telephone: 268 562 7297

Image: Tripadvisor