Family Fun in the Water
  • On Feb 11, 2023
    Angela from KY Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    How is the Sting ray beach excursion / handling stingrays in Cozumel?

    Welcome to planDisney Angela, and as Nemo's teacher Mr. Ray would say - Welcome Aboard Explorers!

    One thing I love the most about heading out on a Disney Cruise Line voyage is the array of Port Adventures that they have available, with the reassurance of the Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency that the Walt Disney Company is known for. If I had to count, I've probably sailed in and out of Cozumel at least 50 times and am so happy you came to ask about one of the adventures that I've personally experienced on this sunny island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula!

    Based on the list of experiences offered, I figured that you must be referring to the one named: "Everybody Loves Rays!" (CZ64). In my experience, this was just a short taxi ride away and located about an equal distance away from either cruise ship terminal on the island. Unlike a trip requiring you to float out in open water, they describe themselves as a marine sanctuary with a smaller underwater area enclosed by netting in which you'll be able to snorkel freely and view even more marine life; on my last visit they had several nurse sharks lurking below that kept their distance. As for the stingrays themselves, they were like floppy, slippery kittens that affectionately brushed against you during your encounter time standing in the shallows. We had the opportunity to feed and hold them, while some took the opportunity to bring their faces closer for the photo opportunity. (Especially if you want to like, kiss and stuff - which the staff encouraged!)

    We also had some free time to relax and encounter the iguanas and parrots that lived on the property; the beach itself is rocky but there is a sand-covered enclosed dining area. Something to be mindful of is that at the time, they didn't allow you to take your own photos nor video of the stingray experience; they offer a photo package at the end for an additional fee. I recommend checking again as policies may be subject to change!

    In my opinion this experience has more wildlife encounters than Castaway Cay's Stingray Adventure, but you might also like checking out Stingray City if you're heading out to Grand Cayman for an experience out on an ocean sandbar and don't mind crowds! 

    I asked fellow planDisney Panelist and ocean-loving marine biologist Melanie O about stingrays and she let me know that it's a common practice for aquariums to trim the barbs found on their tails, similar to clipping fingernails as an added bit of safety. She also told me to keep an eye out for their distinctively flat teeth, which you might be lucky to spot in the sand underwater!

    Please feel free to come back to planDisney to ask me anything else about any educational excursions or fun encounters you won't want to miss on your next voyage. All the best on your aquatic animal adventures!
    Prince
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Meet the Panelist: Prince, Ontario

Hello, Bonjour, Aloha and Ahoy there! As a performer and world explorer who's been to all of the Disney theme parks around the globe, I'm always happy to provide my best adventuring advice and knowledge to navigate your way to all of the greatest snacks, attractions and entertainment on land and at sea. Find me featured on the planDisney Podcast and on the Disney Parks Blog, discussing Disney Eats at festivals and beyond, holiday events at Walt Disney World Resort and planning my Disney Fairy Tale Wedding! Learn More About Prince

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