There’s no entrance fee to visit Stingray City. The sandbar is open water in the North Sound, and the only cost is the boat that takes you there.
For a private charter, that starts at $800 for a half-day. It’s the whole boat for your group – no shared deck, no countdown at each stop, no strangers. Just your group, the North Sound, and a captain who knows these waters well.
Here’s what that actually looks like.
What You’re Paying For
Stingray City sits about 20 minutes offshore in the North Sound. You can’t walk there, swim there, or arrive any other way. The price of your visit is simply the price of the boat.
What a private charter includes:
- A licensed, experienced captain
- Snorkel gear for everyone on board
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Water and ice on board
- Squid for feeding the stingrays at the sandbar
- Stops at Coral Gardens and Starfish Point on the half-day itinerary
There’s no ticket counter at the sandbar. No wristband. No timed entry. Once you’re out there, the experience moves at your pace.
Private Charter Pricing
Half Day – $800 · 3 hours Covers Stingray City, Coral Gardens snorkeling, and Starfish Point. The three classic North Sound stops, done without rushing any of them.
Full Day – $1,100 · 5 hours Everything above, plus more time on the water and a stop at Kaibo beach bar, where the boat anchors and you can swim ashore, order food and drinks, and settle into the afternoon before heading back.
Add-ons Tubing is available for groups who want something faster and more active between stops – popular with teenagers and anyone who wants more than a swim. Add it for $150. Additional time runs $250/hour.
Also Read: Is Stingray City in Grand Cayman Worth the Visit?
How Group Size Affects the Per-Person Cost
A private charter means one flat rate for the whole boat, up to 10 guests. The more people in your group, the better the per-person value:
- 4 guests on a half-day: $200 per person
- 6 guests: $133 per person
- 8 guests: $100 per person
- 10 guests: $80 per person
But the value of a private charter isn’t really in the math. It’s in the experience. No countdown, no strangers, no shared schedule. The day is genuinely yours.
When to Book
Grand Cayman’s peak season runs from mid-December through August. Preferred departure times on private charters fill up several weeks in advance during this period, so if your trip is during those months, book early. Either way, locking in your charter date once your trip is confirmed is the simplest approach – it gives you one less thing to sort out once you arrive.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re ready to plan your day on the North Sound, our tours and private charters page has full details on what each charter includes.
Or if you have questions about timing, group size, or what itinerary makes most sense for your group, get in touch directly – we’re happy to help you put together the right day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee to visit Stingray City?
No – Stingray City is an open sandbar in the North Sound. There’s no admission charge. Your only cost is the charter that takes you there.
What’s included in a private charter to Stingray City?
Captain, snorkel gear, life jackets, water, and stingray feed are all included. The half-day charter covers Stingray City, Coral Gardens, and Starfish Point. The full-day adds Kaibo and more time at each stop.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible, particularly during peak season (mid-December through August). Popular departure times go first, and earlier booking gives you more flexibility with timing.
Can I visit Stingray City without a tour? No – the sandbar is several miles offshore and only accessible by boat.
What’s the best time of day to go?
Morning departures tend to have calmer water and better light for photos. We can talk through timing when you book.
