Imagine wading into the crystal-clear waters of a shallow sandbar, surrounded by vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and stingrays gracefully gliding up to meet your hand for a snack. As these unique creatures “fly” through the water with their wing-like fins, their sleek bodies may gently brush against your legs, creating a thrilling experience. The excitement grows as they splash and snatch fresh squid from your palm. Soon, any nervousness fades, and you’ll be fully immersed in this unforgettable encounter with one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
The Secret Life of Stingrays
Stingrays are mysterious, saucer-shaped bottom dwellers found in shallow coastal waters of tropical seas. They spend much of their time buried in the sand, camouflaged from predators like hammerhead and lemon sharks. These fascinating creatures rely on electro-sensors to detect prey rather than using their eyes and are carnivorous, feeding on mollusks such as clams and oysters.
In Bimini, you’ll likely encounter Atlantic or Southern stingrays. Atlantic stingrays are small, with brown diamond-shaped bodies, while Southern stingrays can grow up to five feet wide. Both species are closely related to sharks and have cartilaginous skeletons, but stingrays are generally docile and use their venomous tails only in self-defense.
Debunking Stingray Myths
Stingrays are equipped with venomous spines at the base of their tails for protection against predators. Despite their intimidating stingers, stingrays are not aggressive and prefer to swim away when threatened. Attacks are rare and usually occur when a stingray is accidentally stepped on. To avoid this, shuffle your feet when entering the water to alert stingrays of your presence, allowing them to move away.
Your Adventure with Bimini Islands Tours
Now that you’re ready to interact with stingrays, your adventure begins with Bimini Islands Tours. You’ll depart from Resorts World Bimini and take a short catamaran ride to Honeymoon Harbour, a beautiful anchorage on Gun Cay. In the calm, shallow waters, you’ll have the opportunity to feed, pet, and swim with stingrays. The experience typically lasts about 30 minutes, perfect for families and children, before you enjoy the rest of your time snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the island’s white sandy beach.
Tours fill up quickly, especially during the summer, so it’s recommended to book in advance through Bimini Islands Tours.
