Your first stingray encounter: what to expect

What happens before you enter the lagoon?

For a direct booking, arrive at Carambola Beach Club at least 15 minutes before your confirmed session and tell the staff you are joining Stingray Lagoon. They will direct you to the lagoon, where the encounter team welcomes you, explains the activity and fits your gear.

You do not need swimming skills for the main encounter, but you should be comfortable entering and standing in water. Tell your guide if you feel unsure; ask them to demonstrate the feeding technique and explain what to expect before you take part. Children under 16 need a participating adult, parent or legal guardian alongside them throughout.

A new first impression

The most memorable part of meeting a stingray can be how quickly curiosity takes over. A broad shape glides past, the water moves around it, and an animal you may only have known from a screen becomes something you can quietly observe for yourself.

Our aim is for guests to leave with a more informed, personal understanding of stingrays: an appreciation of their calm, approachable nature during guided encounters and an awareness that each ray has its own character. Your guide helps turn that first impression into a conversation.

There is no need to arrive feeling like an expert. Tell the team if this is your first marine encounter or if you would like extra explanation before joining in. Attentive guidance and unhurried questions make a useful starting point.

Your hour at the lagoon

Direct guests arrive at Carambola Beach Club, where friendly staff provide directions to the lagoon a few steps away. You meet the encounter team for the safety briefing, orientation and gear fitting before joining the rays.

During the encounter, watch how the rays move and follow the team’s instructions for feeding with the food provided. Let the guides set the pace and demonstrate each interaction. An optional life vest, snorkeling goggles and water are included in the published activity inclusions.

After the ray encounter, optional snorkeling or nurse shark observation may form part of your visit. The nurse sharks are in a separate area. These choices sit within the one-hour activity; they do not add a separately advertised hour to your booking.

A photo to remember

The itinerary includes a guided opportunity for a photo holding a stingray. The team directs the positioning and interaction; follow their instructions and the animal’s needs on the day. Professional photographs are available at an additional cost.

Ask how photos are purchased and delivered if you would like that souvenir. You can also simply enjoy observing. Getting close to an animal does not have to mean doing every optional part of an encounter, and it is worth discussing your comfort level with your guide.

Choose your arrival

The US$99 direct booking meets at Carambola without pickup. Optional transportation is an extra at checkout. Cruise guests can choose a shore excursion: US$124 with Port Zante transfers and a Timothy Hill stop, or US$145 with the same route plus two hours of beach time and a beach bed.

The encounter itself lasts one hour for all three options. Shore-excursion travel, the viewpoint stop and any beach break add to the total day. Professional photos, food and additional drinks are separate purchases.

Bring swimwear, a towel and dry clothes. For questions about access, participation or your cruise schedule, contact the team before booking so the visit can be planned around your needs.

A simple checklist for your encounter

• Save your confirmation and arrive 15 minutes before a direct session.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection and comfortable footwear.
• Ask in advance about mobility, assistance or other participation needs.
• Follow the guide’s approach and feeding instructions; use only the supplied food.
• Leave space for the rays to move naturally and let the team guide the photo moment.

The current direct listing accepts guests up to age 80. Optional snorkeling and nurse shark observation depend on conditions and operational availability; the sharks are in a separate area. Professional photos cost extra. Our booking-information page brings together participation, arrival and cancellation details.