Using fins at Stingray City?

[RKB]

I think that I read that you cannot use fins during your swim at stingray city - is this true? I just didn't want to lug them around if we were going to be told not to wear them. Thanks!

 

[cotomom]

yes, that is correct. No fins at Stingray City, nor is there a need for them.

HTH!

 

[SeaSpray]

Can you wear water shoes, hopefully? The thought of my bare feet down there with the stingrays gives me the creeps. LOL

 

[KathyTX]

No water shoes were allowed this summer, either. (But this might be different from one boat operator to another, I don't know.)

If you step on the rays with the shoes on, you could hurt them. Barefeet were very comfortable there.

 

[SeaSpray]

Originally posted by KathyTX
No water shoes were allowed this summer, either. (But this might be different from one boat operator to another, I don't know.)

If you step on the rays with the shoes on, you could hurt them. Barefeet were very comfortable there.

Thanks for the info, Kathy! I guess I'll have to be brave and go barefoot. I wouldn't want to accidently hurt one of the rays (who in turn, might feel threatened and then "hurt" me with its tail!) LOL

 

[Michelemouse]

Seaspray - The rays will actually be brushing against your legs more than your feet so water shoes really wouldn't help. It's a but unnerving at first but you get used to it. It's sort of like a very big cat brushing against you!

I was always scared of stepping on them and found it helpful to tread water (picking my feet up) when many were near.

 

[Timon]

We used our water shoes in October and we had no problems. Regardless of footwear or lack thereof, if you step on them, it hurts them, so your best bet is not to walk but to slide your feet along the bottom as much as possible.

 

[Michelemouse]

We were specifically told we could not wear fins or any type of water shoes at Stingray City on our Capt. Marvin's charter last October. Footwear of any type is a lot more harmful to the rays than just your bare feet. The rubber/plastic can damage their skin...at least that is what our captain said. We did use fins at the other stops.

 

[WDWLVR]

We went on the DCL excursion and were told the same thing. Only those who had a medical need were allowed to wear water shoes.

I did what Michelemouse did and would lift me feet and tread water when there were a lot around. It was such fun and one of the coolest things I've ever done!

 

[SeaSpray]

I will definitely NOT wear water shoes if they'd, in any way, harm the stingrays. The ocean is THEIR home, we're merely guests

My DH would have a medical reason for wearing water shoes, however. He has diabetes and he's supposed to ALWAYS wear foot protection. The thing is, he hates water shoes so he won't wear them anyway.

Can't wait to see the 'rays up close and personal

 

[KathyTX]

SeaSpray- I think you'll LOVE the stingrays! I just shuffled my feet along the sandy bottom and was fine.

Like Michelemouse said, they will gently bump you and rub against your legs like big cats. It was a bit unnerving at first, but you get used to their large, very gentle bodies very quickly. They're incredibly soft and smooth.

It was very cool.