Day trip from Antigua And Barbuda
Stingray City & Seatons Village
The northeast coast offers Antigua's most memorable wildlife experience — swimming with wild southern stingrays at Hanson Bay — combined with excellent snorkeling at nearby reefs and the charm of the authentic fishing village of Seatons.
Stingray City at Seatons Village on Antigua's northeast coast offers one of the island's most memorable wildlife encounters — swimming and snorkelling in close proximity to wild southern stingrays in the shallow waters of Hanson Bay. The site lies approximately 18 kilometres northeast of St. John's, reachable in around 30 minutes by rental car, and the village jetty at Seatons is the departure point for the short boat trip out to the stingray feeding grounds.
Southern stingrays are naturally occurring in these waters and have become accustomed to daily boat visits where local operators provide squid as feed. The stingrays — some with wingspans exceeding one metre — glide around snorkellers' legs in shallow, sandy shallows no more than chest-deep for most adults. The experience is conducted from small open boats carrying around 15 passengers, making it accessible to non-swimmers who can participate with a life jacket. The typical boat excursion runs approximately two hours and costs around $60 USD per person, departing from the small jetty at Seatons.
The village of Seatons itself retains a working fishing community feel entirely distinct from the resort strips of Dickenson Bay or Jolly Harbour. Brightly painted wooden boats line the foreshore, and local fishermen still land catch here daily. The combination of wildlife encounter and authentic village character makes this corner of the northeast coast one of the most rewarding day-trip destinations on the island.
The surrounding northeast coast offers additional attractions. Bird Island, an uninhabited offshore cay reachable from Seatons by local boat, has a protected reef with excellent snorkelling including coral gardens, sea turtles, and diverse reef fish. Nonsuch Bay, further south along the same coastline, is a large protected bay popular with kitesurfers and sea kayakers.
Harmony Hall, an elegant restored sugar mill property on the hillside above Nonsuch Bay approximately 10 minutes south of Seatons, operates as a gallery for Caribbean contemporary art and hosts a popular annual art festival in October and November. The restaurant at Harmony Hall serves Italian-Caribbean fusion food in an atmospheric restored mill setting and makes an ideal lunch stop on the same trip.
A recommended day plan: drive to Seatons by 9:30am, join the morning stingray boat trip departing around 10am, return by noon, have lunch at Harmony Hall, visit the gallery, and return to St. John's by mid-afternoon.
How to get there
- Rental car
- Organized boat tour from St. John's or Dickenson Bay
Highlights
- Stingray City — snorkel and swim with wild southern stingrays in shallow Hanson Bay
- Bird Island — uninhabited offshore island with excellent snorkeling reef
- Nonsuch Bay — protected bay with excellent kitesurfing and kayaking
- Harmony Hall Art Gallery nearby — Caribbean art and occasional festivals
- Local fishing village atmosphere at Seatons
Tips
- Book the Stingray City boat trip in advance during peak season (December-April). The morning departure — typically around 10am — tends to have smaller groups and calmer sea conditions.
- Wear a rash vest or water shoes for the stingray encounter. The animals' barbed tails are not clipped, but operators handle them safely; a rash vest protects against accidental scraping from the stingrays' rough skin.
- Combine the stingray trip with a visit to Harmony Hall, approximately 10 minutes south by car, for lunch and Caribbean art in a restored sugar mill. It makes for a well-rounded half-day on the northeast coast.
- Those prone to seasickness should note the boat to Bird Island is small and open. Conditions are usually calm but can be choppy in winter trade winds (December-February).
- The jetty at Seatons has limited parking; arrive early if driving, or arrange a taxi for the half-day to avoid parking pressure.
FAQ
Are the stingrays at Stingray City wild or captive?
The stingrays are wild southern stingrays that live naturally in the shallow waters of Hanson Bay. They have become habituated to daily boat visits where they are fed squid by tour operators, but they are free-living animals in an open bay — not kept in an enclosure.
Is Stingray City suitable for children and non-swimmers?
Yes. The water at the feeding site is shallow — typically chest-deep for adults — and life jackets are provided on request. The experience is generally suitable for children aged 5 and above. Prior swimming ability is not required as participants can stand throughout most of the encounter.
How much does the Stingray City boat trip cost?
Prices vary by operator but the typical rate is approximately $55-$65 USD per person for a two-hour trip that includes the stingray encounter and often a stop at a snorkelling reef. Booking directly at the Seatons jetty is possible, though advance booking is advisable in high season.
What else is there to do in the Seatons area besides the stingray trip?
Bird Island, accessible by local boat from Seatons, offers excellent snorkelling over pristine reef with sea turtles and coral gardens. Harmony Hall, approximately 10 minutes south, has a well-regarded Caribbean art gallery and restaurant. Nonsuch Bay to the south is popular for kayaking and kitesurfing.
Is there a beach at Seatons itself?
Seatons is a working fishing village with a foreshore rather than a designated swimming beach. The nearest swimming beach is at nearby Long Bay or within Nonsuch Bay, both a short drive from Seatons village.
When to visit
The stingray encounter operates year-round, but December through April offers the calmest sea conditions, making for the most comfortable boat trips and the best snorkelling visibility. Morning departures are preferable as afternoon trade winds can increase chop on the return crossing.