Stingray Bay Snorkel2023-05-30T15:22:20-05:00

Stingray Bay Snorkel

Immerse yourself in a bay of wonder as you snorkel with stingrays, bamboo sharks and a variety of tropical fish! You’ll be provided all the snorkel gear needed to marvel at the beauty and graceful nature of these mystifying creatures. This exhilarating experience includes an informative orientation with one of our Gulfarium aquarists just before plunging into Stingray Bay!

STINGRAY BAY SNORKEL

Fast Facts

Price: $59.00

Ages: 5 and up

Duration: 45 minutes (30 mins in-water time)

* Does not include admission. Guests ages 5-7 require a paying, participating adult over the age of 18.

Snorkel with our gentle stingrays

Grab your snorkel gear and dive into the world under the sea! You’ll see cownose rays, southern stingrays, a grouper, small sharks, and other vibrant fish species while swimming around Stingray Bay. How many species will you spot?

  • Participants must be at least five (5) years of age due to height limitations and educational content. Age limit is strictly enforced.
  • Due to the in-water snorkeling element of the Stingray Bay Snorkel program, participants under eight (8) years of age must be accompanied by a participating (paying) adult over the age of eighteen (18).
  • Participants with special needs including mobility, seeing, or hearing impairments must contact Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park prior to reserving the encounter.
  • Encounter must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
  • Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.
  • 24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.
  • In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within 24 hours prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Rebooking is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed.
  • Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  Family and friends are welcome to take photos from general admission viewing areas.
  • For the safety of the animals, remove jewelry and loose articles from pockets prior to the start of the encounter.
  • All pricing is subject to change.
child snorkeling with a stingray

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the sharks bite me?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

The species of sharks in the Stingray Bay are non-aggressive and their mouths are located subterminally, meaning on the underside of their body. If following all instructions given by the aquarist staff, there is no danger of being bit by a shark.

Will I get to touch the sharks?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

No, the encounter does not include the opportunity to touch a shark.

Will the stingrays sting me?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

The barbs of the rays in Stingray Bay are continuously trimmed down and participants are not in any danger of being stung.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear for the encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snorkel gear if they wish.

Will I get to touch the stingrays while snorkeling?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

Throughout the encounter, you will experience the touch of a ray as they swim by and occasionally brush up against you.

I have kids under the age of eight that want to participate but I do not want to accompany them, can they still do the program?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

Participants under the age of eight (8) must be accompanied by a participating (paying) adult over the age of eighteen (18) in case assistance is required.

My child is four years old, can they participate?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

No, participants must be at least five (5) years of age.

Can I reschedule my encounter for a different day if something comes up? What if I miss my scheduled encounter?2023-03-16T15:24:51-05:00

If more than 24 hours notice is given, an encounter can be rescheduled at no charge. Rescheduling is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed. In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within the 24-hour window prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my reservation?2023-03-16T15:24:10-05:00

24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.  Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if it is raining on the day of my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.

Does the encounter price include general admission?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Unless otherwise noted, the encounter price does not include general admission.  General admission must be purchased in addition to the encounter.

Can I take photos during my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  Family and friends are welcome to take photos from viewing areas.

five gold stars

“Wow what an experience!

My kids have always wanted to snorkel with stingrays and we finally got the chance! We were able to see so many different fish, even a giant grouper!”

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