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Can I really see stingrays on St. John? Of course you can! Stingrays on St. John can be found in many areas of the island.

Southern stingrays are some of the most common and fascinating examples of Virgin Islands marine life. They range in length from 3-5 feet. Prevalent in the waters of ST John USVI, rays are typically found in sandy areas and sea grass beds. It’s easy for divers to observe these gentle creatures when exploring the islands’ many reefs.

A great place to visit to see Stingrays on St. John is Water Lemon Cay, not that far from Mooncottage at all. To get there, just walk along the ocean trail near the old Annaberg Sugar Mill.  Bring sneakers as it’s a bit of a hike. Or, begin in Coral Bay at the foot of the Moravian Church and follow the steep hill up the trail and down. (Don’t take the Brown Bay trail at the top or you’ll end up in the wrong bay, just keep straight on). This trails is REALLY a hike y steep in places.  Sneakers are a must or even your hiking boots if you brought them. Bring your snorkel gear of course. Go early in the AM before everyone gets there. Quietly wade into the shallows where the sea grass is located right in front and begin to snorkel without making too much sound in the water.  You’ll also most likely see Sea Turtles feeding here as well. It’s just awesome.

Mooncottages has all the snorkel equipment you will need on hand to view the magnificent under world While staying the villa, we also will recommend on request where to go depending on your comfort level swimming and the the weather conditions, just ask. Most of our Mooncottages villa guests really appreciate this personalized touch we do to make your villas vacation on St. John all the better.

The southern stingray seeks protection from predators by covering itself with sand. It achieves this by lying on the bottom and quickly flapping its fins, which kicks up the sand. The falling sand settles on the ray, obscuring all but its eyes and tail.

St. Thomas also has them too. One of the most popular exhibits at Coral World Ocean Park, on St. Thomas, is Stingray Lagoon. Visitors are welcome to gently pet the rays which, very accustomed to people, swim to the sides of the pool.  At feeding time, visitors can hand feed the rays with small fish.

Stingrays are not known to be aggressive with humans. Stings are usually the result of a person accidentally stepping on a ray camouflaged in the sand, in shallow waters. To alert any hidden rays of your approach, toss a few stones in the water before you wade in, or shuffle your feet in the sand; that way, both you and the ray will avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Contact with the stinger can be very painful, but stings are rarely life-threatening. Injuries vary in severity, but if stung it’s best to play it safe and seek medical attention right away. Manta rays, a harmless member of the ray family, do not have stingers—a good thing, considering that these creatures can weigh up to 5,000 pounds and measure 25 feet across