Day 11, St Johns, Antigua

Today we had a self booked excursion, so our first aim was to find transport, as it was a 20 minute drive away. We went to Stingray City. Think swimming with dolphins, only with a lagoon full of Stingrays.

Soon as you hit the quay you are surrounded by the taxi drivers, offering tours or trips to the beach. We spoke to a couple. Price was US$32, each way. More than the $20 we had seen online. The second guy, Johnny with the red shoes, explained it would be cheaper if we could find another couple doing the same trip. As it was not a TUI trip there was no way of knowing if anyone else was doing it. As usual, Catherine's bargaining skills came in to play and we agree $50 return. There was no payment until we got back to the quay, so we were unlikely to be left stranded across the island.

In the meantime , we didn't have to leave the ship till midday, so we took a walk up to the Cathedral. As it was Sunday, almost everything was shut, and because it was Sunday, there was a service in progress. As we listened to the singing, a gent (one of the many Morgan Freeman lookalikes, according to Catherine) beckoned us inside. The outside is really in quite a bad state of repair but is contrasted by the glossy wooden inside. We sat awhile, listening to some information announcements, including a vacant teaching post, then left as they rose to sing another hymn.

We then made our way back to the ship in prep for our trip.

At noon we were at the taxi stand. Johnny led us to a cab where another driver was waiting, and gave him his instructions. 

On the slow drive, the driver pointed out things of interest along the way, including the 'new' Sir Viv Richards cricket ground. Halfway into the journey, he stopped for fuel! Nevertheless, he got us to Stingray City in time for our registration.

A visitor to the parrot enclosure at Stingray City

After a short briefing, we were whizzed out to a lagoon, maybe a mile out to sea. There we disembarked onto a pontoon. Already we could see the rays coming in from the surrounding waters. Then, we climbed down into the lagoon.  The water is only about 4 feet deep, so it is easy to see the rays moving around and amongst you. It's hard to say how many there are but they are all sizes and differing colours, the females being the larger, with up to 5 foot wingspan in cases. There were a couple of very large ladies 😉

During the course of our time in the lagoon, we were able to hold one (photo purchase opportunity) and feed them baby squid. They don't bite the squid out of your hand but suck them out from a few inches away. Quite weird. As you feel the suction, you let go of the squid and it is hoovered up. They are constantly around you, at foot height (one male had a few goes rubbing around my feet), at waist height, allowing you to stroke them or simply bumping into you. And you know about it, when one of those big females bumps you, as they weigh a bit. Catherine had her snorkel mask and was thrilled to have them swim alongside her. We both thought it was a brilliant experience, though not everybody did. Some women and one child seemed to spend most of the hour we were there screaming, whenever a ray came near. Back on dry land, we had a very strong rum punch, and I decided to buy the photo of me holding the ray. Then it was time to get back in the taxi and head back to the ship.

Me and Rihanna or could be Ray Ray (not their real name)

Tomorrow we shall be in Dominica. It's 132 miles away. Until then.