Meet the Stingrays at Gulf World Marine Park

By Carrie McLaren

There's a new hands-on experience now open at Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach.

At Stingray Bay, you can enter the 20,000-gallon habitat to feed and touch two species of stingrays -- cownose and southern -- and see how they live, eat and survive each day.

Get to know two species of stingrays. --  Gulf World Marine Park

Here are some things to know about the program:

* Cost: $55. 
* Participants must be at least 48 inches tall. 
* Children under age 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
* The experience includes 10-15 minutes of orientation and 15-20 minutes of in-the-water time with the stingrays.
* You don't have to know how to swim; human participants kneel in the water during the program.
* Two sessions are held each day; reservations are required.

Have fun and learn at the same time here. – Gulf World Marine Park

By the way, you don't need your camera; a staff photographer will record your experience with the stingrays and a CD of images is included in the price of the program.

Stingray Bay, where you can get up close to these wonderful creatures. – Gulf World Marine Park

I’ll never forget the look on my daughter’s face the first time she touched a stingray – reflecting excitement and, maybe, just a tiny bit of fear. It was definitely something she’ll remember forever.

Insider Tip: Gulf World Marine Park is located across the street from the beach. After the show, take a stroll and dip your feet in the water. 

If you go...
Gulf World Marine Park
15412 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, Fla 32413