Important Information:

• Signature Encounter tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Allergy Warning. The stingrays at ZooTampa are fed a diet of fish and shellfish. If you have seafood or shellfish allergies, you should not participate in this experience.
• All participants need a Signature Encounter ticket and Zoo admission.
• All participants are required to bring an appropriate personal swimsuit which will be worn under a wetsuit provided by ZooTampa.

Meeting Location:
At the Stingray Shores habitat in Florida

Ticket Requirements:

• Signature Encounter reservations/tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Participants 17 and under must be accompanied by a paid, participating adult.
• Guests must be at least 48 inches tall to participate.

Pricing:
Members: $29.95
Non-Members: $34.95

Other Info:

• Encounters are only refundable or reschedulable 48 hours prior to your scheduled encounter. For inquiries, please contact Guest Services via email or call us at (813) 935-8552 ext 0.
• If you require accommodations, please email GuestCorrespondance@ZooTampa.org or call (813) 935-8552 ext 0 to discuss options.
• Tour components are subject to change without notice due to animal, weather, or staff needs.

What should I bring with me? 

• Bring an appropriate personal swimsuit; it is required to be worn under your wetsuit. We will take care of everything else! Wetsuit, water shoes, and towels are provided. We recommend bringing a bag to put your wet swimsuit in. Please do not apply sunscreen before the encounter.

What’s the duration of the program and what’s included in the experience? How long is this experience? 

• Participants can expect to be in the water with the stingrays for 15-20 minutes. The whole program, including changing time, is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

What are the age requirements? 

• Guests are required to be at least 48 inches tall. Guests under 18 must attend with a paid, participating adult.  

Can I bring a guest to watch? 

• All guests are required to have a ticket to enter the encounter area. Non-participating guests will remain outside the encounter area at Stingray Shores. Non-participating children may not be left unattended.

Where do I go when I arrive? 

• Your guide will meet you at the Stingray Shores habitat, which is located near the Florida Coast deck.

Can I bring my own wetsuit? 

• A wetsuit will be provided for you. For the safety of the animals in our care, no outside wetsuits are permitted. Appropriate swimwear is required to be worn under the wetsuit.

Can you accommodate my size? 

• We can accommodate guests who are at least 48 inches tall. Wetsuits are available in sizes up to 5XL. A sizing guide is available upon request. Participants, either independently, or with the help from other members of their party, must be able to put on a wetsuit. 

Can I bring my own camera? 

• No outside camera equipment is permitted in the water. A photographer is available upon request.

What is the water temperature? 

• The water temperature can vary seasonally but is approximately 72° Fahrenheit. 

Will the encounter be canceled due to inclement weather? 

• This encounter will take place in rain, shine, or cold weather. For guest and staff safety, if lightning is reported to be in the area, the encounter will be delayed and may be cancelled.  

Will tickets be available to book day-of? 

• The Stingray In-Water Experience is available through reservations. We require reservations to be made at least 30 minutes prior to encounter start time.   

What accommodations are available for this encounter?   

• For guests who are unable to climb stairs, an aquatic lift is available.  
• Participants, either independently, or with the help from other members of their party, must be able to put on a wetsuit.  An accessible changing room with a shower is available. 
• Participants must be able to independently maintain an upright, seated position. 
• Service animals may enter the Stingray Shores encounter area but may not be left unattended. 
• Additional accessibility resources are available here. 
• If you require accommodations, please email guest.correspondance@zootampa.org or call (813) 935-8552 ext 0 to discuss. 

Does the Stingray In-Water Experience ticket include Zoo admission? 

• ZooTampa admission is required to participate in Signature Encounters and is not included with the purchase of the Stingray In-Water experience. Purchase admission tickets here.