Open 11 am - 4 pm
Ray Bay
Ray Bay at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
Graceful, curious, and surprisingly gentle, the stingrays at Ray Bay offer one of the most interactive experiences at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. This unique touch tank lets guests get up close with these fascinating creatures, creating unforgettable connections while learning about their importance to the ocean.
An Interactive Experience
At Ray Bay, you don’t just watch the rays — you get to touch and feed them! Guests of all ages can experience the soft glide of a stingray as it takes food right from their hand. These supervised interactions help visitors understand the gentle nature of rays while creating a lasting memory.
Busting the Myth
Stingrays are often misunderstood. While they do have a natural defense mechanism, they are not aggressive animals. At Ray Bay, we show visitors that stingrays are safe, curious, and even friendly in human care. At the same time, we emphasize the importance of respecting rays in the wild and protecting their habitats, just as we should all wildlife.
Why Rays Matter
Rays play a vital role in healthy oceans, from keeping shellfish populations balanced to maintaining seafloor ecosystems. By feeding and interacting with our rays, guests gain a new appreciation for these often-overlooked animals — and a deeper understanding of why it’s critical to protect their environments.
Meet Our Rays
Ray Bay is home to a variety of Florida's native and non-native stingrays, including:
Cownose Rays – Several have been born right here at Mertailor, and they love to swim together in graceful schools.
Atlantic Stingrays – A Florida native, often spotted in shallow coastal waters.
Diamond Rays – Sleek rays from California with a distinct diamond shape.
Fiddler Ray – Sometimes called the “banjo ray” thanks to its unique patterns.
Atlantic Guitarfish – A rare species that combines traits of both sharks and rays.
Bluespotted Rays – Small, colorful rays decorated with brilliant blue spots.
Dive Deeper: Plan Your Visit
Experience the thrill of our stingrays at Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Encounter. Our exhibits offer a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent animals up close. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, there's always something new to discover.
Add to Your Experience: Ray Feeding
Make your visit even more memorable with a Ray Feeding session! Safely hand-feed our rays while learning about their diets, behaviors, and ecological role. This exciting encounter is a perfect way to connect with these gentle animals while supporting their ongoing care.
Stay Connected
Keep the adventure going! Join our community on social media to stay updated on upcoming events, conservation efforts, and more. Share your stingray encounters with us using #MertailorStingray.
Plan Your Visit
Ready to meet our stingray residents? Check out our Visit Us page for hours, ticket information, and directions. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
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