Stingrays and Sunscreen

[momofzeke]

Am I correct that you aren't supposed to wear sunscreen when you do the stingray swim? Is it ALL sunscreen or can you wear the biodegradable kind? We have the Moby Dick Tour booked, and they didn't mention anything about sunscreen. What do they do if you already have it on when you get there (put it on before you leave the cruise ship)?

[databass]

I heard that the rays become a little "aggressive" if you are wearing sunscreen. They are attracted to the scent.

[Sheffie]

I have always worn sunscreen. I do NOT want to get a sunburn! I had no problems with the rays. If you want a stingray hickey, just rub some of the squid on yourself!

[NZYU]

Ah, so I should leave my squid-oil-sunscreen at home. ;)

[Sheffie]

Here is a picture of my DH getting ready to give one a big kiss!

[mdeane]

I would not go without sunscreen. I certainly had plenty on and had no problem with the rays (sting ones) that is. I did get more sun there than anywhere so would have burned badly if no sunscreen.

[daddowdall]

You will burn to a crisp at the sandbar without a good sunscreen. We were all in the water with the stingrays and all of us had 30+ sunscreen and there was no apparent effect on the stingrays. But there would certainly be a very adverse effect on you if you decide to forgo the sunscreen.

[petguy]

We went with Moby Dick in Dec. We put sunscreen on during the ride over to the sandbar, while on the boat, and no one said anything to us. DW did get a small hickey from a stingray, but I did not. I think I spent more time in direct contact with them than she did.

 

I wouldn't think that it would make them more aggressive, but who's to say... The sun is pretty intense (and reflected off the water). I don't think I would go without sunscreen.

 

Either way, have an incredible time. It really is something you have to experience!!!

[NextOne]

Where does one buy biodegradeable sunscreen, anyway? I've never seen it. Would a dive shop carry it?

Thanks!

[Nebr.cruiser]

Some areas do ask you not to wear sunscreen. I think it is an environmental thing, to keep from polluting the water, degrading the coral, etc. I have a hard time going without sunscreen though, so suggestions of 'green' biodegradable sunscreens are appreciated!

[Bassethound]

When the sunscreen comes off, it coats the live coral just like your skin, especially the "waterproof" type, which is made to partially adhere to carbon-based cells (ie skin, as in yours and coral's). This interferes with UV light (as sunscreen is supposed to do) necessary for the photosynthesis on which coral lives, thereby weakening the coral and eventualy killing it.:(

 

Example of plant friendly sunscreen: monoi oil concentrated to increase the natural SPF of the plants it is derived from (no plant can take direct UV all of the time, so they all have some SPF in them).

[Ellya]

Another option, and more effective, is a rash guard surf shirt. It will at least reduce the amount of sunscreen you will need and does a better job protecting the upper body which usually burns the worst. I won't snorkle without mine! I burned before even through a t-shirt, so going with no protection is not an option!

[NextOne]

And where would you find one of those? Again, a dive shop?

Thanks!

[manlie]

THANK YOU BASSETHOUND for explaining in simple language why it is important to wear biodegradable sunscreen. People rave about the snorkelling and stingrays, then think nothing of telling others to wear sunscreen which is harming, and will eventually destroy, the very thing they found so fascinating. I am sure these same people would not appreciate 100's of tourists coming to their home town daily and purposely polluting and littering the green space.

 

Biodegradable sunscreen is relatively easy to find in large stores and on the internet - Wal-Mart carries one by either Coppertone or Hawaiian Tropic and I have seen it in many bathing suit stores. Good suggestion about the surf shirt Ellya - I will look into getting one of these for after those times I laid out on the beach a wee bit too long but still want to go snorkelling later in the week:rolleyes:

[scarecrowbirdie]

I have heard that putting sunscreen around your face where the mask attches to will adversly affect the seal and allow water in.