Are there stingrays in Perdido Key, and how do you avoid them?
Stingrays are common in the warm shallows at Perdido Key, where they rest half-buried in the sand. They're not aggressive and only sting when stepped on. The fix is the "stingray shuffle" — slide your feet along the bottom instead of taking steps, and they'll feel you coming and swim off.
The stingray shuffle
Rather than lifting and planting your feet (which can land squarely on a buried ray), shuffle them forward through the sand in the shallow water. The vibration warns the ray, and it darts away before you ever touch it. It's the single most effective thing you can do, and locals do it automatically.
If you get stung
A stingray barb causes a sharp, painful wound. Soak it in water as hot as you can tolerate (this breaks down the venom and eases the pain), clean it thoroughly, and get medical attention — barbs can break off and wounds infect easily. Seek emergency care for a sting to the torso or any severe reaction.
Reviewed June 2026. Conditions change daily — for live numbers see Beach Today.