Stingrays of San Diego Beaches: What You Should Know
San Diego’s beaches are famous for their sunshine, surf, and coastal lifestyle. From La Jolla Shores to Mission Beach, the shoreline attracts locals and visitors year-round. But sharing the waves with surfers and swimmers are stingrays—fascinating creatures that play a big role in San Diego’s marine ecosystem. Knowing where they live, which species are most common, and how to stay stingray-safe can make your beach days even more enjoyable.
Common Stingray Species in San Diego
Round Stingray (Urobatis halleri)
The round stingray is the most common species you’ll find along San Diego beaches. Small, disc-shaped, and sandy in color, these rays often bury themselves in shallow surf zones where the water is warm. Because they camouflage so well, they’re the stingray beachgoers are most likely to accidentally step on. They’re especially common at sandy stretches like La Jolla Shores, Del Mar’s Dog Beach, and parts of Mission Beach.
Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica)
Bat rays are another species found in Southern California waters. Much larger than round stingrays, they can have wingspans stretching several feet. Bat rays tend to prefer bays, kelp beds, and rocky nearshore areas. Since they don’t usually bury themselves in the sand, they’re easier to spot and less likely to be stepped on near the surfline.
Bat Ray
Where Stingrays Are Most Common Along the Coast
Surfline and shallow sandy bottoms – the favorite hiding places for round stingrays.
Warm shallows in summer – stingray activity often increases when the water heats up.
Estuary outlets and lagoons – areas like Dog Beach in Del Mar are prime habitats thanks to the mix of warm, sandy conditions.
How to Avoid Stingray Encounters
Shuffle your feet – the “stingray shuffle” is a simple way to alert stingrays so they swim off before you step down.
Be cautious in shallow surf – rays blend in with the sandy bottom, so extra awareness goes a long way.
Check with lifeguards – they often know when stingray activity is higher and can give beach safety updates.
If You’re Stung
On the rare chance you step on a stingray, lifeguards at San Diego beaches are trained to help. If you experience a sting, the best move is to get their attention right away. They’ll guide you through the next steps so you can be cared for quickly and safely.
If needed, this is a useful guide for treatment: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31495
Final Thoughts
Stingrays are a natural and fascinating part of San Diego’s coastline. With a little awareness—and a shuffle of your feet—you can easily avoid most encounters. Next time you’re enjoying the surfline, remember: stingrays are part of what makes our ocean ecosystem so vibrant. Respect the marine life, enjoy the waves, and let lifeguards handle the rare situations when needed.
