Peaceful bottom dwellers, stingrays are quite common throughout Galápagos. They are the rays most commonly seen, as they tend to inhabit shallow, sandy sites popular with snorkelers and divers. They can grow quite large, up to about a six-foot wingspan. When they swim, they sort of glide along, and they appear to be more flying than swimming. They get their name from a small spike they have in their tail, which can whip up and sting an unwary swimmer or wader. They only sting when threatened or stepped upon. If you're wading in a shallow, sandy beach it is best to walk using the "stingray shuffle," scuffing your feet in the sand to frighten them away before you step on one by accident!