As reported, stingray tours continue despite the death of Steve Irwin (after a stingray plunged a barb into his chest).

Apparently, stingrays are docile creatures. They only whip up their barbed tails whenever they have to defend themselves against predators or when they are stepped on. More often than not, though, they just swim away.

So what happened to steve irwin is very rare. This fact explains a lot why stingray tours are still being conducted. As reported by MSN, stingray tours are safe.

Should the death of Steve Irwin not deter you from enjoying an intimate encounter with the rays, here are just a couple of tours which you may want to consider before you book that next vacation to enjoy this unique experience:

Stingray Express Around Nassau - "Once in the water, enjoy wading or snorkeling with the rays as they glide gracefully around you, no swimming experience necessary!" After which, you can enjoy everything else that the Bahamas has to offer.

Stingray City on Grand Cayman - you can snorkel, dive or take a ride on a glass-bottom boat.