I love to swim in the ocean as well. It is a good idea to wear your water shoes in the water though. I got stung by a sting ray in Bucerias in about 18\" if water a couple of years ago. It was not pleasant for a couple of hours believe me! Had I had on my water shoes it might not have gotten me, at least not as bad. After a years of swimming in the ocean this was the first time I had ever had a problem. So, just be careful and have a great time!