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Staniel Cay

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City
—°1
Staniel Cay (Bahamas)
ℹ️

Practical info — Staniel Cay

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Rent a golf cart to easily explore the island's narrow roads.
  • Visit Thunderball Grotto during slack tide (low tide) for the safest snorkeling.
  • Head to nearby Big Major Cay early in the morning to see the swimming pigs before the day-trippers arrive.
  • Bring plenty of cash, as ATMs are virtually non-existent and small vendors rely on it.

🍽 Food

🍽
Cracked Conch

Try this deep-fried local favorite at the main marina restaurant.

🍽
Fresh Conch Salad

Often prepared right in front of you at small wooden stands near the water.

🍽
Bahamian Mac and Cheese

A hearty baked side dish available at most local eateries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Marine Supplies & Souvenirs

The yacht club shop has custom apparel and boating essentials.

🛍
Straw Goods

Look for local women selling hand-woven baskets and bags near the dock.

🧘
Ocean Beach

Located on the eastern side, offering a rugged, secluded coastline.

🧘
The Airstrip Area

A surprisingly quiet spot at sunset to watch the colorful sky.

Staniel Cay is a remarkable gem in the heart of the Exuma Cays, internationally recognized as a premier gateway for island adventures. Established in the late 18th century, the island was originally home to a small community of fishermen and farmers. Today, it stands as a world-class destination for yachting and eco-tourism. Staniel Cay shot to fame due to the nearby Thunderball Grotto, which served as a filming location for two James Bond movies. The local settlement is small yet animated, with the historic Staniel Cay Yacht Club serving as its social hub. From here, visitors often set out to see the famous swimming pigs or snorkel with nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Despite its popularity, Staniel Cay maintains its tight-knit community charm and pristine natural environment.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242424252628292929282625
Rain mm231921348695677492924724

Geography

Coordinates
24.16670, -76.45000

Facts

  • Thunderball Grotto was a location for the films 'Thunderball' and 'Never Say Never Again'.
  • The iconic Staniel Cay Yacht Club was established in 1956.
  • Features one of the most comprehensive full-service marinas in the Exumas.
  • Located just minutes away from the world-famous 'Pig Beach' at Big Major Cay.
  • The island possesses its own paved airstrip for private and charter flights.
  • Serves as a vital staging point for exploring the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Staniel Cay (1)

Pig Beach📍 landmark

Pig Beach is a beach on Staniel Cay, where pigs are often seen swimming in the water.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight of Staniel Cay?
Access to Thunderball Grotto, a famous underwater cave featured in James Bond films.
Are there swimming pigs nearby?
Yes, the famous 'Pig Beach' on Big Major Cay is just a short boat ride away.
How do you get to the island?
By small plane from Nassau or Ft. Lauderdale directly to Staniel Cay Airport (TYM).
Where can you eat?
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the central hub for food and drinks on the island.
Can you see sharks there?
Yes, tame nurse sharks often swim around the marina and can be observed safely.
Staniel Cay: where is it located?
Staniel Cay is located in Bahamas.
Staniel Cay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Staniel Cay: why is it worth visiting?
Staniel Cay is a remarkable gem in the heart of the Exuma Cays, internationally recognized as a premier gateway for island adventures.
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