About Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is the most sought-after destination in the Exuma Cays — perfectly placed for exploring the very best of this extraordinary island chain, both north and south. Known for its stunning turquoise waters, warm Bahamian hospitality, and unmatched access to some of the Bahamas’ most iconic natural wonders, Staniel Cay offers a vacation experience like no other.
Just two miles long, this charming island blends laid-back Village life with world-famous adventure, attracting an international array of visitors on land and sea. Whether you’re eager to meet the famous swimming pigs, snorkel underwater paradise, or simply slow down to island time with relaxing beach days on soft white sand beside a sea of shifting blues, Staniel Cay is the place to be.
How to Get Here
Staniel Cay feels wonderfully remote — and while it is easy enough to reach, getting here does take a bit of planning.
Most visitors arrive via flights from Nassau or Fort Lauderdale into Staniel Cay Airport (TYM), while boaters arrive by private vessel or yacht. (There is no ferry service). Travel logistics vary depending on your starting point and your personal balance of convenience, timing, and cost. For a closer look at route options and helpful travel tips, visit Staniel Cay Life for additional information.
Things To Do on Land & Sea
Each day brings a new adventure just beyond your doorstep.
Staniel Cay places you just minutes from some of the Bahamas’ most iconic experiences, with endless ways to explore. From world-famous attractions like Thunderball Grotto and the original swimming pigs to sandbars emerging from the sea, snorkeling vibrant reefs with colorful fish, and boating through the clearest shades of blue you’ve ever seen—there’s no shortage of ways to spend your days on the water.
Most Popular Attractions
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![Thunderball Grotto, Staniel Cay]()
Thunderball Grotto
The legendary Thunderball Grotto is a must-see. Featured in the James Bond films Thunderball and Never Say Never Again, as well as Splash, this natural cave system is filled with light, color and marine life. Most accessible at slack tide, the grotto becomes a spectacular underwater “fishbowl,” where schools of tropical fish meander in the filtered sunlight.
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![Pigs swimming in clear turquoise water near Staniel Cay]()
The Original Swimming Pigs (Big Major Cay)
Just around the corner from Staniel Cay by boat, the world-famous swimming pigs call Big Major Cay home, aka “Pig Beach.” From mammoth mamas to tiny piglets, these animals lounge on the beach and swim out to greet approaching boats, making for a fun and memorable experience. While they are entertaining, they can be aggressive in some circumstances — use caution, don’t take food onto the beach, and stay aware of your surroundings.
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![Sign for Stanley Cay Yacht Club in front of a building with a white metal roof, surrounded by tropical plants and bright blue sky with some clouds.]()
Staniel Cay Yacht Club & Local Favorites
Established in 1956, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC) is an iconic destination and a cornerstone of island life. Enjoy waterfront dining, a casual island bar and a lively marina atmosphere. Other nearby favorites — including Bottom Line, Big Dog’s, the Liquormat and Flyin’ Pig Cafe — offer great food, cold drinks and laid-back island charm. (See Staniel Cay Life’s Food & Drink section for more.)
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![Swim with Nurse Sharks (Compass Cay)]()
Swim with Nurse Sharks (Compass Cay)
A short trip north to Compass Cay is a popular destination to swim and interact with nurse sharks. Nurse sharks are also a familiar sight around Staniel Cay, often seen circling local docks and fish-cleaning stations. Although they are generally not aggressive, they are still a wild animal — use caution, do not hand feed and remain aware of your surroundings.
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![Iguana Island (Bitter Guana Cay)]()
Iguana Island (Bitter Guana Cay)
Just a few miles south, Bitter Guana Cay is home to a protected population of Bahamian rock iguanas. These prehistoric-looking animals are fascinating to observe up close, but as an endangered species, they should not be fed or touched.
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![School of fish swimming underwater at Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park]()
Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park
Established in 1959, this 176-square-mile protected marine park was the first of its kind in the world. As a “no-take” zone, it offers some of the most pristine snorkeling and diving in the Bahamas, with thriving coral reefs and abundant marine life. Highlights include Warderick Wells, the park’s headquarters, and “The Aquarium,” a vibrant underwater reef teeming with colorful fish.
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![Close-up of a hand holding a large seashell on a sunny beach with white sand.]()
Sandbars & Shelling
The Exumas are famous for their breathtaking sandbars — swaths of powdery white sand surrounded by shallow, shifting shades of blue. Perfect for beachcombing, shelling, or simply soaking in the remote beauty.
More to Explore:
• Swim with sea turtles at Little Farmer’s Cay
• Hike Staniel Cay’s Ocean Ridge for scenic island trails with sweeping ocean views
• Visit Rachel’s Bubble Bath at Compass Cay — where ocean waves spill over rock formations into a natural, frothy pool during the right conditions
• Hire a local fishing guide and go bonefishing or deep sea fishing
• Paddleboard in calm, shallow waters
• Take your coffee over to the ocean beach for a sunrise stroll
• Stargaze under dark, clear night skies
• Nurture your photography skills — endless light, color, and seascapes
• Explore the Cay, its local shops, and enjoy chats with locals
Restaurants & Bars
Staniel Cay offers a memorable mix of casual island favorites and beloved local gathering spots — typically around four restaurants and four bars, depending on the ever-changing rhythms of island schedules.
Enjoy local seafood like conch, fish, and lobster, along with Bahamian specialties, waterfront dining, sunset cocktails, bar bites, and laid-back hangouts, all within easy reach of Seaside. Whether you’re craving conch fritters, Bahamian mac-and-cheese, a rum punch, or a refined 4-course dinner, delicious island flavors are always close at hand.
For current dining options, visit Staniel Cay Life’s Food & Drink guide.
Events
Island life on Staniel Cay includes festive local traditions throughout the year, from holiday celebrations and sunfish regattas to fishing tournaments, community gatherings, and special events hosted by island businesses. Because schedules can shift seasonally, event timing is best checked close to your visit.
For the latest happenings during your stay, see the Staniel Cay Life Events Calendar.
