Exuma is made up of 365 islands and cays- one for each day of the year! There is so much to do and see it can be hard for visitors to know where to go. One of the best cays in Exuma is Staniel Cay. Its close proximity to local wildlife and stunning grottos makes it one of the must-see spots in Exuma. Here is everything you need to know about Staniel Cay!
Location
Staniel Cay is located near the center of the Exuma Cays and is one of the largest cays in the chain. It’s located roughly 120 km south of Nassau. Staniel Cay is accessible by boat, regular flights, chartered flights, or private planes.
Sites
There is a lot to do and see on and around Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay is protected by the Bahamas National Trust and falls within the boundary of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park. It’s surrounded by stunning coral reefs that you can snorkel and scuba dive in. Staniel Cay also has Thunderball Grotto located just off the coast, which is one of the most popular spots in Exuma. Staniel Cay is also located right next to Pig Beach, which is home to the famous swimming pigs! Staniel Cay also features Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which visitors can stop by for tasty food and drinks.
Wildlife
Due to the surrounding coral reefs, you can see a ton of local marine life in the waters around Staniel Cay. Because the cay falls within the boundaries of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, all the waters and wildlife are protected. You can still explore the waters and see, just make sure you don’t damage anything!
Staniel Cay is also conveniently located right near Big Major Cay, or Pig Beach. You can take a short boat ride over and visit the famous swimming pigs.
Recommendations
If you’re visiting Staniel Cay we recommend you stop by and check out these local sites:
- Staniel Cay Yacht Club
- Thunderball Grotto
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
- Pig Beach
- Kayaking