Satellite view of Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay

Bahamas

Swim with friendly nurse sharks and feed colorful fish in the crystalline waters of Thunderball Grotto.

💱 Currency Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone EST (UTC-5)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May offers ideal weather with calm seas and warm temperatures, though November through April provides cooler, dry conditions perfect for cruising.
🚢 Typical Duration 9 nights
💰 Price Range $4,975 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Staniel Cay is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and proximity to the famous Thunderball Grotto, making it a premier Caribbean destination for water activities and natural beauty.

Cruises that visit Staniel Cay

Build Your Day in Staniel Cay

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Staniel Cay Yacht Club So much fun and so many things to do nearby! Resort hotel · ★ 4.6 · 1k
3Ns Exuma Vacations Wedding planner · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Thunderball Grotto Great fun for the whole family. Historical landmark · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Staniel Cay Best stop for us was Thunderball Grotto. Island · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Flyin' Pig Cafe Highly recommend the flying pig cafe on your next visit to Staniel. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Embrace Resort Top notch service with amazing food and awesome activities. Resort hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Staniel Cay Adventures Tour operator · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM
Staniel Cay Yacht Club Restaurant Great art, great people and delicious food. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k
Big Dogs The locals are awesome, and it's completely safe, but they are chill. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Burke's Convenience Store Good selection with no price labels. Grocery store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Isles General Enterprise A very good selection of food/produce and general maintenance goods! Grocery store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Pink Pearl Grocery Store One out of three places you can get groceries and supplies in staniel cay Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Andrews Laundry - Staniel Cay Landromat They have something for everyone here!! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bottom Line What's more, the prices were very reasonable. Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Pirates Beach - Staniel Cay Great for night sky photos Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Lazy Bay Villas Villa · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Hill House Restaurant at Fowl Cay Resort Great cocktails and food and the best service we had in Bahamas. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Black Point Yacht Club (The DJ has very high quality equipment too.) Great food and drinks. Family-friendly · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Thunderball Villas & Docks Amazing experience Vacation home rental agency · ★ 5 · 0k
Staniel Cay Yacht Partners It was the perfect way to cap off our day of sun and adventure. Boat rental service · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Island Luck The cashier was very helpful and extremely pleasant ! Casino · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Lindsays Boutique And Gift Shop Cute souvenir shop with a variety of items. Gift shop · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Seaside Bakery Easy to get to, great views. Bakery · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Castaway Beach Adorable spot to hang out for a day. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bonsai Beach Golden Hour was decent and there is a good mix of bonsai and desert shrubs. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Staniel Cay Boat Club Sports club · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Staniel Yacht Club Pool Swimming pool · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Temporarily closed

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Staniel Cay

About Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay serves as a charming port of call in the Caribbean, primarily welcoming passengers aboard Swan Hellenic's thoughtfully curated voyages. This intimate destination offers a refreshing alternative to larger cruise ports, with itineraries typically spanning nine nights and connecting to diverse destinations including Belize City, Georgetown, and the Cayman Islands. The relaxed pace and smaller-scale operations here create a more personalized cruising experience, perfect for travelers seeking authentic Caribbean exploration beyond the usual tourist circuits.

Ashore, visitors discover the pristine natural beauty that defines the Exuma Cays, with crystalline waters and secluded beaches inviting exploration. Whether you're seeking water-based adventures or simply wish to unwind in a tranquil island setting, Staniel Cay delivers the quintessential Bahamian charm that makes Caribbean cruising so memorable. Peak travel season arrives in May, making it an ideal time to experience this hidden gem.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Swim with Thunderball Grotto's Fish

Dive into the famous underwater cave featured in James Bond films, where crystal-clear waters reveal vibrant tropical fish and stunning rock formations. This iconic snorkeling spot sits just offshore and offers an unforgettable encounter with Staniel Cay's most spectacular marine attraction, perfect for adventurous cruisers seeking Instagram-worthy moments.

2

Fresh Conch Salad at Local Shacks

Taste authentic Bahamian conch salad prepared fresh daily at waterfront restaurants, where local fishermen deliver their morning catch. The tangy lime juice, fresh vegetables, and tender conch create a quintessential Caribbean flavor you'll find nowhere else, best enjoyed with your feet in the sand.

3

Pristine Beaches and Turquoise Waters

Relax on Staniel Cay's powdery white-sand beaches surrounded by impossibly turquoise waters and swaying palms. The calm, shallow bays are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the serene tropical paradise that defines the Out Islands experience.

4

Local Artisan Crafts and Souvenirs

Browse handmade crafts, shell jewelry, and woven goods at small shops and beachside vendors throughout the settlement. Support local artisans while discovering unique Bahamian treasures that capture the authentic spirit and creativity of this tight-knit island community.

5

Explore Tiny Island Settlement Life

Wander the charming, laid-back village to experience genuine Out Islands culture where everyone knows each other and life moves at island pace. Visit colorful colonial-style homes, chat with friendly locals, and discover how this remote Exuma Cays community maintains its timeless, unhurried way of life.

Cruise Lines at Staniel Cay

Cruises Departing From Staniel Cay

Cruises Visiting Staniel Cay

Ship Schedule at Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay Location

Other Cruise Ports in Bahamas

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Staniel Cay and where is it located?

Staniel Cay is a small Bahamian island in the Exuma Cays, known for boating access and nearby attractions.

How can I reach Staniel Cay?

Reach Staniel Cay by boat from Nassau or Exuma, or by air to nearby Exuma International and boat transfer.

What activities are popular around Staniel Cay?

Snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, visiting nearby swimming pigs, relaxing on beaches, boating and fishing trips.

Is Staniel Cay suitable for day trips or longer stays?

Both day trips and multi-day stays are possible; plan with local operators for lodging and transfers.