Staniel Cay lies 129km (80 miles) southeast of Nassau at the southern end of the little Pipe Creek archipelago. It's a 13km (8-mile) chain of mostly uninhabited islets, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and bonefish flats. There are many places for snug anchorages, making this a favorite yachting stopover in the mid-Exumas. Staniel Cay, known for years as "Stanyard," has no golf course or tennis courts, but it's the perfect island for "the great escape." It's home to just 80 full-time residents.
An annual bonefishing festival is sponsored here on August 5, during the celebration of Bahamian Independence Day. The Happy People Marina (tel. 242/355-2008) arranges guided sportfishing and snorkeling trips. There's a straw market where you can buy crafts, hats, and handbags.
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club arranges charter flights from Fort Lauderdale, costing US$260 to US$307 (£130-£154) per person one-way. Flight time is 3 hours. Call tel. 954/771-0330 for flight information.
An Insider's Guide for Sailors & Beach Buffs
If you want a beach to yourself, one of the uninhabited islands surrounding Staniel Cay could indeed become yours for the day. In the unlikely event that another yachting party arrives, just sail on to another nearby island -- chances are, it'll be deserted.
The local map given out by Staniel Cay Yacht Club pinpoints the location of Thunderball Grotto, where part of the James Bond film Thunderball was filmed. This is one of the best places for snorkeling in the Exumas. To the north of Thunderball Grotto lies the curiously named Big Major Cay, where hungry pigs will even chase you down the beach for a handout. There are also stray cats on the island who appreciate a snack (they're especially fond of canned sardines), as well as some fresh water.
Believe it or not, swimming pigs will surround your boat here. They are harmless but do expect to be treated to food. At another point on your nautical map, about 6.4km (4 miles) beyond Major Spot, a tiny, uninhabited island directly northwest of Staniel Cay, you'll come across shallow waters where tame (at least, we hope so) nurse sharks like to have their pictures taken. Food makes them even less camera-shy.
