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Staniel Cay Yacht Club

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STANIEL CAY YACHT CLUB - Updated 2024 Reviews (Bahamas)

Staniel Cay Travel Guide: The Bahamas’ Best Little Island

By: Author Dave Lee

Posted on Last updated: September 11, 2023

Staniel Cay, surrounded by sparkling blue waters so vibrant they're visible from space, may be the best little island in The Bahamas.

It's easily accessible from southern Florida, yet you'll feel like you're in another world.

Time slows down; days are filled with small boat excursions, swimming with pigs and sharks, and exploring this aquatic wonderland.

My recent visit to Staniel Cay came at the invitation of EMBRACE Resort and 3N's Exuma Vacations .

Kelly Lemons (who also goes by Kel) joined me to help take photos, and it was the island adventure I'd been daydreaming about the last few years while grounded in Central Texas.

In my Staniel Cay Travel Guide, you'll learn all about a small Caribbean paradise that you can walk around in an hour yet is frequented by world-famous celebrities like Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

FAQ: Staniel Cay, The Bahamas

First, I'd like to address frequently asked questions, including some of my own, before I made the trip. Then, we'll move on to over a dozen fun things to do on and around Staniel Cay.

What is a Cay?

You might be wondering, “What is a cay?”

According to Wikipedia, “a cay also spelled caye or key, is a small, low-elevation, sandy island on the surface of a coral reef.” They form as currents carry loose sediment over reefs.

The main difference between a cay and an island is that a cay is built on coral reefs, whereas an island consists of land.

Due to their lower elevations and softer foundations, cays are more sensitive to erosion, storms, and rising seas.

Cays come in all shapes and sizes, with many growing slowly over thousands of years. Great Exuma in The Bahamas is 37 miles long!

Where is Staniel Cay?

Staniel Cay is a part of The Exumas, a string of 365 islands in The Bahamas.

It's 75 miles southeast of Nassau, home to the Lynden Pindling International Airport, a popular entry point into the Caribbean nation.

From Nassau, it's a quick 20-minute flight on a prop plane to Staniel Cay.

How do you get to Staniel Cay?

Nassau is accessible via nonstop flights from many cities in the United States. Quite a few discount airlines fly there, too, and taking one is the best way to keep costs down.

I used credit card points to fly for free on American Airlines nonstop from Austin, TX, to Nassau.

Other carriers that fly from the U.S. to Nassau include:

• Silver Airways
• Tropic Ocean Airways (charter flights from Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Once in Nassau, daily flights to Staniel Cay are available from Flamingo Air (which we used) and Titan Air . Each airline flies to Staniel Cay twice daily (in the morning and late afternoon).

If you prefer to fly directly from the U.S. to Staniel Cay and don't mind the added time in a small plane, that's also an option.

In that case, you'd depart from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for Staniel Cay with either Staniel Air or Makers Air . These carriers also fly to Staniel Cay twice a day.

When's the best time to visit?

You can visit Staniel Cay any time of year; however, keep the following climate info in mind when planning your trip.

The air temperature averages 86 F (30 C) in the summer months (June to August) and 77 F (25 C) in the winter (December to February).

The water temperature averages 85 F (29 C) in summer and 76 F (24 C) in winter; it's suitable for swimming and snorkeling year-round.

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. If you plan a trip during this time, ensure you have travel insurance and flexibility. I visited Staniel Cay from Nov. 17-21.

The wettest month is typically October. However, I heard it had rained a lot the week before I arrived. Global warming, unfortunately, means increasingly unpredictable weather wherever we go, The Bahamas included.

Where should you stay?

Due to its size, Staniel Cay resort options are limited. While the rich and famous often visit Staniel Cay, it's usually by yacht; the rest of us need to plan.

Rooms during the high season, including late November around Thanksgiving and December through New Year's Eve, get booked months in advance.

EMBRACE Resort

Kel and I stayed in the one-bedroom Eleuthera villa at EMBRACE Resort , a Bahamian family-owned resort near the island's airport. (All guests receive free airport transfers via golf cart.)

EMBRACE is an acronym for the seven villas at the resort, each named after an island in The Bahamas. As we learned from the theme of our room, Eleuthera is known for pineapple plantations.

They also have two and three-bedroom villas, some with full kitchens. The villas are around a pool, perfect for taking a dip after a long day of boating or island-hopping.

The women owners of EMBRACE are constantly improving their resort. They opened a cafe in 2022 and hope to offer a gift shop, gym, and conference center.

Where to eat and drink?

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The principal place to eat and drink on the island is The Staniel Cay Yacht Club. It has a lively bar, a casual restaurant, and a fine dining space.

You can also eat outdoors on a small deck overlooking the marina.

The bar is open daily from 10 a.m. to midnight and offers delicious classic and signature Caribbean cocktails.

The pina colada was my favorite, followed by the Miami Vice, a mashup of a pina colada and strawberry daiquiri.

We went to the Yacht Club for dinner every night; it's the island's social center.

Locals, daytrippers, yachties, and overnight visitors on Staniel Cay mix and mingle at the Yacht Club's bar. It's a super casual, unpretentious place, so celebrities stop by.

Miami-based reggaeton singer Pitbull has been a fan for years and featured Staniel Cay and The Exumas in his “Timber” music video.

Watch the video above for cameos by the Yacht Club, swimming pigs, and local sharks.

The casual restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch from noon to 9 p.m. (essentially dinner).

During our stay, Kel and I sampled much of the menu, including conch fritters (a local favorite), lobster and crab cake salads, cheeseburgers, club sandwiches, and fish tacos.

There are limited vegetarian and gluten-free options, including salads and plant-based burgers.

The Sea Level dining room is the most upscale option for dining on Staniel Cay.

You can eat breakfast and lunch without a reservation; dinner in Sea Level requires a same-day reservation.

There are two nightly seatings at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. for a four-course prix fixe menu. You'll have a choice of entree.

When Kel and I dined there on our last night, she ordered the stuffed lobster while I devoured baby back ribs.

A word of warning. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club isn't cheap eats; the $10-$14 cocktails and $12-$28 dishes can quickly add up to a $100 dinner tab for two.

Big Dog is the only other restaurant on Staniel Cay, and it caters mainly to locals. I had a takeout lunch from Big Dog twice during my stay.

The first lunch was fried fish with rice, coleslaw, and corn, which I ate on a sand bar during a boat tour. The second meal was oxtail with flavorful rice and beans.

Grocery Stores

There are a few small grocery stores on Staniel Cay where you can pick up fresh fruits, vegetables, and cooking essentials.

They're helpful if you stay in accommodation with a kitchen and can self-cater some of your meals.

EMBRACE Resort (in the Future)

Thankfully, the owners of EMBRACE Resort saw the need for additional food spots. They opened a cafe in 2022 and intend to open a full-service restaurant.

On an island as small as Staniel Cay, this is more challenging than you can imagine, as there are limited workers and places for those workers to live.

How do you get around the island?

I have a fascination with driving electric golf carts on small Caribbean islands.

I first encountered this mode of transport on Caye Caulker in Belize, though it wasn't until I visited the Colombian islands of San Andres and Providencia that I gave it a go myself.

My stay at EMBRACE Resort included a golf cart rental so Kel and I could explore the island.

Our first two days were spent on boats, so we mainly used them to drive back and forth to dinner at the Yacht Club.

We drove to Pirate Beach on the island's north end on our fourth day. On our fifth and final day, we took a quick tour of south Staniel Cay, primarily home to full-time residents and rental properties.

13 Things To Do in Staniel Cay

Okay, so we've covered some logistics for getting to Staniel Cay. Now, it's time to dive into the crystal-clear waters and see what we find.

Staniel Cay is an excellent base for exploring the nearby islands of The Exumas. I spent two days on a boat, seeing as much as possible.

Yet, one of the most popular things to do in The Bahamas and the Caribbean is a five-minute boat ride away.

Swimming with Pigs Tour

I'm talking about swimming with pigs, an experience I'd seen on Instagram over the years but never looked into deeply.

Well, I'm back from The Bahamas to say swimming with pigs is as silly as it sounds and surprisingly fun!

It's fascinating to watch pigs run off the beach on Big Major Cay, an uninhabited island, and swim to your boat. Of course, they've learned they're fed for their effort – white bread, specifically.

As they sniffle and snort with their snouts pointed up out of the water, you'll be in awe at the ability of these hefty farm animals to stay afloat.

You can pet some smaller ones on land, including baby piglets that must be bottle-fed.

Before accepting the invitation by 3N's Exuma Vacations to go on their swimming with pigs tour , I made sure to ask my contact, Natajia (Operations Manager), many questions.

Her answers set my mind at ease, and once I was there on tour, I felt even more comfortable with it.

I'm more sensitive to animal encounters in my travels than I used to be and wanted to ensure the pigs were well-cared for and ethically treated before I wrote about them.

A percentage of tour revenue is invested in caring for the pigs, including monthly visits by a veterinarian, locals keeping an eye on tourists while they visit, and ensuring the pigs have plenty of food and fresh water.

The pigs are also covered in coconut oil to prevent sunburn during the day.

I had the opportunity to swim with the pigs twice. The first visit was at sunset, and we had the beach to ourselves. This was ideal since it was just me, Kel, Dani , and our boat captain.

I also appreciated our visit the following morning, when the sun shone bright and the water was translucent.

The downside of visiting in the morning or early afternoon is that the additional boats and people on Pig Beach compete for the pigs' attention.

Hint: The pigs have no loyalty and will go to whoever throws the bread in the water!

You can't feed the pigs on the beach because ingesting the sand is dangerous and potentially fatal.

Visiting the pigs is just one stop of many on a swimming with pigs tour. Keep reading to see what else we did.

Book a Tour Swimming Pigs Tour from Nassau – Perfect for travelers based in Nassau who are only interested in visiting as a day trip. Swimming Pigs Tour from Staniel Cay – The same as the tour from Nassau, minus the flights. Choose this option if you're staying on Staniel Cay or nearby.

Swim with Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay

Our boat tour's second most exciting stop was the Compass Cay marina, north of Staniel Cay. This is one of the best places in The Bahamas to stand or swim with nurse sharks in shallow waters.

Swimming with sharks sounds scary, I know. However, nurse sharks are docile bottom feeders.

As evidenced by parents with their babies and young children in these waters, they're not dangerous.

My first experience swimming with nurse sharks was in Belize. Once I was observing them in the water, I saw nothing to fear.

However, I can't say the same for cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa, as that was truly scary.

Swim with Green Turtles

An hour south of beautiful Staniel Cay by boat is Little Farmer's Cay, where fishers clean conch.

The process and debris attract green sea turtles , which you can snorkel within the protected waters of the small marina.

Despite their slow speed and peaceful nature, I tried to keep my distance from the ones we saw.

They're far more graceful to watch in the water than I felt flopping around in my snorkel and fins.

Snorkeling at the Sea Aquarium

Speaking of snorkeling, I had one of my best experiences in years at the Sea Aquarium, a small part of the much larger marine reserve managed by the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park .

T he Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was established in 1958 and covers 176 square miles from the north of Shroud Cays to Bells Cay. It was the world's first land and sea park.

You can jump off your boat in a designated spot and snorkel in a natural aquarium with living coral and colorful tropical fish.

Your boat captain may throw some crackers into the water to help attract the fish into one area, though it's probably unnecessary.

Scuba diving is also available in the park.

Snorkel at the Sunken Plane

Another neat snorkeling experience came just off Staniel Cay. Rumors abound on social media that the plane belonged to Pablo Escobar , the notorious Colombian narcotrafficker; however, the real story is less scandalous.

It was simply a private plane that crashed; the pilot survived. It only takes a few minutes to snorkel around the entire wreck, which you can get a feel for even from your boat.

When I went swimming, I saw some small fish hiding in the hollowed-out fuselage. Also interesting was how marine life had begun to reclaim the wreck, slowly turning it into an artificial reef.

Thunderball Grotto

A few minutes west of Staniel Cay by boat is an underwater cave called Thunderball Grotto.

The cave was used to film two James Bond movies with Sean Connery as 007: “Thunderball” in 1965 and “Never Say Never” in 1983.

Other movies shot here include “Splash” with Tom Hanks (which I loved as a kid) and “Into the Blue” with Paul Walker.

It looks like an impenetrable rock; however, there are a few hidden entrances.

Your boat captain will time your visit with low tide, as the current passing through the cavern isn't as strong, making it easier to swim inside.

A snorkel and fins are used for safety, making it much easier to move around.

If you have a waterproof camera case or Go Pro, this is an excellent time to use them. I didn't have either, so I left my iPhone on the boat.

You can snorkel around and look at the fish and coral inside the cave. It's essential to pay attention to where you are at all times.

As I was swimming toward the exit, I was more focused on the fish than where I was relative to the low-hanging rock walls. I almost hit my head as the current carried me out.

Pirate Beach

So far, I've been sharing the great places you'll see on a swimming with pigs tour; however, they've all required you to leave Staniel Cay, even if for only a few minutes.

At the northernmost tip of Staniel Cay, Pirate Beach is easily accessible and downright gorgeous; from EMBRACE Resort , it's a five-minute drive by golf cart or a 20-minute walk.

When Kel and I stopped by on our third morning, we had the beach to ourselves. It was incredible; I felt so lucky we had these pretty waters to ourselves.

We took some photos and played in the water. I saw one tour boat pass in the distance, and a yellow prop plane flew over us on approach to the Staniel Cay Airport.

Pirate Beach faces west, so I imagine it'd be an excellent spot to have a beer and watch the sunset.

Rock Iguana Beach

Beyond the water-based wildlife encounters I've shared thus far, there's a rare and vulnerable land reptile I'd like you to meet.

The northern Bahamian rock iguana exists solely in The Exumas and Andros Islands.

They're herbivores that can live up to 40 years and grow to four feet long, though the ones we saw ranged from one to three feet long.

The number of these ancient reptiles in the wild has dwindled over the last 80 years to less than 5,000.

A 10-minute boat ride south of Staniel Cay will bring you to Rock Iguana Beach on Bitter Guana Cay, where you can walk among them.

During our visit, it was clear they were accustomed to humans. A few began walking toward us as soon as they saw (or heard) our boat approaching the shore.

And indeed, our boat captain gave us cabbage leaves to rip up and place on the tip of wooden skewers so we could let them nibble from a safe distance.

Unlike the marine iguanas I encountered in the Galapagos Islands , the Bahamian rock iguanas do not enter the water.

Whale Beach

While talking about beautiful beaches, I must mention Whale Beach, adjacent to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park Visitor Center on Shroud Cays.

We stopped here briefly before snorkeling at the Sea Aquarium to see the skeleton of a 52-foot sperm whale.

According to the sign, it died in 1995 from ingesting too much garbage, a sad reminder that we must do more to conserve big and small sea life.

Walk on Sand Bars

Our boat tours included opportunities to get off at sand bars during low tide. These soft, squishy spits of sand offer terrific photo opportunities. If you're a Pitbull fan, turn on “Timber” and start dancing.

We ate a packed lunch from Big Dog restaurant on a sand bar on our first day.

However, I found it difficult to pick apart my fried fish while sitting on my butt, trying not to get sand in the food. I'd suggest eating on the boat, instead.

On the second day, we ate lunch at the Yacht Club on Staniel Cay and only stopped on a sand bar for photos and a short walk.

Take a Rachel Bubble Bath

The most unexpected stop on my boat tour was Rachel Bubble Bath (named after the woman who discovered it).

Located at the north end of Compass Cay, the feeling of being in a bubble bath is created as high tide comes in and splashes against a rocky ledge separating the sea from an inlet on the cay.

The result is foamy whitewater that feels like you're in either a bubble bath or a washing machine.

My boat guide led me to the spot where you can experience this in full effect, and as evidenced by the photo above, he was having a blast himself.

Despite the crashing waves flowing over the rocks, I felt safe as the water was only about chest-deep.

Hang Out at Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Returning to Staniel Cay after a long day on the water, you'll probably want to shower and relax.

If you're feeling social or want an ice-cold Caribbean cocktail, head for The Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

The bar fills up at the end of every day; it's a lively scene. Some patrons arrive early for a drink before their 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. dinner reservations.

The four-course meal is a rare opportunity for visitors to dress up; I saw more than a few women in pretty dresses.

The sunset from the Staniel Cay Marina is brilliant. Kel and I got drinks and walked among the huge yachts.

It reminded me a little bit of what it was like walking around the marina in Monaco .

Look down at dusk; you'll likely see some nurse sharks swimming around.

Kel and I share an appreciation for dark skies, which we indulged in on a road trip to Big Bend National Park in West Texas the month before visiting The Bahamas.

Luckily, we were on Staniel Cay the night of a blood moon lunar eclipse. It was the longest partial lunar eclipse in 580 years!

The only catch was the eclipse was due to peak at 4:02 a.m. EST, which meant getting up around 3:45 a.m.

I might've skipped it had Kel not wanted us to set the alarm, just in case it was visible. Given the partial cloudiness that day, I was doubtful.

When my alarm went off, and I took a peek outside our EMBRACE Resort villa, we had a perfect view of the reddish moon undergoing an eclipse!

I woke Kel up; she grabbed her DSLR camera and began to take photos from the deck.

My iPhone 13 Pro couldn't capture the incredible moon, but I hope you get a sense of the star-filled sky from the above photo.

The three stars of Orion's belt are visible in the upper right corner.

Staniel Cay offered an incredible stargazing (and moongazing) experience that night.

COVID Travel Info

As my Staniel Cay Travel Guide draws to a close, there's some essential COVID-related info I'd like to share.

First, check out the current testing and vaccination requirements to enter The Bahamas on their official website .

All international visitors must complete a Bahamas Travel Health Visa application and pay a small fee before entering the country.

You'll also likely need to provide this travel visa and testing or vaccination info to the airline you're using.

American Airlines, which we flew into The Bahamas, currently uses the VeriFLY app if you prefer to submit documentation electronically versus on paper at the airport before departure.

The app is supposed to save you time at the airport, but it doesn't have a user-friendly or intuitive interface. Despite my frustration, I think it saved us time overall.

If you stay in The Bahamas for five days or longer, you must get a COVID-19 rapid antigen test; it's free and available at EMBRACE Resort.

If you're returning to the U.S., you'll also need proof of a negative COVID-19 test. You can get tested at EMBRACE Resort for a small fee.

3N's Exuma Vacations has a detailed webpage outlining its COVID policies and procedures , including the availability of tests. We found this service, available at the resort, incredibly convenient.

COVID restrictions on the small island are minimal and include a mask mandate for indoor locations and the airport.

While these extra steps are undoubtedly a burden compared to pre-2020 travel, it was worth the effort once we arrived on Staniel Cay and began to enjoy our first Bahamian adventure.

This story is brought to you in partnership with 3N's Exuma Vacations and EMBRACE Resort.

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:

• G Adventures for small group tours.
• Hostelworld for booking hostels.

2023 Complete Staniel Cay Guide | Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Welcome to the complete staniel cay guide 2023.

We have put together a complete Staniel Cay Guide in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas, to help you plan your trip to paradise.

• 1 Where is Staniel Cay?
• 2 How To Get To Staniel Cay
• 3 Best Places To Stay on Staniel Cay
• 4 How Big Is Staniel Cay and How To Get Around?
• 5 Best Time To Visit Staniel Cay
• 6 Staniel Cay Weather
• 7 Best Beaches On Staniel Cay
• 8 Restaurants On Staniel Cay
• 9 Grocery Stores On Staniel Cay
• 10 Day Trips from Staniel Cay
• 11 Swimming With The Pigs
• 12 There ATM’s Or Banks On Staniel Cay?
• 13 Average Daily Spending On Staniel Cay

Where is Staniel Cay?

75 miles southeast of Nassau lies the magical island of Staniel Cay in the Exuma Cays chain. The Exuma Cays has 365 islands, and Staniel Cay is in the center of a chain of small islands.

How To Get To Staniel Cay

There are two ways onto Staniel Cay, air or sea. We went the air route and flew from Nassau with Flamingo Air . They offer two flights a day to and from Nassau 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. The same plane turns around from Staniel Cay, heading back to Nassau at 8:35 a.m. and 4:35 p.m. Our round-trip tickets were around $250.

Makers Air offers flights from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. Tickets are approximately $650 round-trip.

Staniel Cay can be reached by sea using the mail boat. I spoke with a few locals who said this takes around 12 hours, as the boat makes several stops at neighboring islands.  Departs Nassau on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and returns on Saturdays at 9 a.m.

Please note if you choose this option, you may be sharing your seat with LIVESTOCK! Not many choose this route due to the time, and a flight is only $50 more.

Best Places To Stay on Staniel Cay

Affordable luxury .

Embrace Resort is the newest accommodation option on the island and the place we called home for a week on Staniel Cay. Embrace Resort offers affordable luxury villas to fit everyone’s budget. Prices range from $219 per night for the  Mayaguana one-bedroom villa to $589 per night Andros 3 bedroom/2 bath villa with a complete kitchen.

We stayed in the Ragged Island honeymoon villa , complete with a jacuzzi. Embrace Resort’s grand opening is scheduled for 2017 and will consist of 7 villas, a pool, a meeting room, a restaurant, a spa, and a fitness center. Read TripAdvisor reviews here .

Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers waterfront bungalows, ranging from $185-$460, depending on the season and bungalow chosen. NOTE: Travel during the offseason is, on average, $100 cheaper a night than during the high season. Staniel Cay Yacht Club also offers packages that include three meals a day, bikes, snorkel gear, and kayaks.

High-End Luxury

Staniel Cay rents three villas available as vacation rentals.  Their most expensive villa “Dolce Vita” is a whopping 9,000 square feet, five bedroom suites, oceanfront, pool, full-time caregiver, sleeps 12, all the bells and whistles you could buy for $19,000 a week or $ 3,500-night minimum of 5 nights.

The “Farniente” villa has 6,000 square feet of decking surrounding a pool, hot tub, outdoor living rooms, sun decks, and beach access. Inside the  5,000 square feet, the villa has four bedroom suites, sleeps 8, and is available for $14,900 a week or $2,800 night minimum of 5 nights.

The “Lazy Bay” villa is located in the center of the island, but alongside an ocean-access creek and only a short walk away from the ocean beaches. The Lazy Bay is 1,200 square feet, with one bedroom, two baths, and a wraparound deck for $2,500 a wee k or $400 night minimum of 5 nights.

How Big Is Staniel Cay and How To Get Around?

Staniel Cay is small…very small! Staniel Cay is less than a mile square, and there are only 80 full-time residents. You could easily get around on foot, but most locals & tourists bum around in golf carts. You can rent a golf cart by the day $50 or by the week $320 .

Many of the roads are gravel and very rocky, so I don’t think a bike would be very comfortable. I am glad we had a golf cart, as it let us visit all the beaches easily. For the best rates on the island, contact 3N’s and speak with Nikki.

Best Time To Visit Staniel Cay

Is there ever a bad time to visit the Bahamas? I would suggest visiting Staniel Cay, not during high season. The seasons are:

• Off Season: Sept 10-Nov 20
• High Season: Dec 18-Jan 5, March 1-August 1
• Season: Jan 6-Feb 11, Feb 16-Feb 29, August 2- Sept 9
• Mid Season: Nov 20-Dec 18, Feb 12-15

Visiting during the off-season will yield lower rates on accommodation, fewer tourists, and most likely a private beach all to yourself.

Staniel Cay Weather

The weather in Staniel Cay is near perfect year-round, with an average high of 77-86 degrees Fahrenheit. The coolest month is February, with average lows of 65 and average highs of 77, and the hottest month is July-September, with average highs of being 86.

The wettest month is October, with an average of 12 rainfall days. December- July has an average of 6 rainfall days a year. Water temperatures are great year-round at 70-80 degrees.

We visited in mid-November, and we had one full day of rain, and the other six days, it rained for small periods throughout the day.

Best Beaches On Staniel Cay

There are four main beaches on Staniel Cay that can all be reached on foot. For a few of them, you will have to park the golf cart to get to them.

The most accessible beach to access in Staniel Cay is Town Beach. If you are staying at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, you will be either right on Town Beach or right next to it.

Town Beach is between Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Taste & Sea Restaurant, right on Kings Cross Highway. This beach is a great place to come and watch the sunset before heading out to dinner.

Pirate Trap Beach 

Our personal favorite beach on Staniel Cay is Pirate Beach. Pirate Beach is accessible only on foot. You’ll have to park your golf cart up at the top and walk down.

Bring sandals, as you must walk on rocks/coral to access this beach. Also, be prepared for the rocks to be covered depending on the tide. We basically had the beach to ourselves every day on our trip to Stanley Cay.

Ho Tai Cay Beach

Hoi Tai Cay beach was the most difficult for us to locate due to the road being washed out. When we visited Staniel Cay, the airport was under construction, and rains had washed out the road to Hoi Tai Cay beach, so we had to park our golf cart next to the airstrip and walk.

Hoi Tai Cay Beach doesn’t have a ton of dry sand, but like all the other beaches on Staniel Cay, it’s gorgeous. Definitely worth finding when spending a week on Staniel Cay.

South Beach

Looking for a sandy beach on Staniel Cay, head to South Beach. We never saw anyone else here. If you are at Hoi Tai Caty Beach, follow the trail a little further, and you will end up at South Beach.

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach isn’t a beach for swimming due to the number of rocks and the size of the waves. There were a few signs to Ocean Beach, but the road was washed out due to rain, so we had to abandon the golf cart and walk. I’d suggest coming here for sunrise in the mornings.

Restaurants On Staniel Cay

When it comes to dining in Staniel Cay, there aren’t many options. There are only three restaurants on Staniel Cay, and all are within 3 minutes from each other.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The most popular restaurant on Staniel Cay has to be the Staniel Cay Yacht Club . They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week.  Breakfast is from 8 am-10 am, with breakfast plates ranging from $12-14. The lunch menu is offered at noon-9p.m. and offers salads, sandwiches, and catch of the day.

Adam loved their conch po’boy sandwich (pictured above) for $14 served with fries, and I typically went with the hamburger with fries for $12. Dinner is served Bahamian style, reservations are required, and your order must be placed before 3:30 pm that day. Depending on the season, they will have 1-2 dinner seatings. When I visited in November, they had one at 7 pm.

Read TripAdvisor Reviews Here

Dinner entrees range from $23-42, and all include soup, salad, and dessert. Beverages are $3 soda, $4 beer, $10 daiquiri. NOTE: 7.5% VAT and 15% Gratuity is added to all bills at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Taste & Sea Restaurant

One cook, one line, good food takes time… that’s the slogan at Taste & Sea. This is a true Bahamas joint. We ate here every day for lunch. All the local construction workers came in for lunch, and they were a loud, hungry group!

If you plan on eating at Taste & Sea, you need to make sure to get there early in the day, as they tend to run out of food often. They are open for lunch Monday-Friday 11:30 am-1:30 pm, and Dinner Tuesday-Sunday.

We typically got their cheeseburger or chicken burger with fries, and all were good. Prices are reasonable, and there are no additional taxes and fees like at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Big Dogs Bar

Big Dogs is right across the street from Taste & Sea. We never eat here. We did, however, stop in for one beer. Note I said one beer. Well, one beer turned into two, and two beers turned into five. We had a blast chatting with the owner and the other bar patrons.

There is no official menu at Big Dogs, we stopped in on a Friday night, and they were serving traditional Bahamian “souce.” A local favorite, Souce, is a soup/step made with chicken, onion, pepper, carrots, potatoes, allspice, and some other secret tasty spices.

Grocery Stores On Staniel Cay

I wouldn’t call these grocery stores per se. They are more like mom and pop mini-stores. There are three mini-stores on the island: Pink Pearls, General Isles, and The Blue Store. Make sure to do all your shopping during the week and always before 5:30 pm as we found hardly anything was open on Sundays or during the evenings.

Pink Pearl was our go-to lady, if she wasn’t open, she would open for us. Her prices were the best we saw on the island. Super friendly lady, and happy to see us come daily. A can of Coke is $1, a gallon of water $2.98, a Snickers bar is $1.50, and a can of local beer is $4.

Day Trips from Staniel Cay

Get out and explore the nearby gorgeous islands. Either rent a boat and explore on your own or have a local guide/expert bring you to the best of the best!

Swimming With The Pigs

The highlight of our stay and one of the main reasons we came to Staniel Cay was to swim with the pigs on the neighboring island.

A short boat ride landed us on to a beach where the only inhabitants walked on four legs and had funny noses. Our arrival woke up the pigs from their afternoon naps in the sand.

A group of them came to greet us, sticking their snouts over the sides of the boat. With GoPros in hand, we hit the water. The big male of the group was the most adventurous, swimming out past where his short legs would keep his head above the water.

We had fun splashing and running around the crystal-clear water with the pigs. It’s not every day that you get to play with pigs in the Bahamas!

Make sure to bring some snacks, as these are some hungry pigs. WARNING:  the pigs aren’t the biggest fans of selfies…One of the pigs snipped at me, so be careful.

Make the pigs work for the food. We brought the food out in the ocean, getting them to come out and swim with us. We were fortunate to have Pig Island to ourselves, just us and some fat lazy pigs!

Thunderball Grotto

Just off of Staniel Cay lies Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave system. The grotto got its name back in 1965 from the James Bond movie “Thunderball” which was shot here. Several movies since have been shot here.

Hire a boat to bring you out to Thunderball Grotto at low tide, as this is the only time snorkelers can get into the cave. Entering at high tide is possible with diving equipment. Thunderball Grottos is a popular spot for underwater cave diving, but diving is not required to have an amazing time. Expect to see exotic marine life, bright coral reefs, yellowtail snappers, angelfish, and much much more.

Our hotel, Embrace Resort, arranged a boat with a local guide, Cliff to take us.  Cliff’s current rates per person as of October 2015 are: $35 Pig Island only, and $75 Compass Cay swim with sharks, Thunderball Grotto, Iguanas on the beach, and swim with the pigs on Pig Island. Just ask for Cliff. Everyone on Staniel Cay will know him.

Staniel Cay Plane Wreck

It is said to be one of the most accessible plane wrecks in the world and sits just off the shore of Staniel Cay. In just 6 feet of water lies the remains of a small plane. Just a short boat ride from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club pier or even closer to the Happy People Marina and Government docks.

Are There ATMs Or Banks On Staniel Cay?

There are no ATMs or even a bank on Staniel Cay. Make sure to bring more than enough spending cash to the island. Credit cards are accepted, but expect to pay a 5% fee.

If you’re coming from the United States, the USD is used widely. As the exchange rate is fixed $1 is 1 Bahamas dollar, and often, your change will be half Bahamas currency and half USD.

Average Daily Spending On Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is not a budget destination. Don’t leave home without your wallet. Expect to pay: $30-34 for breakfast for 2 with coffee at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, $25 for lunch at Taste & Sea for two people with a soda, and  $60-120 for two people to have a formal dinner and a drink at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

If you stay at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, which offers a meal package, this can be savings depending on the person. I’d suggest bringing $150 a day for two people , as you can always use your credit card at Staniel Yacht Club, but there is a service charge for doing so.

We spent an amazing week exploring Staniel Cay and can see why people come back year after year. By the end of our week on Staniel Cay, the locals recognized and already knew our names. I could really get used to island life.  Have you been to Staniel Cay? Share some of your tips below so I can add them to the complete Staniel Cay guide. 

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Monday 27th of May 2019

Thank you so much for this guide! My husband and I are traveling to Staniel Cay in 10 days. We are staying at the yacht club, I purchased the all-inclusive package because I thought it was the most convenient since the price includes a boat too.

Tuesday 25th of June 2019

Have an awesome trip to Staniel Cay! Don't miss the pigs and the Thunderbolt Grotto!

Jason L. Phillips

Friday 3rd of May 2019

Where are you from in WI? My wife is a cheesehead (Milton) and we're considering a trip to SC in Aug with our two daughters 11 & 8. I've been to several Bahamian islands on fishing trips but this would be their first intro to the Bahamas, so I want them to love it. Best, Jason Mt. Pleasant, SC

Wednesday 22nd of May 2019

We are from Milwaukee! I think the Exumas are a great spot and Staniel Cay has a lot that we feel would interest your daughters like the swimming pigs and Thunderbolt Grotto and lots of nice beaches. One thing to note the island is not huge and there are only a handful of restaurants. It makes a great long weekend to one week trip, but longer than that the kids might get a little stir crazy. Hope you have a great trip!

Sunday 28th of October 2018

We visited SCYC in Nov 2016 and are headed back next week (Nov 2018). We hunted lion fish (invasive species) with spears last time. If we want to catch any other fish, do we need a license? Does SCYC clean them for you?

If you like outdoor activities and clear ocean, you will not be bored on this island. Our villa came with a boat rental and we set out each day with a picnic lunch from SCYC and visited the nurse sharks, pigs, and iguanas. Tons of beautiful snorkeling. It rained only 1 day and only in the afternoon.

Thunderball grotto was amazing, I should have done it twice at different times of day.

Skinny dipping in the transom light of Johnny Depp's boat...its a magical place. There are no "kid specific" activities here. If they can snorkel, they will love it.

I am brining my own gluten free snacks this time and a bottle of gin in my water bottle - you can bring up to a quart through customs.

Monday 29th of October 2018

Agreed, the snorkeling is great. The only concern for children or anyone really is swimming between the islands, the current can be quiet strong as the tides come in and out, specifically near Pirate Trap Beach. Have a great trip!

Tuesday 2nd of October 2018

We are there now (10/2), note that the Yacht Club and it's excursions and rooms are shut down for the month of October for annual maintenance.

Hannah Lukaszewicz

Oh no, hope there are other dinner options open for you during the month. Have an amazing time in paradise.

Saturday 21st of July 2018

Really useful guide - thank you.

Hi. We are flying with Flamingo Air to Staniel Cay in August. I have a travel itinerary with a confirmation number but no actual ticket. Their website says you need an E-ticket. Please could you tell me what you needed and how you got that.

Also how do you get from the airport in stained cay to your hotel? We are staying at Lazy Bay Cottage.

We too flew Flamingo Air and don't remember there being any issue with the email confirmation we showed them. You might want to call them and confirm you have everything you need for your flight.

When you land on Staniel Cay you can arrange for your hotel to send a golf cart to come to pick you up. Otherwise, you'll be right at 3 n's which rents golf carts, which we think you'll highly want when staying on Staniel Cay. It's much bigger than you think, you won't want to walk everywhere. Safe travels to Staniel Cay.

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STANIEL CAY YACHT CLUB

Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas

www.stanielcay.com/marina

(242) 355-2024

[email protected]  

Latitude: 24.172401

Longitude: -76.445124

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers the perfect getaway for anyone seeking a comfortable, casual vacation on a remote, tranquil island. A boutique resort with 13 intimate bungalows and a full-service marina, SCYC is set on a charming small island surrounded by the most incredible water you will ever experience. Even at low tide the dock can accommodate drafts up to 12 feet and yachts up to 210 feet.  Take your own boat, find your own beach, make your own path. It really is like no other place on Earth.

• Abaco Beach Resort Marina Number of Slips : 200 Draft : 7-11 MLW LOA : 200 WiFi : Yes AMP : Single & Three Phase + 480v Fuel On-site : Yes (Diesel & Gasoline) Port of Entry : Yes
• OTHER AMENITIES Pumpout Restaurant Sailboat Charters Monitor VHF 16 with VHF 17 Working Channel Showers Fitness Center Fish Cleaning Station 250 ft Fueling Station Dedicated Welcome Lounge Watersport Equipment Laundry Playground Boutique/Shop Meeting Facilities
• LODGING Abaco Beach Resort features 90 oceanfront guestrooms, suites and condo residences. With 40-beachfront acres and a prime location within Marsh Harbour, Abaco Beach Resort offers guests access to a variety of land- and water-based activities ranging from island-hopping and diving to shopping and dining. The resort caters to families, couples, friends and groups looking to escape the crowds of some of the larger islands and experience the relaxed hassle-free attitude that makes The Abacos so unique. Pets Accepted Free Parking Ocean Front 24 Hour Reception 24 Hour Security Communal Bar Area WiFi in Public Areas Outdoor Pool ROOM AMENITIES Mini Refrigerator Sofa Hair Dryer Safe Coffee Maker Table & Chair Cable TV Wet Bar Iron & Ironing Board
• NEAR BY RESOURCES International Airport : Marsh Harbour (MHH) Grocery : Maxwell's Super Market Restaurants : Hurricane's at Marivaville, Terrace at the Great Room Small Boat Rental : Blue Wave Rental & Isuano Marine Pharmacy : Chemist Shoppe, Abaco Island Pharmacy Hardware : Maxwells Home Suppliers, Premier Importers Abaco Hardware Doctor : Local Clinic, Integrated Medicare Center Coin Laundry : Abaco Beach Resorts for Mariwa Guests Bank : Commonwealth Bank, Scotia ATM

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[email protected]

+1 786-289-8977

Mon – Sun 9.00 – 17.00

4300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL

Fla. Seller of Travel Ref No. ST41785

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Visit Staniel Cay Yacht Club on a Bahamas Day Trip

If you’re looking for the hub of some of Bahamas’ most exciting and fascinating attractions, then look no further than Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Based, of course, on the magnificent island of Staniel Cay , this yacht club provides the perfect base for you to go out and explore some of the very best that the Caribbean has to offer.

Not only will you be subject to absolute luxurious comfort in a truly stunning setting, but you will be spoiled for choice. Staniel Cay Day Tours which visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club will make you feel as if you’ve fallen directly into the world of James Bond. In fact, you actually have, as scenes from 1965’s Thunderball and 1983’s Never Say Never Again were actually shot nearby.

The entrance way to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club in Exuma

Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the ideal place for you to spend your Bahamian vacation, whether you’re enjoying Staniel Cay day trips, or you plan to spend the night. You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time, whether you choose to relax and enjoy all the incredible facilities of this magnificent accommodation or you decide to go out and explore all that Staniel Cay has to offer. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is sure to provide the Bahamian vacation of a lifetime.

Staniel Cay Island in the Exuma Cays

Staniel Cay is located in amongst the gorgeous string of islands known as the Exuma Cays . Made up of 365 islands, the Exuma Cays is one of the very best destinations in the Bahamas, and by extension, the world. With a number of celebrities even owning private islands of their own here, it makes sense that a tour that includes Staniel Cay should be near the top of your list. What’s more is that Staniel Cay itself is among the most beautiful of the Exuma Cays. Not only does it showcase some truly sensational tropical beauty with exquisite beaches framed by lush palm trees and turquoise water, but it also provides access to extraordinary outings in the area.

Aerial view of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Marina

Though there is plenty to see and do off the coast of this magnificent island, Staniel Cay Village is a wonderful destination in its own right. You can easily spend hours on a bicycle exploring the charming lanes of the village, stopping for a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant or simply enjoying the sights. Your entire tour will be framed by the magnificent ocean that ranges through every shade of blue. There’s something special about this island, beyond all the sights, attractions and Staniel Cay hotels, the atmosphere is one of pure paradise.

Visiting Staniel Cay Yacht Club on a Bahamas Day Trip with Bahamas Air Tours is a fantastic way to spend your vacation. If you’re based in Florida then you’ll be just moments away from the tour of a lifetime, flying from island to island and exploring each one at your leisure. If you choose to do a day trip from Florida, then be sure to include Staniel Cay on your list, as this destination is simply not to be missed.

View from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club of the Marina

What to do from Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Not only will you be living in luxury during your stay in Staniel Cay Yacht Club, you will also have access to numerous James Bond-like experiences nearby. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the gateway to all the very best things to do in and around the island.

For a start, you can go and visit the famous Swimming Pigs. A trip to view these paddling porcines is the most sought after tour on earth, and you’ll understand why. Something about watching what appear to be regular farm creatures in this paradisaic tropical setting is both comical and fascinating. What’s more is the pigs are friendly, and will actively swim out to meet you as you arrive by boat. You can even bring along some snacks for the pigs and feed them as they swim alongside you.

Swimming Pigs at Pig Beach, close to Staniel Cay

From everyday farm animals, to creatures of a prehistoric world, Staniel Cay Yacht Club provides the ideal base from which to explore. Bitter Guana Cay is another popular nearby site. Here you will find the Bahamian Rock Iguana roaming the beach or lazing about in the sun. Fortunately for all tourists, these creatures aren’t nervous of humans in the slightest. This means that you can line up some spectacular vacation pictures that will serve as excellent aids to remembering your marvellous time at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

More excitement awaits you at Compass Cay, where you will have the chance to swim with Nurse Sharks. Ranging from 7-14ft these large creatures may make you feel averse to jumping into the water beside them, but they are harmless for the most part. Always remember that they are still wild animals, and be sure to be well clear of the water during feeding time, but otherwise you are welcome to swim, stroke and even hold these sharks as they glide through the turquoise waters of Compass Cay.

Animals are great, and swimming with sharks is certainly thrilling, but nothing quite compares to a visit to Thunderball Grotto . This coastal cave was named after the Bond film that was shot here in 1965. You’ll need to clip on your masks and snorkels before diving into the crystalline ocean as the only access to the cave is through a submerged tunnel. To slowly float to the surface of the water inside the cave is an experience like no other. The cavern is illuminated from a small hole in the very top. This light dances through the water, making mesmerising patterns on the walls. As you bask in the glory of the cave, you may find yourself visited by a number of friendly tropical fish who call the coral beneath you home. Thunderball Grotto has particular relevance to Staniel Cay Yacht Club because many of the crew who were working on the film stayed in the club itself. A picture of the film crew can be seen in Staniel Cay Yacht Club Bahamas hanging in the bar.

The stunning Exuma Cays that surround Staniel Cay

As if an actual site from a Bond film wasn’t enough to make you feel immersed in this thrilling world, Staniel Cay has yet another tour available. Not far from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, you will find a sunken planewreck. Though this is a remarkable thing to see in itself, the story of how it got there is what makes it really interesting. This is said to have been a drug smugglers plane, which crashed during a practice delivery in the Bahamas. What this means is that pilots would practice their drops with bags of flour and not drugs. This is what was uncovered when the planewreck was discovered.

There certainly is no doubt that a visit to Staniel Cay Yacht Club will be a delightful one. Whether you’re looking for a thrill, a tour of some of the world’s most curious creatures or simply to enjoy world class accommodation, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is for you. If the James Bond theme of the club is what really draws you, then be sure to book your trip during the annual Casino Royale night at the club.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club Accommodation

Featuring 14 unique and intimate bungalows, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway and is certainly the best of the Staniel Cay hotels. In fact, an entire wedding party could spend their days in perfect, romantic luxury leading up to the ceremony. These bungalows provide you privacy, as well as great access to all the other amenities offered at Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Each bungalow at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club has a unique color and name

Being a Yacht Club, this accommodation is particularly popular for those who have sea vessels of their own. Staniel Cay Yacht Club has its very own full-service marina. Not only does this serve as a place for people to moor their boats, but also as an attraction of sorts. All guests have access to the marina, which means you can walk around and admire all of these magnificent yachts as they come and go from the marina.

Featuring one of the best bars in the country, and an excellent restaurant, Staniel Cay Yacht Club Bahamas really takes your vacation to the next level. Though going out to explore the island and beyond is encouraged, you needn’t leave the yacht club to enjoy an absolutely perfect Bahamian getaway.

Flags adorn the ceiling of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club Bar

Visit the Staniel Cay Yacht Club on a Bahamas Day Tour

Bahamas Air Tours is more than just a means to enjoy Bahamas tours from Maimi , it is an experience in itself. With the largest windows in any commercial plane on earth, your time in the aircraft will be a truly picturesque one. Until you have experienced it, few realize just how beautiful the Bahamas is from above. Not only does Bahamas Air Tours allow you to see a wide range of the Bahamian Islands from this exceptional perspective, you will also be able to land and explore each of the islands at your leisure.

Though the wonder of flight is undoubtedly the very best part of a trip with Bahamas Air Tours , the travel time saved is another huge bonus. Most people have toured the Bahamas by boat, which takes significantly longer than touring by air. This means you can make far more of your time on you vacation. What’s more is that it has opened up the possibility to do Bahamas day trips from Florida and still experience the Bahamas in all its glory. Staniel Cay Day Trips depart from Miami and Nassau .

Select images courtesy of the Bahamas Ministry Of Tourism.

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Visit The Staniel Cay Yacht Club

Explore staniel cay paradise.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club offers the perfect getaway for anyone seeking a comfortable, casual vacation on a remote, tranquil island. A boutique resort with 13 intimate bungalows, one villa, and a full-service marina, it is set on a charming small island surrounded by the most incredible water you will ever experience. Take your own boat, find your own beach, make your own path. It really is like no other place on Earth.

Visit The Staniel Cay Yacht Club and xxplore crystal-clear waters, pristine reefs, deserted islands and white-sand beaches with your own skiff. The many secluded beaches, coves and isles surrounding Staniel Cay are a perfect setting for numerous activities. At the Staniel Cay Yacht Club , we can provide you with everything you’ll need (including a picnic lunch) to enjoy a day filled with relaxation or excitement – or maybe a little of both!

• Beaches / Sandbarring
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
• Thunderball Grotto , featured in the James Bond film, Thunderball
• Big Major’s Spot , home of the famous  swimming pigs
• Compass Cay , swim with sharks
• Allan’s Cay, see wild iguanas
• Scuba Diving
• Ocean kayak or stand-up paddle board
• Guided tours
• Explore Staniel Cay

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8 Things To Do In Staniel Cay: Complete Guide To The Bahamas' Crown Jewel

N estled in the heart of the Exuma Cays, Staniel Cay is a picturesque island paradise where the gentle embrace of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea converge. This Bahamian gem, though small, boasts an abundance of natural wonders and rich history that beckon travelers from near and far. Staniel Cay is best known for its proximity to Thunderball Grotto, an awe-inspiring underwater cave that has played host to several Hollywood films, and the famed swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Yet, there is more to uncover, such as the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, and the alluring blue hues of the surrounding waters that captivate the senses.

Staniel Cay's intriguing history is woven into the fabric of its community, where tales of pirates and loyalists intertwine with the island's present-day charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by exploring the quaint village, engaging with the warm and welcoming residents, and indulging in the island's cuisine.

This article is a complete guide to the main things to do in Staniel Cay plus more helpful information that a traveler would need to know.

Things To Do In Staniel Cay

Known as the “Jewel in the Crown of the Bahamas” Staniel Cay is more than just a typical island destination.

From tales of pirates to a population of friendly swimming pigs, there’s plenty to keep tourists busy, Staniel Cay offers some of the best things to do in Exuma, Bahamas , and below are the top recommendations.

Visit The Swimming Pigs At Pig Beach

Pig Beach is home to the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. Located just a short boat ride away from the main island, this picturesque spot offers tourists the opportunity to interact with these friendly aquatic animals.

The beach is inhabited by around 20 pigs and visitors can feed, swim with the pigs, and take photos with the charming swine as they frolic in the crystal-clear waters. Boat tours to Pig Beach are available daily, with prices varying depending on the tour operator.

• Operator : Staniel Cay Adventures
• Group Tour Price : From $300

Explore Thunderball Grotto

Thunderball Grotto is a breathtaking underwater cave system and is a must-visit attraction on Staniel Cay . Located near the western end of the island, this natural wonder is famous for its vibrant marine life and crystal-clear waters.

The grotto has gained popularity due to its appearance in the James Bond movie Thunderball and it offers an unforgettable snorkeling experience for visitors. Adventurers can expect to encounter colorful fish, coral formations, and the occasional sea turtle as they navigate the caverns.

The best time to visit is during low tide when the entrance is more accessible. Guided tours are available, but experienced snorkelers can explore on their own.

Snorkel At The Exuma Cays Land And Sea Park

This captivating park located near Staniel Cay offers an unforgettable underwater experience for snorkeling enthusiasts. Covering a vast 176-square-mile area, the park boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, including colorful coral reefs and various fish species.

Visitors can explore the alluring depths while marveling at the breathtaking sights beneath the waves. The park also features several pristine beaches, ideal for relaxation after a day of aquatic adventure. With endless opportunities for exploration, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park promises an enchanting experience for all ages.

• Hours : 24 hours (daily)
• Diving Fee : $14 per person

Take A Day Trip To Compass Cay

Compass Cay , a captivating island near Staniel Cay, is known for its friendly nurse sharks and tourists can safely interact with these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. The island boasts pristine beaches, ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

For the adventurous, there are intriguing underwater caves to explore, providing a glimpse into the island's hidden beauty. Additionally, Compass Cay Marina provides a convenient spot for boating enthusiasts to dock and refuel. With its diverse range of activities, a day trip to Compass Cay guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Related: Island Hopping Made Easy: 10 Best Cruises To Explore The Bahamas

Enjoy A Beach Day At Pipe Creek Beach

Experience the serene beauty of Pipe Creek Beach, a picturesque spot found on the charming island of Staniel Cay. This pristine beach offers a tranquil escape from the bustling island life, stretching along the coastline with its powdery white sand and azure waters.

Visitors can delight in various activities such as snorkeling, sunbathing, or simply strolling along the shoreline. The shallow waters make it an ideal location for families with young children, while the vibrant marine life attracts snorkelers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Nearby, tourists can find local eateries serving delicious Bahamian cuisine, perfect for a beachside lunch.

Go On A Fishing Excursion

This idyllic destination is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of aquatic life to catch. The area is renowned for its bonefish, grouper, and snapper populations, providing ample opportunity for both novice and seasoned anglers.

Fishing charters are readily available from companies like Staniel Cay Adventures , with these ranging from bone fishing to deep drop fishing. The excursion typically lasts for half or full-day, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

Rods, reels, and bait are often provided, leaving visitors free to focus on the excitement of reeling in their catch.

Visit The Blue Hole

Nestled in the picturesque Staniel Cay, the Blue Hole is a captivating underwater sinkhole that draws in tourists from all over the world. This geological wonder, located just a short boat ride away, offers an unforgettable experience for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters reveal a vibrant marine ecosystem, teeming with colorful fish and coral formations.

At a depth of approximately 663 feet, the Blue Hole is not only a sight to behold but also a thrilling challenge for experienced divers. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the surrounding area boasts pristine white-sand beaches, which are perfect for relaxation.

Head To Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The charming Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the island's premier resort that's worth visiting , offering a unique blend of relaxation and excitement. Located in the Exuma Cays, this yacht club provides a picturesque setting for both avid sailors and casual vacationers.

The club boasts a marina, a restaurant, and an array of cozy cottages for accommodation. Guests can indulge in various water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming with pigs, or exploring the famous Thunderball Grotto.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the club offers stunning views of turquoise waters and vibrant sunsets.

• Address : Main Street Staniel Cay, Bahamas

Where To Eat In Staniel Cay

Bahamian cuisine is known for being spicy and sumptuous with seafood making up a huge portion of the dishes. Visitors can try options like Conch Salad, Conch Fritters, Conch Stew, and Bahamian Fish Stew, among so many other meals. Below is a look at the top places to eat in the greater Exuma Cays.

Breakfast/Lunch

Staniel Cay Yacht Club Restaurant

• Address : 5HC4+V2G, Staniel Cay, The Bahamas, Black Point, Bahamas
• Hours : 8 am - 9 pm (daily)
• Meals : Blackened fish, lobster salad, club sandwich, Conch Po’Boy

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Hill House Restaurant

• Address : Fowl Cay, Fowl Cay Resort, Bahamas
• Hours : 8 am - 10 pm (daily)
• Meals : Grilled Prime Cut Fillet Mignon Steak, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Seafood Extravaganza

Flying Pig Café

• Address : B&G Highway, Airport Rd, Staniel Cay, Bahamas
• Hours : Mon - Sat: 8 am - 9 pm (closed on Sun)
• Meals : Shrimp & Grits, Wings & Waffles, Lobster Pasta, Shrimp Ceviche, Sweet Guava Wings, Flank Steak

Lunch/Dinner

Emerald Sunset View

• Address : Great Guana Cay Blackpoint Black Point Exuma Cays, Bahamas
• Hours : 8 am - 11:30 pm (daily)
• Meals : Crack Conch Burger, Veggie Burger, Chicken Sandwich, Coconut Shrimp, Mahi Mahi

Lunch/Dinner/Drinks

Shallow Waters Bar & Restaurant

• Address : G679+R3Q, Queens Highway @ The Fish Fry George Town, Exuma, Bahamas
• Hours : Tue - Thu & Sat: 11 am - 12 am; Fri & Sun: 11 am - 2 am (closed on Mon)
• Drinks : Vodka lemonade, Margarita, Mojito,

Where To Stay In Staniel Cay

All of Staniel Cay is beautiful, so the best accommodation option will suit travelers' budget and amenity requirements.

Seaweed Cottage With Atlantic Ocean View

• Price : From $250
• Amenities : Full kitchen, patio, washer/dryer, internet, beach access

Sanddollar Beach Cottage

• Price : From $200
• Amenities : Air-conditioning, washer/dryer, kitchen facilities, terrace, beach access

Beach House In Staniel Cay

• Address : Staniel Cay, Black Point, Bahamas
• Price : From $972
• Amenities : 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, private beach, kitchen facilities, air-conditioned rooms, queen-sized beds, WiFi, private patio, free parking

Related: 10 Beautiful Beachfront Airbnbs That Are Worth Booking In The Bahamas Seashell Cottage

• Address : Exuma Cays, Black Point, Bahamas
• Price : From $372
• Amenities : 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen facilities, beach access, washer & dryer, crib, patio,

Room In Cute Bungalow

• Address : Staniel Cay, Exuma, Bahamas
• Price : From $225
• Amenities : King bed, private bath, airport pickup, daily cleaning, free WiFi, pool, BBQ grill, mini-fridge, microwave

When To Visit Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay boasts a subtropical climate with warm temperatures and sunny skies throughout the year. The ideal months to visit Staniel Cay are between November and April when the weather is most favorable and there is minimal rainfall.

Below is an overview of what to expect during the various seasons on this beautiful island.

November to April

The peak tourist season in Staniel Cay coincides with the cooler, drier months of the year. During this period, temperatures average highs of 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) and lows of 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).

The dry season brings a refreshing breeze and minimal rainfall, creating the perfect conditions for exploring the island's stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.

Visitor numbers tend to be higher during this time, and prices for accommodations and activities may be at their highest. To get the best deals, visitors are advised to make reservations for flights and lodgings well in advance.

May to October

As the summer months approach, temperatures on Staniel Cay begin to climb, with highs reaching 88 degrees Fahrenheit (31 degrees Celsius) and lows around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). The humidity levels also increase during this time, as the island transitions into its wet season.

Despite the heat and humidity, visiting Staniel Cay between May and October can still be enjoyable, as the crowds begin to disperse and prices become more attractive. However, visitors should be prepared for occasional rain showers and the possibility of tropical storms or hurricanes.

Related: Here's What Makes December A Surprisingly Good Time To Visit The Bahamas

June to October

The wet season in Staniel Cay varies, but it’s typically between June and October. Some months during this season are characterized by higher rainfall, sporadic thunderstorms, and increased humidity. These are often May, June, and October, which experience the highest amount of rainfall in the year.

Temperature highs hover around 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), while lows remain at 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). Although the rain may impact some outdoor activities, there are still plenty of opportunities to discover the island's many attractions.

During this period, visitor numbers are significantly lower, and prices for accommodations and activities are more affordable. Those looking for a budget-friendly vacation can visit Staniel Cay at this time , but visitors should check the weather forecast to pick a month with fewer chances of rainfall.

Getting Around Staniel Cay

Travelers arriving at Staniel Cay can fly into the Staniel Cay Airport, a small airstrip that accommodates private and charter flights. Regular flights are available from cities such as Miami , Fort Lauderdale, and Nassau.

For international visitors, the closest major airport is the Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, which is approximately 75 miles from Staniel Cay. From there, visitors can take a connecting flight or opt for a ferry to reach the island.

To explore the island of Staniel Cay, tourists can choose from several transportation options.

A popular choice for getting around Staniel Cay is renting a golf cart. Golf carts are available for rent from various local businesses like Staniel Cay Golf Cart Rentals , providing a convenient and fun way to explore the island.

• Rental rates typically start at $60 for a half-day and $80 for a full day, with discounts available for multi-day rentals.

For those who prefer a more active mode of transportation, bicycles are available for rent on Staniel Cay. Bicycle rentals can be found at several local establishments, offering an affordable and eco-friendly way to explore the island.

• Rental rates for bicycles start at $20 per day, with weekly rates available for longer stays.

Related: Plane Vs. Boat: Pros Of Both When Traveling From Miami To The Bahamas

Staniel Cay is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and numerous nearby islands, making boating an ideal way to experience the area. Visitors can rent boats from local businesses, with options ranging from small skiffs to larger vessels.

• Boat rentals typically start at $200 for a half-day and $3000 for a full day, depending on the size and type of boat.

Lastly, walking is a simple and cost-effective way to explore Staniel Cay. The island is relatively small, measuring just over two miles in length, making it easy to navigate on foot. Walking allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and charm of Staniel Cay, from its sandy beaches to its quaint local neighborhoods.

Additionally, walking is an excellent way to interact with friendly locals and uncover hidden spots that may not be accessible by other means of transportation.

Spending The Perfect Day In Staniel Cay

Begin the day with a beach stroll then enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local café before venturing to the Thunderball Grotto for an unforgettable snorkeling experience. Next, explore the charming Staniel Cay Village, admiring its colorful cottages and friendly atmosphere.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby eatery before visiting the famous swimming pigs at Pig Beach on Big Major Cay. Afterward, unwind on the pristine sands of Pipe Creek Beach, taking in the breathtaking views.

As the day comes to a close, embark on a captivating sunset cruise around the cay, followed by a delightful dinner at a beachside restaurant to end the perfect day.

Q: How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Staniel Cay?

The boat ride from Nassau to Staniel Cay lasts about an hour and a half.

Q: Is Pig Beach in Staniel Cay?

Pig Beach is actually found on Big Major Cay, found a short distance north of Staniel Cay, which is about a 10-minute boat ride away.

Q: What country is Staniel Cay in?

Staniel Cay is a part of the Bahamas , located in Central Bahamas.

Nightlife City Guide

Moscow: nightlife and clubs

Moscow nightlife: despite the freezing weather, the Russian capital gets hot as the sun goes down. Between discos, luxury, exaggerated parties and beautiful Russian girls, the Moscow nightlife offers everything you need for memorable nights.

Moscow nightlife

The city of Moscow is definitely one of the most interesting European cities: the stories about underground lines and secret bunkers, the architecture of its buildings, from the Kremlin to St. Basil's Cathedral, up to the Soviet style of the Seven Sisters and modern skyscrapers, make the Russian capital is a unique and fascinating city.

One of the many things that Moscow is famous for is its wild nightlife . Moscow never sleeps. If there is anything true about Russians, it is that they love to party! Despite its freezing weather, Moscow turns out to be a hot city with endless fun, hip nightclubs, extreme luxury, beautiful Russian girls and lots of booze when night falls!

In fact, in recent years, the Russian capital has definitively abandoned the gray period of communism and its inhabitants have given vent to their desire for fun. As you might expect in a city of over 12 million people, Moscow has an amazing array of nightlife options and a huge choice for all tastes, whether you are a jazz fan, hardcore clubbers or just plain old alcoholics. The nightlife in Moscow winds through a multitude of alternative and transgressive nightclubs where the watchword is to meet new people and spend a night of unbridled and uninhibited fun . In addition to the numerous discos, in the Russian capital there are also 20 casinos open until dawn. For those who want a break of intriguing relaxation, in the city of Moscow there are also numerous massage salons .

Most of Moscow's nightclubs contain a restaurant, a bar area and a nightclub (the larger ones also have bowling alleys, billiards and a casino!). Perhaps because Moscow is such a large metropolis with very cold temperatures and taxis are so expensive that the owners of the bars and clubs want to offer their customers an all in one place for night entertainment.

So, in other words, Moscow is not the best city in the world for bar-crawling, especially bearing in mind that these multipurpose venues often charge entrance, but rather it is better to carefully choose the club where to spend the night.

For a quieter and more sober evening, head for an evening stroll along the Via Arbat or the Red Square to be fascinated by the lights of the city and the grandeur of the buildings, and admire the shops and street artists. An alternative to experience Moscow's nightlife is to spend an evening of lyric, ballet or opera. The Russian capital is home to around sixty theaters, the most famous of which is the world-renowned Bolshoi Theater (Theater Square, 1, Moscow).

Moscow nightlife districts

Moscow's nightlife is not concentrated in a single district but is scattered throughout the city. However, there are areas with a greater concentration of bars and nightclubs .

The Krasnij Oktjabr (Russian for "Red October") complex, a red brick building located on the island in the center of the Moscow River that once housed a chocolate factory, is dotted with numerous trendy nightclubs and offers spectacular views of the river and the symbolic places of the Russian capital. This is where the most glamorous parties in Moscow take place, there are numerous bars, restaurants and art galleries.

Other neighborhoods with good nightlife are the old manufactory area near the Russian government building which houses some bars, the area around the Trubnaya metro and around Kuznetsky Most , while the Kurskaya groups the clubs with electronic music. We can also mention the area of ​​the Patriarch's ponds, an area that is teeming with quiet bars.

Clubs and discos in Moscow

The crowd is very mixed. Students, young professionals, techno lovers, tourists all gather at Propaganda. Everyone comes to enjoy the music and have fun. It is one of the few clubs where the dancefloor dominates and there are hardly any tables, apart from a few that overlook the entire space. Propaganda is a restaurant until midnight. You can come earlier for dinner and stay for dancing. After midnight, the staff clears the tables from the dance floor and the whole place turns into a club. The place is different from the usual Moscow restaurant / club hybrids, however, because the atmosphere changes completely from "relaxed restaurant" to "underground electro club". Not to be missed.

There are more areas with different music. In the first area, expect a mix of traditional music and Russian pop songs. In the second, slightly larger area, there is live Russian pop music until 2am. After that it is mostly some kind of electronic music. The club is frequented by beautiful Russian girls around 18-25 years old, stunning students or models, and of course there is a good deal of young Russians, middle-aged men and foreign tourists trying their luck! Unlike many other nightclubs, the Icon is a pure nightclub and not a club turned into a restaurant. In any case, if you like to party in a big club and want to savor the typical Moscow nightlife , this is the perfect solution.

The crowd is the same as in other high-end Moscow clubs. Men are rarely under the age of 35 and are committed to giving the impression that money is not an issue. The women are amazing even by Moscow nightlife - if you want to meet Moscow's super models, this is the place! Ideal if you want to toast with the Moscow elite.

The club is located on two floors. The lower floor is mainly frequented by people hanging out at the bar and is good for conversation. The narrow stairs that perfectly fit the student atmosphere of the club take you to the main floor where the real party takes place, complete with a bedlam and girls dancing on the bar counter. In the summer months there is also an outdoor terrace. The place is always crowded and bouncers unnecessarily queue people - having a table or someone inside can be the key to skipping the queue. Otherwise, you might end up waiting half an hour or more. Come early or come back late if you want to avoid the crowds.

The crowd that frequents this club is quite mixed. People are less trendy and more underground. The place is suitable for afterhours, so most people arrive from 3am onwards.

Immediately upon entering, you will have the feeling that you have come to the local high school graduation prom instead of a real Moscow nightclub. There is no real interior design, but basically just a large hall with a stage and a bar. The crowd is almost entirely made up of teenagers and young people. Not many of the teens speak English, but it probably doesn't matter after all the alcohol. The music ranges from Russian pop and hip-hop to the most famous international hits. Perfect if you want to party and drink alcohol in one of the cheapest clubs in Moscow .

Here too, it's full of beautiful girls and it's also a great place to hit them off, as those who come here are notoriously more approachable. The advice is to be very firm with the girls who approach and to make your intentions clear. If you want to be 100% sure to get in, come at 2am when the club is still uncrowded.

Oblaka plays a mix of Russian and international pop music. Occasionally, as in many other clubs, there are performances by Russian pop singers. As is often the case in these types of clubs, the music and DJ are not the best but the guests don't seem to care.

Moscow's bars and pubs

The bar looks similar but still distinctly different than regular Moscow posh clubs. Most of the people who frequent this place are over 25, and you can find everything from young professionals to creative types to self-proclaimed models. Great if you want to see the "real Muscovites" celebrate without the overblown flashes of wealth. The proposed music is a strange mix of old and new commercial songs and Russian pop.

Downstairs is a large open space that opens its doors wide in the summer. The interior is rustic, yet elegant, with wooden furnishings and plenty of seating. The interior combined with Ugolek's popularity creates a crowded yet intimate atmosphere, especially on weekends. People come to chat, drink and eat. The upstairs bar has a more welcoming atmosphere. It is smaller, with soft lighting and armchairs to be able to relax. On weekends there is a DJ who mixes electronic music and transforms the bar into a relaxed place, ideal for the pre-party.

Map of clubs, pubs and bars in Moscow

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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• Waterfront Bungalows

Sugar Apple

Enjoy the waterfront from your bungalow that the Exuma Cays have become known for.

This chain of 365 islands is home to secluded footprint-free beaches, deserted cays, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Waterfront Buttonwood

Buttonwood is a cozy waterfront bungalow, perfect for a couple. Experience the beauty and tranquility of the Exuma Cays from your large covered porch just steps from the water.

Amenities Included

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Porch Full-bath With Rain Shower Deluxe Pillow-top King-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No TV in the Bungalow Wifi Porch Swing Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Additional Package Plan Amenities

Access To A 17′ Skiff, Including Fuel Three Meals Per Day Per Person One Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Meal Gratuities Are Included Bicycles Ocean Kayaks Paddle-boards The package does not include airfare, golf carts, alcoholic beverages, any appetizers or bar menu items, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, or any additional menu items ordered at meal times.

Reservations that are booked as “Lodging Only” with no Package Plan do not include the use of a boat, bicycles, paddleboards, or any meals during your stay.  These must all be paid for a la carte.

Check-in 3:00 PM, and Check-out is 10:00 AM

Waterfront Sea Grape

Sea Grape is an intimate waterfront bungalow, ideal for a couple. With a large covered porch overlooking the water, you will experience the beauty and tranquility of the Exumas.

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Covered Porch Full-bath With Rain Shower & Double Sinks Deluxe Pillow-top King-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Wifi Porch Swing Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Access To A 17′ Skiff, Including Fuel Three Meals Per Day Per Person One Non-alcoholic Beverage Per Meal Gratuities Are Included Bicycles Ocean Kayaks Paddle-boards Package does not include: airfare, golf carts, alcoholic beverages, any appetizers or bar menu items, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, any additional menu items ordered at meal times.

Reservations that are booked as “Lodging Only” with no Package Plan do not include the use of a boat, bicycles, paddle-boards, or any meals during your stay.  These must all be paid for a la carte.

Waterfront Sugar Apple

Sugar Apple is an intimate waterfront bungalow, ideal for a couple. With a large covered porch overlooking the water, you will experience the beauty and tranquility of the Exumas.

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Covered Porch Full-bath With Rain Shower & Double Sinks Deluxe Pillow-top King-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Porch Swing Wifi Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Waterfront Dilly Gum

Dilly Gum is an intimate waterfront bungalow, ideal for a couple. With a large covered porch overlooking the water, you will experience the beauty and tranquility of the Exumas.

Waterfront Pink

This single-story bungalow is ideal for couples, having one bedroom and a balcony overhanging crystal clear waters, facing west for beautiful sunsets.

Beautiful Waterfront Location Deluxe Pillow-top Queen-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Wifi Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Waterfront Blue

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Covered Porch Deluxe Pillow-top Queen-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Wifi Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Reservations that are booked as “Lodging Only” with no Package Plan do not include the use of a boat, bicycles, paddleboards, or any meals during your stay.  These must all be paid for a la carte

Waterfront Orange

This single-story waterfront bungalow is ideal for couples, having one bedroom and a balcony overhanging crystal clear waters, facing west for beautiful sunsets.

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Covered Porch Full-bath With Rain Shower Deluxe Pillow-top Queen-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Wifi Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

Waterfront Lavender

Waterfront Yellow

This single-story bungalow is unique with an octagonal shape and a south-facing, waterside back-deck nestled amongst buttonwood trees. Still ideal for a couple, this bungalow has a classic daybed with accompanying trundle bed allowing families of three or four to sleep comfortably.

Beautiful Waterfront Location Large Covered Porch Full-bath With Rain Shower & Double Sinks Deluxe Pillow-top King-size Bed Air Conditioning Coffeemaker Small Refrigerator No Tv In Bungalow Wifi Swimming Pool & Sundeck Access Staniel Airport Ground Transportation

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Restaurant-Yacht Chaika

Ratings and reviews, location and contact.

Pleasantly surprised, service is good so is the food. Great selection of Fusion food, a mixture of Italian, Japanese, European, Asian etc. A pleasantly nice dining experience, highly recommended, a must try!

Thank you for your feedback and invite you to have lunch or dinner again aboard the ship in an atmosphere of high standards of yacht hospitality.

everything was perfect - the food, the service, the desserts were the best, nice atmosphere and the location - magical

Best food, best view in Moscow. absolutely faultless from arrival to finish. Best risotto i had for many years absolutely perfectly cooked. The view on Ukrainian hotel and the white house by night is amazing

Had to wait for the food for 1.5 hours and then another 20 minutes for the check. Finally called for the manager and he offered... a 10% discount as a compensation. Simply pathetic! The food is mediocre at best. Not bad per se, but one... would expect something better considering the prices. There are many places to eat in area that are much better. Avoid this one at all costs. More

Hello, Alexander Your comment is extremely important for us, thank you a lot for it. We are terribly sorry for your time that you`ve spent waiting your order and we have already taken actions to improve quality of our service and it would be realy... More

Food is very expensive,very pretentious, doesn't worth that money. Portions are very small. We ordered ravioli and there were 4! Four raviolis! For almost 15 euros. Then we asked to bring us dessert menu but nothing, they didn't even bothered, so we payed and left... without dessert. Very poor service for that price. More

This is a very good restaurant. The food is really good, maybe the best in Moscow. The service is also good. The view from the restaurant is great. The prices are very high.

I often visit this restaurant and must say it’s one of the best in Moscow in terms of quality and service. Staff really try hard to make sure that you are happy and satisfied. Customer service is a huge problem in Moscow but Chaika sets... a great example for others in the industry! Food is delicious and the menu has lots of options for everyone! Atmosphere is great and view is beautiful on the embankment. Special thanks to German & Oleg! More

Thank you for your feedback! Again aboard the yacht restaurant "Chaika" in accordance with the high standards of yacht hospitality.

Highly recommended, great location in the city center of Moscow with a superb atmosphere. Too many menu choices, though all delicious!

Thx a lot for your review! We are looking forward to see you in our restaurants.

Visited this lovely restaurant with a friend of mine. It was relaxingly warm August evening - so the place on the river seemed like a good idea. We came quite early and the restaurant was not full. The hostesses kindly offered several places to sit... and we chose to sit on the sofas. We had some wine, which was good. We struggled a bit when deciding about the food as few options (scallops) were not available. Fish on ice on display did not look very fresh. To be honest it was an unusually hot August and it is probably understandable that some see food options were not available. However, we did manage to order something and sat waiting and looking onto the river. My long-legged friend struggled sitting at the low sofa and the manager noticed that, offering as a very good, proper table beside the open window. It was nice touch and I was very pleased by their polite observations and immediate reaction to solve the problem. Food was quite good and presentation was perfect. Perhaps I can something about the food, but 1 visit is not enough to criticize or make a definitive opinion. Overall, quality place, which of course, does not come cheap. I would recommend this restaurant without hesitation. More

Good afternoon! Thank you for your detailed feedback! We are looking forward to seeing you again, we are sure that you will be delighted with our dishes!

I've been here several times during two business trip in Moscow. The overall quality for both service and food is absolutely top-notch, plus the location is very unique.

Hello! Thank you for your feedback! We are looking forward to visiting again!

Located on a boat at Krasnopresenskaya River Bank this 5 Star Restaurant transforms into a party location due to multiple groups hosting events. Impressive wine selection, Asian and European kitchen...

Thx a lot! We are waiting for you!

It is a nice place to gather specially at the lounge The service and staff very good I like the river view The food is almost like all restaurants in Russia they serve different cuisine. Staring Russian appetizer till Asian dishes Presentation and taste amazing... I consider it overpriced little bit More

Good location. Nice views. Good choice of food and drinks. European and Asian menu. Nice service. Pricey enough.

Had a large group dinner here. Food was above average and service quite good. The real attraction is the view of Moscow from the river on a nice night. Great place for a larger group dinner. More

Hello, John We are really pleased by reading that you and your friends were satisfied by our service, client`s experience is the highest value for us. We will be happy to see you again, come and enjoy some new dishes from our chef and nice... More

The luxurious atmosphere of this place, the view and the location make it quite outstanding. We had dinner here with friends and the dishes were amazing, accompanied by a chilled bottle of Chablis, it really made me feel as if it was a part of... the classic Russian movie. More

RESTAURANT-YACHT CHAIKA, Moscow - Presnensky - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor

• Service: 4.5
• Atmosphere: 4.5