A two-square-mile paradise in the Exuma Cays with gin-clear water, James Bond-famous sea caves, and a beach full of swimming pigs just a short boat ride away. No megaships, no crowds — just small-ship intimacy at its best.
Only small luxury and boutique cruise ships call here — no megaships. All arrive by tender to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club marina.
💡 Pro move: Cash is preferred by most local vendors. SCYC accepts cards but charges a 5% surcharge. Bring USD — it's used 1:1 with Bahamian dollars.
No cruise pier exists at Staniel Cay — all ships tender ashore to the SCYC marina or Government Dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Windstar, SeaDream, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | SCYC Marina / Government Dock📍 | Tendered |
| Small expedition & charter vessels | SCYC Marina📍 | Tendered |
The best of Staniel Cay is on the water — snorkel a Bond-film grotto, swim with pigs, and pet nurse sharks at nearby cays.
Swim inside a sunlit limestone cave made famous by James Bond's Thunderball (1965) and Never Say Never Again. At low tide, shafts of light pierce the ceiling as tropical fish swirl around you. Note: flippers are no longer allowed inside.
Find Thunderball Grotto tours →Big Major Cay — just 5–10 minutes by boat — is home to the Bahamas' famous feral swimming pigs. They wade out to meet your boat for snacks. Also home to stray cats and goats. Bring bread or fruit.
Find swimming pigs tours →About 15 minutes north by boat, Compass Cay Marina is where you can wade into shallow water and interact with dozens of friendly, docile nurse sharks. A $15 landing fee applies.
Find Compass Cay tours →A short boat ride south brings you to a beach inhabited by endangered Bahamian Rock Iguanas — prehistoric-looking creatures that sprint down to greet visitors arriving on the sand.
Find Exuma island-hopping tours →Staniel Cay has two beautiful free beaches. Town Beach (Radio Beach) is a 5-minute walk west of the dock — calm, shallow, great for a quick dip. Pirate Trap Beach, on the north end, is a secluded crescent perfect for shell-hunting.
Explore Staniel Cay beaches →The island is small enough to explore on foot — the real highlight walk is a loop through the settlement and up the hill for panoramic views.
From the SCYC marina, walk through the colorful settlement past Mount Olivet Baptist Church and the local schoolhouse. Head uphill near the yacht club for 360° views of the turquoise Exuma Sound.
Head north along the island's sandy tracks toward Pirate Trap Beach, a secluded crescent on the northern tip. Usually deserted — bring a towel and enjoy it before the tour boats arrive.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Staniel Cay, Exuma Cays, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:51 AM | 5:39 PM |
| Feb | 76°F / 24°C | 74°F / 23°C | 6 | 6:39 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Mar | 76°F / 24°C | 74°F / 23°C | 5 | 7:14 AM | 7:14 PM |
| Apr | 78°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | 8 | 6:44 AM | 7:27 PM |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 14 | 6:22 AM | 7:41 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 11 | 6:17 AM | 7:54 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 13 | 6:27 AM | 7:56 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 13 | 6:41 AM | 7:38 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 17 | 6:52 AM | 7:08 PM |
| Oct | 83°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 19 | 7:03 AM | 6:38 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 13 | 6:21 AM | 5:19 PM |
| Dec | 78°F / 26°C | 75°F / 24°C | 12 | 6:41 AM | 5:20 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Staniel Cay, Exuma Cays, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.