At solely a few miles lengthy and with a inhabitants of round 100 residents, Staniel Cay could also be small, however it packs a punch! Should you’re searching for a peaceable, but enjoyable trip, learn on to be taught all the pieces you might want to learn about Staniel Cay within the Exumas.

Initially, we have been planning on spending 5 nights on the cay. It’s so small, we didn’t suppose there could be all that a lot to see and do there. We have been incorrect!

In reality, we ended up extending our keep to 10 nights and will have simply spent 2 weeks on and round lovely Staniel Cay — there’s simply one thing magical about this place.

Recognized for the well-known swimming pigs, the Thunderball grotto, pristine sandbars and a lot extra, it’s no shock folks come from all all over the world to go to this little piece of paradise.

On this information, I’ll share all the pieces you might want to learn about visiting Staniel Cay within the Bahamas.

Attending to Staniel Cay

To start with, the place is Staniel Cay and the way do you get there?

The place is Staniel Cay?

This little cay is situated within the Exumas, mainly in the midst of the Bahamas. It’s round 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Nassau and 400 kilometers (250 miles) southeast of Florida.

There are 365 islands (cays) within the Exumas district of the Bahamas, with Staniel Cay being certainly one of them.

How Do You Get to Staniel Cay?

Until you will have your personal boat and are crusing or cruising across the Bahamas, the easiest way to get to Staniel Cay is by flight.

There is a mailboat that leaves from Nassau and heads to Staniel Cay as soon as per week, however that takes 12 hours and the entire locals we spoke to mentioned they wouldn’t take it now that there are flight choices.

From the United States, you may fly direct to Staniel Cay on a flight with Makers Air from Ft. Lauderdale. Or, take a industrial flight from Florida to Nassau after which a direct, 30-minute flight to Staniel Cay with Flamingo Air.

There are quite a few flights per day.

We flew with Makers Air in a 9 seater airplane from Ft. Lauderdale and the journey was snug and protected. We arrived on the hanger on the Govt Airport in Ft. Lauderdale simply 1 hour earlier than the flight was as a result of take off and loved espresso and snacks within the lounge.

The flight was two hours and fifteen minutes, together with a cease on Andros Island to finish immigration. The view from the airplane was unbelievable!

As soon as we arrived in Staniel Cay, we have been greeted by Natajia from Embrace Resort and after a 2-minute golf cart trip, we arrived at our lodging.

This was the simplest flight day we’ve ever had. Attending to Staniel Cay is straightforward.

The place to Keep in Staniel Cay

There are just a few lodging choices on Staniel Cay, together with dear trip houses, bungalows, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Membership. We spent 10 days at Embrace Resort and suggest it — we felt like household throughout our keep.

About Embrace Resort

The resort, which consists of simply 7 vibrant villas, is owned and operated by an all-female, native staff. The workers actually made our keep memorable.

The proprietor (Nikki) and her daughter (Natajia) have been each born and raised on Staniel Cay! They know all the pieces there may be to know in regards to the space and are glad to share their residence with guests.

The Villas at Embrace Resort

The rooms showcase Bahamian tradition, and every villa is called after one of many islands within the nation.

We stayed in each Cat Island and Andros villas. Cat Island is a cute studio bungalow excellent for a pair, whereas Andros is a 2-level villa with 3 bedrooms, excellent for households or a bunch of pals.

The villas include a microwave, espresso maker, kettle, and mini-fridge. Within the case of the 2-level villas, there’s a full kitchen as effectively.

You’ll additionally discover a flatscreen TV and as a bonus, a cooler (icebox) to make use of in your each day adventures! Plus, there’s an ice machine on the property. Click on right here to be taught extra and seek for the newest costs.

Facilities

Embrace Resort is situated proper by the airport they usually have their very own personal dock proper close to the resort. This makes day journeys on the boat or renting your personal boat actually handy.

The property isn’t oceanfront, however there’s a good pool that the villas face. The onsite restaurant is predicted to be full this summer season, adopted by a present store, gymnasium, and convention room. A lot of issues happening right here at Embrace!

At present, you may e book excursions, lease golf carts, and lease a ship on-site with 3N’s Exuma Holidays.

Lastly, should you want a unfavourable antigen take a look at on your subsequent vacation spot (ie: the USA), Embrace gives this service. The directors of the take a look at are professionally educated and first-aid licensed.

We personally had two COVID exams every at Embrace Resort and the exams have been pain-free, fast, and straightforward.

Issues To Do in Staniel Cay

We have been by no means bored throughout our 10 day journey to Staniel Cay. Relaxed? Sure. Bored? By no means. These are the highest 5 issues to see and do in Staniel Cay.

1. Be part of a Day Journey

The easiest way to see the principle highlights round Staniel Cay is to hitch a day journey. We booked this tour with 3N’s Exuma Holidays and it was a lot enjoyable!

The spotlight was the well-known swimming pigs of the Bahamas, however, the tour gives a lot greater than the piggies.

The highlights embody: seeing the pigs, swimming with nurse sharks at Compass Cay, exploring Thunderball Grotto, stepping foot on the beautiful Pipe Creek sandbar, snorkelling over a sunken airplane, and visiting the Bahamian rock iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay. There’s additionally a lunch break on the tour.

I may have listed all of these items to do in Staniel Cay as separate gadgets, however this present day journey covers all of them and is unquestionably worthwhile!

Try our video of the AWESOME day journey!

Becoming a member of the highlights day journey is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Staniel Cay. Discover out extra right here, or e book on Viator should you’d want. Professional tip: should you keep at Embrace Resort, you obtain 30% off the tour.

2. Hire a Boat and Uncover Hidden Spots

Renting your personal boat is feasible within the Bahamas! Rent a ship and be a captain for the day.

The water across the Exumas is calm and protected. We had a 17-foot Whaler boat for 3 days throughout our keep in Staniel Cay and had a blast discovering hidden coves to name our personal. Our favorite space was in all probability the sandbars close to Sampson Cay — what an absolute dream.

We discovered so many wonderful sandbars and empty seashores. It was a number of enjoyable mooring up, studying our books, suntanning, after which shifting on to the subsequent lovely spot. Converse to your lodging about renting a ship.

3. Discover by Golf Cart

One of the vital distinctive issues about Staniel Cay is the truth that folks get round by golf carts right here.

Hire a golf cart with 3N’s Exuma Holidays and discover. The golf carts are electrical, which is so good because it makes for a peaceable approach of getting round.

Seeing Staniel Cay by golf cart is the best possible approach. Pack the cart together with your seaside gear and a cooler crammed with meals and drinks and set off for a enjoyable day of exploration.

Golf Cart leases are $70 for twenty-four hours ($60 for Embrace Resort friends). Study extra and e book your cart right here.

4. Lounge on the Seaside

For such a small place, Staniel Cay’s seashores are diverse and exquisite. We visited in February and had many of those beautiful sandy spots to ourselves.

Carry your towel, a e book, some meals, and drinks, and benefit from the day. There aren’t any services on any of those seashores.

Don’t miss Public Seaside (City Seaside), Pirate Seaside, Ho Tai Cay Seaside, South Seaside and Ocean Seaside. Extra on the most effective stretches of sand under.

5. Watch Sundown

The sunsets on Staniel Cay are magical. Seize a sundowner and head to your favorite spot on the west coast to witness the solar dip in direction of the ocean.

Our prime sunset-watching spots have been from the Yacht Membership on the finish of the jetty, and from Public Seaside.

Finest Staniel Cay Eating places

There are solely a handful of Staniel Cay eating places, which is why it’s so nice that Embrace Resort is opening up a brand new one quickly. Replace 2024: Embrace Resort has opened up a brand new restaurant known as “the Flyin’ Pig Cafe” – which is nice as there aren’t that many choices on the island!

You’ll be able to see the menu right here – the meals and drinks sound implausible!

The Yacht Membership

That is the principle restaurant on the island. Right here you may take pleasure in breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, simply sit on the busy bar and sip on a drink whereas chatting with different travellers.

Make certain to attempt the peanut colada, you may thank me later!

For lunch, I like to recommend the contemporary fish of the day, the burger, and the Asian tacos. For dinner, you may’t go incorrect with child again ribs, lobster, or lamb.

For dinner, it’s essential to order upfront on the identical day earlier than 4:00pm. Nevertheless, make certain to position your order as quickly as you may, as it’s possible you’ll not get a desk.

You will discover the menu right here and reserve your spot by emailing: reservations@stanielcay.com.

Barbie’s Kitchen

Barbara (aka Barbie) and Tameka are an area mother-daughter staff who serves up fabulous lunches on the weekend. We have been fortunate sufficient to reach on a Saturday and had fried grouper with tartar sauce, potato salad, rice, inexperienced beans and plantain for dessert.

Ask at your lodging for instructions and the menu of the day.

Huge Canines

This can be a chilled-out native bar with a pleasant ambiance. The meals right here is Bahamian and is scrumptious. We ordered a lunch of stewed hen with rice and peas and corn and weren’t dissatisfied! Discover Huge Canines on the map right here.

Cook dinner for Your self

Our villa at Embrace Resort had a full kitchen so we have been capable of prepare dinner for ourselves. It’s all the time extra enjoyable to dine out, however you possibly can whip up a fast breakfast, and for lunch possibly some pasta, soup and sandwich, or one other easy meal.

Finest Seashores in Staniel Cay

Contemplating it’s a cay, it’s no shock that there are some fairly stretches of sand right here. What stunned us, nevertheless, was that more often than not we had the seashores fully to ourselves!

Not one of the seashores have any form of facilities, so ensure you use the bogs earlier than beginning your seaside day, and convey meals and drinks.

These are the 5 most important public seashores on Staniel Cay — after all, you possibly can all the time seek for your personal hidden seaside!

Pirate Seaside

Positioned within the north of the island, this can be a lovely seaside. The Pirate Seaside gives mushy, powdery sand and there’s some shade right here as effectively. At low tide, you may stroll across the bend.

Remember that there’s a channel of speeding water offshore (it’s very noticeable), so don’t swim out too far. Discover it on the map right here.

Public Seaside (City Seaside)

This stretch of sand is situated subsequent to the Staniel Cay Yacht Membership, and whereas there are typically small boats moored up right here, we nonetheless actually liked this spot.

Throughout our keep, there have been 4 lounge chairs accessible and earlier than we had knowledge on our telephones, we have been in a position to connect with the wifi on the yacht membership. We additionally noticed some nurse sharks, rays and turtles right here.

Public Seaside can be an important place to observe the sundown.

Ho Tai Cai

That is really a bunch of two fairly seashores, which gives some shade as effectively. Should you’re driving a golf cart, you’ll have to park close to the airstrip and stroll throughout the little creek — don’t get the golf cart submerged in water, or caught within the sand!

There are some primary picket benches at Ho Tai Cai and it’s a spot the place locals hangout with pals. Proceed strolling over a small hill and also you’ll arrive on the subsequent seaside…

South Seaside

This was in all probability our favorite seaside on Staniel Cay! There are just a few trip houses right here, however once more, nobody was ever on the seaside once we visited. You’ll be able to stroll your entire size, after which go for a swim.

The water might be fairly shallow right here, however it’s good and calm. Maintain your eyes open for stingrays — you don’t wish to step on one.

Ocean Seaside

This isn’t a seaside for swimming, it’s extra of an thrilling viewpoint and an important place to observe the sundown. When driving in direction of Pirate Seaside, you’ll see a path signal. Park your golf cart and stroll the trail to Ocean Seaside — you may’t drive.

Don’t swim right here because the water is tough and there could possibly be undertows and riptides.

Seashores Round Staniel Cay

As I discussed earlier than, among the best issues to do in Staniel Cay is to lease a ship and discover the close by Exumas. That is the place you’ll discover different beautiful, abandoned seashores…and sandbars!

Head north in direction of Pig Seaside and Fowl Cay, and farther afield to Sampson Cay and Pipe Cay. In these areas, we discovered our favorite seashores.

Facilities on Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is small and rustic. You received’t discover procuring malls, cinemas, gyms, or something like that — which is all a part of the appeal right here.

Three small grocery outlets are promoting the fundamentals: The Blue Retailer, Pink Pearls, and Isles Basic. For booze, you’ll discover a Laundromat/liquor retailer. Do your laundry whereas sipping on a beer!

There are a handful of eating places (listed above), one church, a submit workplace, a clinic, a library, and a telecommunications workplace the place you should buy a SIM card on your keep.

Is Staniel Cay Protected?

Sure, Staniel Cay could be very protected for vacationers. Because the island is so small, everybody is aware of everybody — you couldn’t get away with something right here.

Folks sleep with doorways unlocked and depart keys of their golf carts and boats, theft and crime aren’t an issue. Tourism is large in Staniel Cay (and the Bahamas as an entire), that means vacationers are effectively taken care of.

The one factor I might be conscious of is the solar, dehydration, and doubtlessly getting caught out in a storm on the ocean. However even then, with a bit frequent sense, you’ll don’t have any points by any means.

Put on a hat, placed on sunscreen, and drink numerous water. When renting a ship or taking a tour, guarantee lifejackets are on board, and there’s a radio in case of emergencies.

We by no means felt uneasy as soon as throughout our 10-day keep. All the locals and vacationers we met have been extremely pleasant and welcoming. Staniel Cay is a really protected place.

Climate in Staniel Cay

The climate in Staniel Cay, Exumas is just about excellent year-round, with a excessive temperature of round 25 – 30 °Celcius (77 ° – 86 ° Fahrenheit).

We visited originally of February and aside from one wet afternoon, we had completely clear skies and temperatures of round 21 – 25 °Celcius (70 – 77 ° Fahrenheit).

If you wish to go to within the low season to keep away from crowds and peak tourism costs, you solely have just a few choices — February, September, October, and November.

Winter Season (December – February)

The winter season runs from December to February, which is the good time of the yr. December and January are busy in Staniel Cay.

Spring Season (March – Could)

Spring runs from March to Could. Presently, the climate is extra humid and hotter than within the winter. Spring can be one of many excessive tourism seasons within the space as a result of Spring Break and Easter holidays in Canada and the USA.

Summer time Season (June – August)

Summer time is from June to August and in contrast to the Caribbean islands within the south, that is really thought-about the excessive tourism season for Staniel Cay. Summer time months see virtually no rain in any respect.

Autumn Season (September – November)

Fall runs from September to November and is taken into account the shoulder season within the Bahamas. Nevertheless, remember the fact that October is the wettest month with round 12 days of rain throughout this time.

Cash and ATMs

The Bahamian Greenback (BSD) is pegged 1:1 to the US Greenback and the Bahamas accepts US {dollars} interchangeably with Bahamian {dollars}.

So, you may carry your US money and spend it round Staniel Cay. Irrespective of which foreign money you spend, you would possibly obtain change in BSD or USD!

Remember that there aren’t any ATMs or banks on Staniel Cay. Make certain to carry sufficient money on your keep, or pay for meals, excursions, and leases with a bank card.

Value of Travelling to Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is a spot to take pleasure in a romantic trip, rejoice an necessary occasion, or have a enjoyable journey with family and friends. The Bahamas isn’t a finances vacation spot, however it doesn’t have to interrupt the financial institution both.

As you may think about, since Staniel Cay is a distant vacation spot, mainly all gadgets have to be imported — both from the USA or “mainland” Nassau. Due to this, the price of items are greater.

On the excessive finish, anticipate to spend $20 per individual for lunch and $50 per individual for dinner. These costs are inclusive of 10% VAT and 15% gratuity.

I like to recommend budgeting $150 per day for a pair for meals and drinks on Staniel Cay. You’ll be able to all the time pay together with your bank card should you go over that quantity.

For transportation, you may lease a golf cart for $70 per day ($60 should you’re staying at Embrace Resort), stroll the island on foot, or lease a bicycle.

To hitch the swimming with pigs tour from Staniel Cay, that can price $249 per individual (Embrace Resort friends obtain 30% off). Hiring a 17-foot boat for the day prices $250.

Incessantly Requested Questions

Listed below are solutions to some generally requested questions on travelling to Staniel Cay.

Is there any nightlife on Staniel Cay?

There aren’t any nightclubs or loopy bars right here on Staniel Cay. After the solar units, everybody appears to congregate on the Staniel Cay Yacht Membership for dinner, drinks on the bar there, and a sport of pool. When there are sporting occasions, the yacht golf equipment reveals them on the TVs across the bar.

Are there any gyms on Staniel Cay?

No, at the moment there aren’t any gyms or health facilities. Nevertheless, Embrace Resort is within the means of constructing one! For train, you may go swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, biking, or strolling.

What’s the distinction between an island and a cay?!

This can be a good query. The Bahamas is residence to islands and smaller “islands” known as cays.

Islands are utterly surrounded by water and are fashioned by a volcanic eruption or belong to a continental plate containing a bigger landmass.

Cays are fashioned on coral reefs when sediment strikes throughout the ocean and turns into “caught” on the reef. Over time, that sediment builds up and creates sandy islands, known as cays.

Since cays are additionally surrounded by water, actually the one distinction between an island and a cay is how they’re fashioned.

Staniel Cay Journey Video

Try our video which showcases the attractive cay, in addition to the enjoyable issues to see and do, the place to remain, the most effective seashores, and extra!

Take pleasure in Your Journey to Staniel Cay

We met so many pleasant folks throughout our journey to Staniel Cay — each international and native. What actually stood out was the truth that lots of them returned to this little cay every year. After our 10-day keep, I can see why! There’s simply one thing particular about Staniel Cay.

I hope this information helped plan your journey! Be happy to e-mail me with any questions on visiting Staniel Cay and seeing the entire highlights of the Exumas.

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