Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Staniel Cay
This tiny cay (population 76) is the most sophisticated and visited settlement in the Exuma
Cays and it is the main base from which to visit the Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park. The
small, attractive village has all the necessities - grocery stores, post office, church and lib-
rary (1776) - and the cay is lined with some lovely tranquil beaches on which to relax. The
bonefishing is also excellent here.
The
New Year's Day Regatta
, always fun, is when locally built dinghies compete for
prizes, and the town beach is where celebrations are held for the return of many local
people and yachties for the festivities. The
Annual Staniel Cay Bonefish Tournament
in
August is another big event that brings home the locals.
THUNDERBALL GROTTO
This crystalline grotto, just northwest of the cay, is another Bahamian jewel. The exquisite
cavern - lit by shafts of light pouring in from holes in the ceiling that sear through the water
highlighting a myriad of darting fish - was named for the James Bond movie
Thunderball,
scenes from which were filmed here. So, too, were scenes from
Splash
and another 007
movie,
Never Say Never Again
. Although you swim in at low tide, the current is pretty
strong - inexperienced swimmers may prefer to snorkel and swim elsewhere. Divers also
love this spot.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE LITTLE PIGGIES?
Only a short boat trip away from Staniel Cay, tiny Major Cay is a great place for
a day of snorkeling and sunning. Don't forget a picnic for yourself and the
friendly porcine population to enjoy! Yes, that's right, Major Cay has some fam-
ous swimming pigs that like nothing better than a 'plash, pat and a peanut-butter
sandwich.
SLEEPING & EATING
The cay has two waterfront hotels that play to the boating crowd.
Staniel Cay Yacht Club & Resort
RESORT $$
( 242-355-2024;
www.stanielcay.com
; r from $165, mains $15-28; ) This
is truly a place for lovers of perfect seafront views. Spacious verandas overlook the sea
and create a feeling of total relaxation. There are cool and comfortable cottages (with kit-
chenette) or suites (with kitchen) and great weekly rates. Use one of the resort's free
Boston
