Attractions & Getting around

Thunderball Grotto is known world-wide as an outstanding snorkeling attraction. On-site filming of the James Bond movies “Thunderball” and “Never Say Never Again,” as well as the movie “Splash,” showed off the exquisite beauty of this snorkel spot and made it famous. 

The hollowed-out rock, just to the north of the Yacht Club and most easily accessible at slack tide, creates a natural fishbowl where sea creatures of all kinds and colors congregate.

Established in 1956, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club “SCYC” is an integral part of the community and the initial social hub for visitors. SCYC offers a full-service restaurant, casual island bar, full marina services and many social activities. SCYC was named one of Jimmy Buffett’s “10 Great Places for a Waterside Drink!” Embrace Resort, Bottom Line, Big Dog’s Café, the Liquormat and other great spots offer cold drinks, good food, specials and events, too!  See our Food & Drink page for details.

Yes, it’s true, pigs swim! Just around the corner from Staniel Cay, on the back of Big Majors, is “pig beach.” Wild pigs inhabit the island, lounge on the beach and swim out to approaching boats because they have learned that boats tend to bring them food! These are the ORIGINAL famous swimming pigs! Although it is entertaining to see and feed the pigs, please use caution. Especially when food is out, the pigs can get aggressive. Never feed them by hand – throw the food toward them instead – and be aware of where they are at all times.

Nurse Sharks are known as the “less scary” type of shark around here, and you will often see them circling for scraps at the local fish-cleaning benches. 

A few miles north of Staniel Cay, Compass Cay is known for their “pet” nurse sharks, which visitors can pet and, for the bravest souls, swim with them in the water.

Iguanas live on Bitter Guana Cay, a couple of miles south of Staniel Cay.

These prehistoric-looking creatures are not shy, but they are endangered, so please do not feed or touch them.

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is the first of its kind in the world. Established in 1959 by The Bahamas National Trust, the park stretches for 176 square miles and is inhabited by large populations of marine life. The entire area is a “no take” zone, providing a safe breeding ground and fantastic snorkeling and diving. Park headquarters and Visitor Center are located in Warderick Wells, and “the Aquarium” is a favorite snorkeling spot in the Park.