Before my trip to the Bahamas, I had very little knowledge about the islands, their locations, distances, and which ones were worth exploring. It quickly became apparent that island-hopping in the Bahamas wasn’t a straightforward option, unless you had your own boat. So, I made the decision to spend an entire week on a single island. But how do you determine which island is the best fit for you? In my case, it was straightforward because I wanted to be as close as possible to Pig Beach, and the island nearest to Pig Beach is Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay was a place I had never even heard of before planning my Bahamas adventure. Therefore, if you, too, are unfamiliar with this island, I’ve put together a concise guide to Staniel Cay, covering accommodation, dining, activities, and transportation.
Staniel Cay Travel Guid
How to Get to Staniel Cay
Flamingo Airlines offers two daily flights from Nassau to Staniel Cay, with one in the morning (departing at 8 AM and arriving at Staniel Cay at 8:30 AM) and the other in the afternoon (departing at 4:30 PM and arriving at Staniel Cay at 5 PM).
Round-trip tickets from Nassau to Staniel Cay are quite affordable, with prices averaging around $250.
Additionally, there are direct flights from Florida. Makers Air offers round-trip tickets from Fort Lauderdale, with prices averaging around $630.
A reminder: the planes flying to Staniel Cay are quite small, so it’s best not to bring oversized luggage when traveling to the Bahamas. In any case, all you really need are a few bikinis and some sunscreen.
How to Explore Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is a tiny island in the Exuma Cays, and when I say tiny, I mean it. You can walk from the southernmost point to the northernmost point in less than an hour and from east to west in about half an hour. The island is great for walking, but that’s if you enjoy walking. Keep in mind that it can get quite hot, so most visitors opt to rent golf carts for their stay.
Embrace Resort, which is located near the airport (just a 5-minute walk), offers daily and weekly golf cart rentals (priced at $60 per day – with discounts if you rent the cart for multiple days or stay at the Embrace Resort). Golf carts from Embrace Resort make it convenient to explore the island.
What to Do on Staniel Cay:
Beachcombing: Staniel Cay has several small beaches, with my favorite being Pirate Beach in the north of the island. Exploring Staniel Cay is all about relaxation, and you can visit different beaches every day.
Swim with the Pigs: Most people ultimately choose to visit Staniel Cay because they want to swim with the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay. If you skip the Pig Beach excursion, have you even been to the Bahamas? This is a must-do day trip in the Exuma Cays. The Pig Beach excursion includes more than just the little piggies; you’ll swim with nurse sharks, see some of the most beautiful sandbars in the Caribbean, snorkel over sunken plane wrecks, hang out with iguanas, and swim into sea caves. I’ve written in detail about my Pig Beach experience here.
Rent a Golf Cart to Explore the Island: Even if you don’t rent a golf cart for your entire stay, it’s worth renting one for a day to explore the entire island. It’s a great way to get a real sense of Staniel Cay and to venture to some of the more remote beaches.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: If you enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, you can rent SUPs from L&C Island Rentals at $80 per day.
Watch the Sunset from the Town Beach: The town beach (just south of the Yacht Club) is a great spot to watch the sunset. If you’re staying on the other side of the island, it’s worth making the trek one afternoon to catch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea. The view is stunning.
Rent a Motorboat for a Day: For a fun day out on the water, consider renting a motorboat. It’s a great way to explore the waters around Staniel Cay and see the island from a different perspective. Isles General offers boat rentals, and their rates are as follows:
- Half-day: $190
- Full day: $250
- Weekly: $1,450
L&C Island Rentals also offers boat rentals with various options.
Gambling: If you enjoy gambling, you’re in luck; Staniel Cay has a small casino called Island Luck (located on the main road, right next to Lindsay’s Boutique). I didn’t go in, so I can’t provide a firsthand report on what it’s like, but it appeared to be quite small.
Swim with Turtles: For those seeking further adventure or a deeper marine life experience, you can book a tour in the Exuma Cays to swim with turtles and explore remote beaches, islands, and snorkeling spots.
Where to Eat on Staniel Cay:
There are only a handful of dining options on Staniel Cay, so if you prefer the convenience of eating out, you have a few choices:
Staniel Cay Yacht Club: This is the most popular restaurant on the island, offering a diverse menu featuring American dishes and delicious seafood. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For dinner, there are daily-changing specials, but it’s recommended to make reservations (though ordering from the menu is also an option).
- Lunch prices typically range from $14 to $23.
- Dinner main courses are priced between $28 and $42.
- Breakfast dishes vary from $14 to $20.
- A value-added tax of 7.5% and a 15% gratuity will be added to your bill.
Pig Beach Cafe: Located at Embrace Resort, right beside the airport, this café is a great spot to enjoy coffee, pastries, and quick meals like sandwiches, chicken wings, and truffle fries. They also offer alcoholic beverages.
Big Dog’s: Big Dog’s is more of a local hangout where you can often find locals enjoying a beer. It’s a place to stop by for a beer or to try traditional Bahamian cuisine. There’s no fixed menu; they usually prepare one dish each day.
Accommodation Options on Staniel Cay:
Staniel Cay offers limited accommodation choices, with approximately six hotels on the island. Apart from hotels, you can also find various vacation rental homes through platforms like Expedia, Airbnb, and VRBO.
Here are some of the accommodation options on Staniel Cay:
- Embrace Resort: This is a small, family-run resort with seven individual villas. Each villa has a unique design and decor, and some come with features like kitchens and hot tubs. Embrace Resort also offers a small swimming pool and concierge services. To learn more about Embrace Resort, you can visit their website.
- Blenheim Cottages for Rent: There are six small cottages and one two-bedroom house available for rent. The cottages boast unique designs and layouts.
- Staniel Rentals: Staniel Rentals provides a range of luxury vacation rental homes on Staniel Cay. Options range from small cottages to large villas with multiple bedrooms, accommodating 2 to 10 guests. Some of these properties include private swimming pools.
- Crow’s Nest Beach Cottage: This beachfront villa is equipped with modern amenities and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Staniel Cay from its elevated location.
- Staniel Cay Villas: Staniel Cay Villas offers two rental properties on the island. One can accommodate up to 10 guests, while the other can host up to 13 people. Both villas feature swimming pools, and one has a private dock, while the other provides direct beach access.
- Lazy Bay Villas: Lazy Bay Villas offer three different villas, each providing direct access to the water or a private dock. Each villa is equipped with a small swimming pool and can accommodate up to six guests.
- Gibraltar: This beachfront resort is suitable for groups of up to eight people and includes amenities like outdoor grills, hammocks, and kayaks.
- Palm Tops Resort: This boutique luxury hotel offers four villas, with options ranging from one-bedroom suites for two guests to three-bedroom suites accommodating up to eight people.
- Staniel Cay Yacht Club: This is the largest resort on Staniel Cay, featuring 16 waterfront bungalows. The resort includes a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a marina.
- Isles Inn: Isles Inn offers two one-bedroom apartments, one larger and one smaller. The family also runs the island’s grocery store.
Note: To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to book your accommodation promptly after reserving your flight to the Bahamas, especially if you plan to visit during busy seasons like Christmas or New Year’s. Due to the limited options, vacation rentals and resorts tend to fill up quickly on Staniel Cay.
Shopping on Staniel Cay:
Don’t expect an extensive shopping experience on Staniel Cay; there are only a few grocery stores, more like small convenience shops rather than large supermarkets you might find in the United States.
The selection at these stores is limited, so if you have specific food preferences or dietary needs, consider bringing your desired items with you on your trip. It’s important to note that non-dairy milk alternatives may be challenging to find.
The Three Grocery Stores on the Island:
- Pink Pearl Grocery Store: This store is known for its affordability and transparent pricing.
- Burke’s Convenience Store: Groceries at Burke’s are not priced, so be prepared for potentially higher bills. This store tends to be the most expensive grocery option on the island, as most products are imported from the United States.
- Isles General AZ Store: Located near the airport, this store not only sells groceries but also offers marine supplies. Additionally, you can rent a boat from Isles General. If you’re staying on the southern side of the island, this store is your closest option.
If you have specific dietary requirements or are looking for particular ingredients, these three stores are worth exploring. Keep in mind that all these stores tend to close quite early, typically before 6 PM, and are usually closed on Sundays.
Liquor Store:
There is a store on Staniel Cay that sells beer and liquor and also provides laundry services. You can find this store on Google Maps, labeled as “Andrews Laundry – Staniel Cay Laundromat,” conveniently located just a short walk from the other grocery stores. A local beer is typically priced around $4, and liquor prices are notably higher than what you might pay at home. If possible, consider stocking up on duty-free items before arriving in the Bahamas. Please note that Andrews Grocery Store closes early, often around 4 PM.
Souvenir Shop:
For souvenir shopping, there’s a small boutique named Lindsay’s Boutique and Gift Shop on the main road, adjacent to the church. This shop offers souvenirs, clothing items (shirts, hats, etc.), and beer.
Additional Information to Consider Before Visiting Staniel Cay:
Currency and Banking:
While visiting Staniel Cay, it’s crucial to be mindful of your financial preparations. Staniel Cay doesn’t have any ATMs, so it’s wise to arrive with an ample supply of cash. The primary currency used is the U.S. dollar, with an exchange rate of 1 USD to 1 Bahamian dollar. However, you might receive Bahamian dollars in change, so it’s good to be aware of both denominations.
Credit cards are accepted at some establishments, particularly at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and a few others. However, it’s essential to carry cash for places that don’t accept cards. When using your credit card, be prepared for a 5% credit card fee that is typically added to your bill.
Safety and Security:
Staniel Cay is known for its safety. The island is small, and crime is almost non-existent. Whether you’re strolling on the beach alone or returning to your accommodations late at night, you can feel secure. The locals are generally polite and respectful, providing a welcoming environment for visitors.
As a female solo traveler, you can enjoy your time on the island without feeling harassed or unsafe. The sense of safety on Staniel Cay is one of its appealing aspects, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers and families alike.
Weather Patterns:
The weather in the Bahamas, including Staniel Cay, is characterized by its warmth year-round, with temperatures averaging between 77 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit (25-31 degrees Celsius). However, it’s important to note that the weather can be unpredictable.
You may wake up to gray skies or light rain, but within hours, the sun can emerge, providing you with a beautiful afternoon. It’s advisable to make the most of the sunny spells, as the duration of clear weather can vary. While rain showers are typically brief, it’s a good idea to have a long-sleeved shirt or a light jacket for cooler evenings. Additionally, pack rainproof and sun-protective items like a hat and an umbrella. The wettest month is often October, so be prepared for possible showers during this time.
