Staniel Cay

The Famous Swimming Pigs

Just a short boat ride from Staniel Cay lies Big Major Cay, home to the world-famous swimming pigs. These friendly porkers have adapted to island life and will swim out to greet arriving boats, wading chest-deep into the turquoise shallows in hopes of a treat. The colony includes around 20 to 25 pigs ranging from tiny piglets to Big Momma, the largest and oldest resident.

The origins of the pigs remain a delightful mystery. Some say sailors left them as a future food source and never returned; others believe they swam ashore from a shipwreck. Whatever their history, they have become beloved ambassadors for the Exumas and one of the most photographed attractions in the Bahamas.

Thunderball Grotto

Named for the 1965 James Bond film that brought it to worldwide attention, Thunderball Grotto is a spectacular underwater cave system located just west of Staniel Cay. The grotto was also featured in Never Say Never Again (1983) and the Tom Hanks film Splash. Sunlight streams through openings in the rock ceiling, illuminating schools of tropical fish, colorful coral formations, and an otherworldly landscape of submerged rock.

Timing your visit is essential. At low tide, you can swim through the cave entrance and surface inside the grotto's magical interior. At high tide, the entrance requires scuba gear or a deep breath to navigate the submerged tunnels. Most visitors snorkel through in the hours surrounding low tide for the full experience.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club has been a cornerstone of the community since 1956, welcoming sailors from around the world to its protected marina and charming accommodations. The property features 14 bungalows, an 18-slip marina, and a clubhouse restaurant serving fresh Bahamian cuisine and cold tropical drinks.

The yacht club's restaurant is legendary for its conch fritters, grilled catch of the day, and the famous Staniel Cay lime pie. Many cruisers time their arrival to catch happy hour on the deck, watching the sunset paint the Sea of Exuma in shades of orange and pink. Reservations are recommended during peak season.

Getting There and Getting Around

Staniel Cay is accessible by both air and sea. The island's 3,000-foot paved airstrip receives daily flights from Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, and other Florida gateways via charter services and scheduled carriers. For those arriving by yacht, the marina offers fuel, water, ice, and provisioning.

Once on the island, most visitors explore by boat, renting a small skiff from local operators to visit Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, Compass Cay, and the countless sandbars and beaches of the surrounding cays. Golf carts are available for exploring the island itself, though most destinations are within easy walking distance.

Getting there

Staniel Cay is accessible by air via Staniel Cay Airport (TYM), which receives daily charter and scheduled flights from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale. Flight time from Nassau is approximately 30 minutes. By boat, the island lies roughly 80 miles southeast of Nassau and is a popular stop on the Exuma Cays cruising route. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club marina offers fuel, water, ice, and provisioning for visiting vessels. Day trips from Nassau by speedboat take approximately two hours each way.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Thunderball Grotto?

Visit Thunderball Grotto at low tide for the best experience. At low tide, you can swim through the cave entrance and surface inside the grotto. At high tide, the entrance is mostly submerged and requires diving gear to navigate.

Can you feed the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay?

Yes, you can feed the pigs fruits and vegetables. Bring items like apples, carrots, or lettuce. Avoid feeding them citrus, onions, or processed foods. Keep your hands flat and fingers together to avoid accidental nips from eager mouths.

How do I get from Staniel Cay to the swimming pigs?

Big Major Cay is about a five-minute boat ride from Staniel Cay. You can rent a small boat from local operators, hire a guide, or visit as part of an organized tour. Most visitors combine the pig beach with stops at Thunderball Grotto and Compass Cay.