Boating & Things to Do in Staniel Cay
Discover 10 amazing destinations, from hidden anchorages to lively sandbars.
Best Time to Visit
World-renowned cruising destination with gin-clear banks and coral-fringed cays. Winter brings steady trade winds and minimal rain, while late spring delivers glassy crossings. Boaters generally favor the December to April window for the most stable cruising conditions.
Winter (Dec – Feb)
75°F – 79°F74°F – 76°F
Perfect dry weather, light trade winds, ideal for anchoring in cays.
Spring (Mar – May)
80°F – 84°F77°F – 79°F
Calm seas, perfect for Gulf Stream crossings and reef diving.
Summer (Jun – Aug)
86°F – 90°F82°F – 84°F
Hot, humid, flat crossing waters, spectacular underwater clarity.
Autumn (Sep – Nov)
82°F – 85°F79°F – 81°F
Quieter waters and empty cays, pleasant late-autumn breezes.
Events Calendar
🎆
July 4th on the Water
annual · Month 7
The biggest boating day of the year. Every sandbar, anchorage, and waterfront spot is packed. Fireworks displays visible from the water across Florida.
🍔
Cheeseburger in Paradise
First Tuesday of July
A massive, single-day on-the-water party held on the first Tuesday of July in the Abacos. Features free food, drinks, and cruisers anchoring out in mass numbers. One of the biggest events of the Bahamas boating season.
🌴
The Exumas Boating Fling
annual · Month 7
Join a spirited group of South Florida boaters for a summertime voyage en masse to The Exumas. A lead boat charts the course for a flotilla of up to 30 vessels, ensuring a smooth, confidence-building crossing for first-timers and fresh adventure for seasoned captains. Miles of crystal-clear shallow turquoise waters, countless cays, secluded anchorages, and pristine marine scenery. July 8, 2026.
🏝️
Bimini Boating Fling
annual · Month 7
A guided group crossing to Bimini, just a short hop from South Florida. A lead boat charts the course for a flotilla of up to 30 vessels, making the crossing smooth and confidence-building for first-timers. Legendary fishing, crystal-clear turquoise waters, welcoming marinas, and iconic waterfront hangouts. Two departure dates: July 23 and July 30, 2026.
Recommended Voyages & Itineraries
Curated Route5 Days
Exuma Cays Island Hop
The ultimate Exumas voyage. Navigate from Nassau down to Staniel Cay, anchoring at Shroud Cay mangroves, Norman's Cay sunken cartel plane, and swimming with the famous pigs at Big Major Cay.
Planned Stops
Nassau→
Highborne Cay→
Shroud Cay→
Norman's Cay→
Staniel Cay
Curated Route3 Days
Bimini Crossing Getaway
Make the legendary 48-mile Gulf Stream crossing from Florida to North Bimini. Dive the SS Sapona shipwreck, swim with wild stingrays at Honeymoon Harbour, and enjoy classic Bimini bread.
Planned Stops
Miami / Ft. Lauderdale→
Sapona Wreck→
Honeymoon Harbour→
Alice Town
Browse by Activity
All Staniel Cay Destinations
PROVISIONING
Pink Pearl Grocery Store
Staniel Cay
Established in 1953 by Hugh & Florine Smith, Pink Pearl Grocery Store is a historic community pillar on Staniel Cay, located on Hansel Drive. Now owned and managed by their daughter Eleanor Smith, this family-run store is beloved for its friendly service and for offering some of the best prices on the island. While stock can be limited and island prices are expectedly high due to the remote location, it remains a highly reliable resupply stop for cruising boaters.
BEACH
Pig Beach
Staniel Cay
Pig Beach, nestled in the Bahamas, is a unique and vibrant destination known for its bright white sands and the charming population of swimming pigs that inhabit its shores. This beach offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience where they can interact with these friendly creatures in crystal-clear turquoise waters. The soft white sand provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation and capturing memorable photos. Visitors can enjoy feeding the pigs, swimming alongside them, and soaking in the natural beauty of this extraordinary location.
PROVISIONING
Andrews Laundry - Staniel Cay Landromat
Staniel Cay
Andrews Laundry, also known as Staniel Cay Laundromat & Liquormart, provides a unique combination of laundry services and a liquor store, making it a convenient stop for cruisers. Located within walking distance from Staniel Cay Yacht Club, it's an ideal spot to handle laundry needs while picking up beverages for your journey. The dual-purpose facility ensures that your stop is both productive and enjoyable.
MARINA
Thunderball Villas & Docks
Staniel Cay
Thunderball Villas & Docks offers a premier marina experience in the Bahamas, known for its seamless docking process and prime location. Boaters can enjoy easy access to local attractions and activities, making it an ideal spot for both exploration and relaxation. The marina accommodates large vessels and provides stunning sunset views, enhancing the overall experience. Additional amenities like golf cart rentals make island exploration convenient and enjoyable.
MARINA
Staniel Cay Yacht Club
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a charming marina located in the heart of the Exumas, offering a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation and exploration. Known for its excellent dining options, including a bar with a lively vibe and a formal restaurant, the club provides a welcoming environment for transient boaters and visitors alike. The marina is equipped with essential amenities such as dockage, fuel for gas-powered boats, and provisioning nearby. Guests can enjoy the local scene, watch marine life like sharks under the boat lights at night, and take advantage of the club's proximity to attractions like Pig Beach. With its friendly staff and unique island charm, Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a must-visit destination for those cruising through the Bahamas.
PROVISIONING
Burke's Convenience Store
Staniel Cay
Burke's Convenience Store is a vital provisioning hub for boaters on Staniel Cay, stocking groceries, ice, drinks, and fishing bait. Cruisers can access the store by docking or mooring at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and walking over, or by landing a dinghy directly onto the nearby beach.
MARINA
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is a bustling marina destination nestled in the heart of the Exuma Cays, renowned for its vibrant yacht club and convenient amenities. This nautical hub offers everything a sailor might need, from fuel and ice to restrooms and laundry facilities. The marina is a transient-friendly spot with a lively local scene, making it a popular cruiser hangout. Visitors can enjoy on-site dining and explore the nearby village for provisioning opportunities. The marina's strategic location provides easy access to famous attractions such as the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay and the Thunderball Grotto, ensuring a memorable stop for any boating enthusiast.
SNORKEL
Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay
Thunderball Grotto is a world-famous underwater cave system featured in James Bond films, managed as a protected national reserve by the Bahamas National Trust. Cruisers typically moor or anchor at nearby Staniel Cay or Big Major Spot and take a dinghy to the grotto's dedicated dinghy tie-off lines. Anchoring near the grotto reef is prohibited to protect fragile coral.
DOCK & DINE
Bottom Line
Staniel Cay
Bottom Line offers a casual dining experience on Staniel Cay, perfect for boaters looking to enjoy a meal right by the water. The restaurant serves a variety of comfort foods including burgers, fish, chicken, fries, and salads, all in a laid-back atmosphere. Its unique location allows patrons to dinghy directly to the spot, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the area by boat.
🍽️
DOCK & DINE
Seaside Bakery
Staniel Cay
Seaside Bakery is a charming local spot located on Main Street in Staniel Cay, just a short walk from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Known for its fresh bread and delightful local baked goods, this bakery is a must-visit for cruisers looking to enjoy a taste of the island. The bakery tends to get busy, so it's best to arrive early to ensure you get the best selection of treats.