Staniel Cay has a little bit of a different feel than other places we have stopped in the Exuma Islands. It has a population of 118 but attracts visitors from all over the world and serves as a base for local charter operators. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club hosts center consoles boats and mega yachts. People watching at the bar was interesting seeing cruiser like us and then crews tending to their boat owners and guest. There are a few stores and restaurants on the island but we were there on a Sunday so everything, except the Yacht Club was closed. We did pick up some goods at Isles General Store on Monday AM before fueling up (at $5.75 a gallon) and bringing on water (for 40 cents a gallon) at the Yacht Club.
The Staniel Cay area has a lot of experiences to offer and we took advantage of them.
Thunderbolt Grotto
Thunderbolt Grotto was made famous by James Bond films. “Thunderball” was shot her in 1963 and in 1983 a scene from “Never Say Never” was also shot here. The Staniel Cay yatch Club is just a 5 minute dingy ride from the grotto. Hanging on the walls of the bar are pictures of all the celebrities having drinks at the yacht club while they were filming. “Splash” and “Into the Blue” were also filmed at this location.
Looking at the grotto from the outside it looks like a big rock/small island. However, the interior is full of exotic marine life, bright colored coral and various nooks and crannies to explore. The entrance is hidden and actually under water in high tide. We purposeful snorkeled the grotto at low tide to make it easier and safer. We tied the dingy up to a mooring ball with Nauti Life and prepared to enter the water. Once we found the entrance, ducked our heads to get through while fighting the outgoing current, we were absolutely amazed. Tracy was thankful someone hung a rope after the opening to grab on once you make it inside. We were snorkeling in an underwater fish tank that was beautifully lite by sunrays coming in the three holes in the top. We explored a few very narrow passages between rocks and found fish swimming in between rocks and coral.
Swimming with the Pigs
Swimming with the pigs is one of the biggest tourist attractions around this parts. Not really sure why? We actually anchored outside of this beach and it was a great anchorage; protected, calm and full of boats. In the AM, we could hear the pigs oinking! We planned our visit when their were no other boats ashore. Nauti Life arrived first and the pigs were sniffing all over their boat. As we approached, they swam right over to us. Tracy was not too sure about getting out of the boat and just sat still while Bob beached the dinghy.
Big Major Cay is an uninhabited islands with the exception of the pigs. Probably thirty pigs of various ages were roaming around the beach. The piglets were cute and followed their mama around. It is believed sailors dropped the pigs off on the island and planning to return to eat them but never made it back. Who knows! It was an interesting adventure, the jury is still out on how interesting.
Sunken Plane
In shallow water and only a half mile off land, we were able to check out this plane wreck twice. The tale is that the plane was low on gas and the pilot needed help seeing the poorly lit airstrip. The airport workers were at the bar and ran to the airport to give more light with car headlights, but the plane never made it to the airport. The plane was found the next morning a half mile off land. Both passengers still inside. It was impossible for them to escape since the plane was loaded to the brim with bales of marijuana. Now fish and coral have made a habitat out of the plane.
Sharks
Tons of nurse shark spotting, from under and around Three Sons to under the docks at the Yacht Club.
Missing Family and Friends
