Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is the place to be if your vacation plans include leaving the crowds behind and concentrating on your tan. Staniel Cay is located in the center of the Exumas, at the southern end of Pipe Creek, with the community encompassing a chain of small islets stretching over an 8-mile area. This prosperous little community is popular with yacht enthusiasts, private pilots, and ex-pats who have chosen to live on the island full time. Part of the Exuma Islands, a series of over 350 cays, islets, and islands that rest in the center of the Bahamian Islands, Staniel Cay is for those who like their vacation on a remote and unspoiled island without an overabundance of amenities, preferring instead the relaxation that comes from being away from it all. Snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, fishing, and beach combing are just a few of the many activities awaiting you in Staniel Cay.Time spent on a Staniel Cay beach is a trip to a bountiful array of dazzling white sand, crystal clear water, and that special feeling one gets away from all the trappings of the modern world. With the reef so close to shore in most spots, whatever beach you visit will be a prime location for pulling out your snorkeling gear and examining the local sea life. Staniel Cay is also a great jumping off point for the Exuma Land and Sea Park. This area encompasses fifteen cays and many smaller outcroppings. The park was established in 1958 by the Bahamian National Trust (BNT) as a marine conservation area. The area is rich in geographic landscape and tropical sea life. The beaches are rimmed with chalky white sand, and lush coral reefs and undersea gardens fill the waters off shore. There are no commercial developments, restaurants, or resorts within the park's boundaries, making it a great place to totally get away from the masses. Thunderball Grotto, just off Staniel Cay, is also part of the park. Thunderball is a cave that you can swim into from numerous entrances and see an abundance of colorful sponges and reef fish, including French grunts, angel fish, parrot fish, snapper, tangs and many more. Small octopus and sea turtles are also frequent visitors.
Anglers are another group that flocks to the area. Whether it's deep-sea fishing, reef fishing, bottom fishing or fly fishing, you will find adequate game to satisfy your style. In July, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club hosts the annual bonefishing tournament. Record numbers of marlin, sailfish and wahoo are caught in Exuma Sound, where the aqua-blue ocean drops 6,000 feet into the dark, cool feeding grounds of trophy-size fish. Staniel Cay is the perfect "get away from it all" vacation destination.
