Major city · The Bahamas
Staniel Cay
Spend 2 days: one full day for Thunderball Grotto and nearby islands, another day for beach time or a charter boat; travel time from Nassau ≈1 h 15 min by plane.
Staniel Cay is a tiny out‑island hub in the Exumas with a single airstrip, a handful of cottages, and easy foot or golf‑cart access. Most attractions are water‑based and require a short boat charter. Two days let you snorkel the famous Thunderball Grotto, visit Pig and Lizard Islands, and relax on the local beaches.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- BSD
- Best months
- Dec–Apr (dry, calm seas)
- avoid Jun–Oct (hurricane risk, rough seas)
- Airport
- TYM
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bah…
- Caribbean ↗Several islands (Turks and Caicos above all, also the Bahamas and Jamaica) jail visitors for a single stray bullet or cartridge in their luggage; empty every bag and pocket before you pack.
- Caribbean ↗From August to October keep a free last day before your flight home and check the national hurricane centre daily; airports close when a named storm approaches.
- Caribbean ↗Wearing camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in several islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Grenada, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica; leave it at home, children's clothes included.
- The Bahamas ↗Check entry rules for your passport on the official Bahamas government sources before you fly; requirements differ by nationality.
- The Bahamas ↗Respect marine protected areas: fishing, collecting shells or coral and anchoring rules are enforced in national parks such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park.
- The Bahamas ↗Do not bring firearms or ammunition; even a single forgotten round in a bag can lead to arrest.
- The Bahamas ↗Water-sports operators on Nassau and Paradise Island beaches are poorly regulated: use tour companies booked through your hotel and wear a life jacket.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Staniel Cay911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Staniel Cay, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Bahamian dollar (BSD), held at par with the US dollar; US dollars are accepted everywhere and change often comes back mixed.The Bahamas-wide
- SIM or eSIMBTC and Aliv sell prepaid SIMs and eSIMs at Nassau airport and in town.The Bahamas-wide
- Tap waterNassau tap water is treated but many buy bottled; on the Out Islands drink bottled or filtered.The Bahamas-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 15% often added; check the bill.The Bahamas-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.The Bahamas-wide
- SafetyStaniel Cay is low‑risk; follow island entry rules, watch weather for boat trips, and keep valuables secure.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsIn hotels, restaurants and marinas; few public toilets.The Bahamas-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 919 fire and ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysSunday closures common; Out Island shops close by 17:00.Sunday closures common; Out Island shops close by 5:00 PM.The Bahamas-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportTYM Staniel Cay Airport (900 m runway; airlines include Dove Wings, Flamingo Air, Golden Wings Charter, LeAir Charter, Take Flight Air Charters).
- Getting aroundWalk or rent a golf cart (hourly rates at the Yacht Club).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at Yacht ClubBSD 3–5
- Street or quick mealFish sandwichBSD 8–12
- BeerBeer (draft)BSD 5–8
A day, not counting the bed: Budget BSD 70–120 · Mid BSD 120–200 · High BSD 200+
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- TYM Staniel Cay Airport (900 m runway; airlines include Dove Wings, Flamingo Air, Golden Wings Charter, LeAir Charter, Take Flight Air Charters)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Feb
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Mar
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Apr
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
May
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Oct
Avoid
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Nov
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Best: Dec–Apr. Avoid: Jun–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Jan (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C) low), wettest Jul (9 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Staniel Cay: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Feb
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
Mar
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Apr
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
5 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6 rd
Jun
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9 rd
Sep
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Oct
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
6 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Dec
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
5 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk or rent a golf cart (hourly rates at the Yacht Club). Most sights require a short boat charter.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Thunderball Grotto
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Charter boat from the marina, about 10 min on water
Snorkel at low tide for best visibility.
Pig Island
goDoor to door: ≈20 min total
Short boat ride from the marina, 5–10 min
Feed the rescued pigs; tours run daily.
Lizard Island
goDoor to door: ≈25 min total
Boat from the marina, 10 min
Quiet beach, good for a quick swim.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Staniel Cay Yacht Club
9 cottages with AC, fridge, coffee maker; marina and airstrip on site; extra 6% promotion levy, 10% tourism tax, 5% housekeeping gratuity.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- BSD 70–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- BSD 120–200 excl. bed
- High
- BSD 200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
Prices of common things
| Coffee at Yacht Club | BSD 3–5 |
| Fish sandwich | BSD 8–12 |
| Beer (draft) | BSD 5–8 |
| Golf‑cart rental (hour)check | BSD 15–25 |
| Boat charter (half‑day)check | BSD 150–250 per person |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- All visitors must check in at the island entrance; off‑island wandering is prohibited without a stay.
- Boat tours are weather‑dependent; no refunds if cancelled for conditions.
- No individual TV or phone in cottages; rely on clubhouse services.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire and ambulance
- 919
Pocket card
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Staniel CayStaniel Cay
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Go deh address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Fire and ambulance919
Embassy
US consulate in Nassau; other nations have consulates‑general in Nassau.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Nassau → Staniel Cay (flight): about BSD 150–250 one‑way, 1 h 15 min (check airlines)
- Boat charter to Thunderball Grotto: ≈ BSD 150 per person, 30 min round trip (check)
Say or show
- Ahoy — Hello (ahoy)
- Ow much? — How much? (ow much)
- Whey de beach? — Where is the beach? (whey de beach)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Staniel Cay. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Apr (dry, calm seas) · avoid Jun–Oct (hurricane risk, rough seas) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Staniel Cay
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