About the Port
Staniel Cay sits in the Exuma Cays south of Nassau, a small island built around a modest village and a longstanding yacht club. It has become known for the swimming pigs of nearby Pig Beach, who paddle out to greet boats in shallow, translucent water, making the island one of the most photographed stops in the Exumas. The pace here remains unhurried, reflecting the rustic character of the surrounding out-islands.
Beyond the pigs, the cay offers powder-soft beaches, calm anchorages, and easy access to the wider cay chain by small boat. The village itself is walkable from the harbor, with a handful of local eateries and shops giving a genuine taste of Bahamian island life. Travelers seeking uncrowded sand and clear, shallow water find Staniel Cay a quiet counterpoint to more developed Caribbean ports.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Staniel Cay.
Snorkel Thunderball Grotto
This submerged limestone cave near Staniel Cay, famous from a James Bond film, teems with tropical fish and sunbeams piercing through its rock ceiling. Best visited by short boat ride at low tide for calmer, clearer conditions.
Visit the Swimming Pigs
Charter a small boat to nearby Pig Beach for a close encounter with the island's famous paddling pigs in shallow, turquoise water. Arrive early to beat crowds and get the best photos.
Meet the Nurse Sharks at Compass Cay
A quick boat trip north leads to a private marina where docile nurse sharks glide right up to the shallows, safe enough to wade among for a memorable close-up view.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Staniel Cay
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 21 | $56,695 | |
| Oct 16, 2026 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 10 | $11,621 | |
| Oct 10, 2027 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 10 | $7,153 | |
| Jan 12, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Champlain | 7 | $6,400 | |
| Jan 19, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Champlain | 7 | $6,050 | |
| Jan 26, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Champlain | 7 | $6,050 | |
| Feb 2, 2028 | Ponant Cruises | Le Champlain | 7 | $6,050 | |
| Oct 4, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 20 | $20,890 | |
| Oct 4, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 9 | $6,540 | |
| Oct 13, 2028 | Scenic Cruises | Scenic Eclipse | 11 | $9,683 | |
| Jan 28, 2029 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Kaia | 7 | $6,022 | |
| Feb 4, 2029 | Emerald Yachts | Emerald Kaia | 7 | $6,022 |