🌴 Staniel Cay: My New Favorite Island Escape in the Bahamas

You know that place you visit and instantly think, “I could’ve stayed here forever”? That was Staniel Cay for me.

After four glitzy nights at Baha Mar, we hopped over to this little slice of paradise in the Exuma Cays and stayed for just three nights — and let me tell you, I wish I’d flipped the script and stayed here longer. Staniel Cay is pure barefoot bliss: no big resorts, no stress, just sunshine, saltwater, and so much charm you’ll be planning your return trip before you leave (I know we were).

🏡 Why Staniel Cay?

I chose Staniel Cay because it’s the closest island to the original swimming pigs at Big Major Cay — the real deal, not one of the touristy pig beaches popping up elsewhere in the Bahamas and that’s where I decided we HAD to go. But to be honest this spot was still very touristy so I’m guessing they are all pretty much the same. Staying nearby meant we didn’t have to book a long (and expensive) boat tour from Nassau or another island; instead, we could be face-to-snout with these famous piggies in no time! I figured for the about the same cost of the boat tour we could fly to a completely new island, it was such a refreshing change from the hustle and glam of Baha Mar.

✈️ Getting There

We flew from Nassau to Staniel Cay on Flamingo Air, a quick and scenic hop. The flight takes about 30 to 40 minutes, but don’t blink — you’ll want to soak in every second of the view.

We boarded a small propeller plane at Nassau’s domestic terminal (heads up: it’s super casual compared to the main airport). We arrived a little over an hour before our flight but to be honest that was overkill, it took about 2 minutes to check in and left us waiting outside for awhile, I would suggest getting there about 30 minutes before and you should be fine. But before we knew it, we were airborne, gliding over the most breathtaking patchwork of turquoise and blue I’ve ever seen. Flying over the Exuma Cays felt like staring down at a dream — tiny islands dotting the water, sandbars twisting through the sea, and those famously crystal-clear shallows that make the Bahamas such a bucket list destination.

Our flight was not very bumpy (but remember it is a small plane and is expected so don’t be alarmed). If you’re a window-seat kind of traveler, this is your moment. I had my face glued to the window the whole time.

💡 Tip: When returning from Staniel Cay to Nassau, remember that the domestic terminal is not connected to the main international airport. Be sure to pre-book a taxi for the transfer— they’re not connected, and taxis don’t just hang around. One of the other passengers forgot this detail and was stressing so we offered to let them come with us so we were so glad we arranged it in advance.

🏡 Where We Stayed: Embrace Resort (With Some Wishlist Dreams)

We stayed at Embrace Resort, a cozy little spot with friendly staff and a laid-back vibe. We booked their Romance Package, which included:

🛺 A golf cart (must-have for exploring!)
🚤 A full-day island-hopping tour (more on that below)
🍷 A bottle of wine (never actually got this, but I wasn’t about to complain!)
🍳 Free daily breakfast and lunch (plus a drink with each meal)

It was a solid value and gave us a comfortable home base for our adventures.

But… if you’re looking for something a bit more luxe, let me just say: Staniel Cay Yacht Club is where I’ve got my eyes set for next time. Not only is it stunning, but each room comes with its own boat to explore the nearby cays. It doesn’t get more iconic than that.

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🏝️ Exploring the Island by Golf Cart

Driving around the island in our golf cart was half the fun of the trip. We cruised past what I’m pretty sure were million-dollar beach houses, waved at locals, and discovered hidden gems by chance.

One of our favorite accidental finds? Right at the front of the airport runway, there’s a little patch of shallow water that looks like nothing special… until you slow down and stop. That’s where we saw multiple baby stingrays swimming! So sweet and totally unexpected.

🏖️ Pirate Beach: Our Everyday Escape

Pirate Beach quickly became our go-to spot — and honestly, I don’t know how it’s not world-famous. Nearly every time we visited, we had the entire beach to ourselves. It was quiet, incredibly scenic, and felt like our own private retreat. The water is warm, crystal-clear, and perfect for floating, swimming, or just soaking in the view with a good drink in hand.

One of the best parts? It’s actually a great little snorkel spot! Just offshore, we spotted small schools of fish and colorful coral tucked along the rocks. It’s not a full-blown reef experience, but it was peaceful and just enough adventure for a relaxing beach day.

Right across from the main stretch of Pirate Beach is a tiny little island that you can either walk or snorkel across shallow water to reach. It felt like a mini treasure hunt — and it paid off! I found several old, weathered conch shells tucked along the shore, each one more beautiful than the last. (Just a friendly reminder: always leave living conchs in the ocean where they belong, we never want to take living creatures, plus its illegal — these were empty and long-abandoned!)

If you’re looking for a peaceful, postcard-worthy beach without the crowds, Pirate Beach is a hidden gem you’ll want to visit every day — just like we did.

💸 Cash Is King (And Beer Isn’t Cheap)

One big thing to know before you go: a lot of the island is cash-only — from tours to tips to snacks. And if you’re hoping to stock your room with a case of beer, brace yourself. We paid about $90 for one. Island prices are no joke, so plan ahead and pack smart!

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🐟 Tours, Food & Fun

🚤 Our Island-Hopping Tour (included in our stay)

This tour was a highlight of the whole trip! We visited:

🐷 The swimming pigs
🦎 Iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
🏝️ A hidden sandbar with an overwater swing
✈️ A sunken plane wreck
🐠 Thunderball Grotto
🦈 The nurse sharks at Compass Cay

If you’re visiting Staniel Cay, this is a must-do. It’s adventure-packed and lets you check off a dozen bucket list items in one day.

🎣 Fishing with the Locals

We also booked a small fishing tour for my husband (he’s obsessed). I’ll be honest — it was a bit overpriced and not super impressive, but he had the time of his life, so I’ll call it a splurge win.

🍽️ Dining at the Yacht Club

We ate every night at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. Great food, live music one evening, and a friendly, laid-back vibe. We made some amazing new friends there — and even met up with them again back in Florida! (Island friendships hit different.)

🐾 Honorable Mention: The Door-Knocking Cat

We also had a finicky little cat who kept trying to sneak into our room. She totally won us over and became our unexpected island companion. I’m convinced she was testing the limits of hospitality.

💕 Final Thoughts

Staniel Cay was everything I didn’t know I needed: chill, wild, friendly, and unforgettable. From Pirate Beach to boat tours to stingray sightings on the side of the road — it’s the kind of place that feels magical in the most effortless way.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
Would I stay longer next time? Absolutely.
Would I splurge for the Yacht Club and a private boat? Manifesting that now. ✨

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