Continent |
Caribbean |
Country |
Bahamas |
Next Big City |
George Town (Great Exuma), Staniel Cay |
Next Town |
Staniel Cay |
|
Type: |
Island |
Rider Ability: |
Beginner, Intermediate, Expert |
Features: |
Rescue, Shower, Toilet, Food |
Water
Type: |
Shallow, Flat, Chop, Small wave |
Hazards: |
None |
Quality: |
Crystal clear |
Best Tide: |
No information |
Water on ocean side can be very choppy and with some waves. Not too organized, though. On the `bay` side, water is flat and shallow, clear and a dream. It can get choppy when the wind and tide are up, but always flat, flat water to be found. There are numerous cays all around Staniel, so always easy to find what you're looking for. You do need a boat to access, however. Sand bars at low tide are soft sand.
Beach
Type: |
Sand |
Size: |
Tidal |
Hazards: |
Rocks |
Beach Users: |
None |
Beaches and sand bars at low tide are soft sand. Some rock jetties and rocky island formations appear around the surrounding cays, but are quite big and easy to avoid.
Weather
Spring:
|
Shorts |
Summer:
|
Shorts |
Fall:
|
Shorts |
Winter:
|
Shorts, Shorty, Normal |
Water is somewhat chilly in winter - if the air is warm, shorty is sufficient; if cold front, you may want to consider something more. Depends on what you're used to. Summers can get very hot and buggy.
Wind
Best Months: |
January, February, March, November, December |
Wind Type: |
Thermal, Frontal |
Best Direction: |
N, E, S, W |
Main Direction: |
No information |
All wind directions are good. Winter winds can be strong, especially when brought to you by a cold front! Otherwise, in the 15-23 knots range. Summertime, when the afternoon winds appear, expect 13-15 knots. Windy season typically November to March, but winds come up afternoons in the summer months. Ocean side or bay/harbor side - both great, depending on the wind. With so many cays, islands and sandbars, kiteboarding is possible with any wind direction.
How to get there
Transport |
Boat |
Access
|
Short walk |
Staniel Cay airstrip is accessible only by private charter. Watermakers Air services Staniel from Ft. Lauderdale Executive airport, and sells individual seats on the plane. Really, there is only one place to stay - the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. They pick you up at the airstrip and take you to your cottage on the water.
Extra information
None. Be nice. Inquire at the Yacht Club for rental boats or to hire a boat and guide. Downwinders are incredible! Island to island! Easy to hire out a boat with or without driver for rescue/pick-up. Note: wear a shirt when ever in an establishment, ie. The Club or one of the stores. The locals see shirtlessness as a sign of disrespect.
Nightlife
The bar at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the place to be! Fun, friendly people - both the locals and the visitors! Definitely come during new years eve. There are is a deep water dock for large yachts. There is a pretty diverse crowd looking to have a good time during the holidays. Great place, I definitely recommend. The drinking age, same through out most of the Bahamas, anyone who can see over the bar.