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

Rules
None

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.