Located just west of Staniel Cay, this fantastic underwater cave system is great for snorkeling, diving, and wading. It is teeming with exotic marine life and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored coral reefs and fish, like yellow-tail snappers, Angel fish, Sergeant Majors and the like.

How do you get into the Thunderball Grotto?

Upon arrival in a speedboat from Staniel Cay Bahamas you will need to take the plunge. The reason for this is that the entrance to the grotto is actually submerged. Snorkeling through the short tunnel you will find yourself in the mesmerizing Thunderball Grotto cavern.

Can you jump into Thunderball Grotto?

It's quite a jump and you need good shoes to climb the sharp coral to the top but it's worth the bucket list. Swim under the cave entry at low tide for a less dare-devil but still thrilling entry. Bring your snorkel gear and fins.

Where is Staniel Cay Bahamas?

A Small, Remote Island

The island of Staniel Cay is nestled in the magnificent chain of Bahamian Islands called The Exuma Cays (a.k.a. “Exumas”). Staniel Cay lies approximately 75 miles south of Nassau and 250 miles of southeast of Florida.

Can you stay on Staniel Cay?

Best Places To Stay on Staniel Cay

Embrace Resort is the newest accommodation option on the island, and the place we called home for a week on Staniel Cay. Embrace Resort offers affordable luxury villas to fit everyone's budget. ... We stayed in the Ragged Island honeymoon villa, complete with jacuzzi.

THUNDERBALL GROTTO BAHAMAS

39 related questions found

How do I get from Staniel Cay to Pig island?

The Staniel Cay Pigs at Pig Beach can be reached by boat. The island with pigs is only 5-10 minutes by boat from Staniel Cay. Generally visitors have 2 options, either stay on Stnaiel Cay and make the short journey to Big Major Cay; Or visit the Swimming Pigs on a day trip excursion from Nassau or Miami.

What is a religious grotto?

Religious grottoes

They are often used as shrines in which to place statues of saints, particularly the Virgin Mary, in outdoor gardens. ... They can commonly be found displayed in gardens and churches, among other places (see Lourdes grotto).

Are there sharks in the Thunderball Grotto?

Sean Connery and other famous stars a part of the movie “Thunderball” hung out at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and you can see photos from these days behind the bar. Compass Cay Marina: famous for its habitat of Nurse sharks which you can swim with in crystal clear waters.

Where is Exuma?

Exuma is a district of The Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands, also called cays. The largest of the cays is Great Exuma, which is 37 mi (60 km) in length and joined to another island, Little Exuma, by a small bridge. The capital and largest town in the district is George Town (population 1,437).

How do I get from Nassau to Staniel Cay?

There is no direct connection from Nassau to Staniel Cay. However, you can take the ferry to Ship Channel Cay, Exuma then take the travel to Staniel Cay. Alternatively, you can take the taxi to Nassau airport, fly to Rock Sound, then take the travel to Staniel Cay.

Is Nassau or Exuma better?

While Nassau is the more energetic destination in the Bahamas, Exuma is far more relaxing. According to one Trip Advisor reviewer, you should go for the Exuma islands if you want a quiet destination away from all the hustle and bustle. The Exuma islands are all about rest and rejuvenation!

Where is swimming with the pigs?

Which island in The Bahamas can you swim with the pigs? The famous swimming pigs of The Bahamas are found on Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Beach, in The Exumas.

Who owned Exuma island?

Steve and Patrick Harrington, former investment banker brothers originally from Chicago, have purchased islands in the Exumas for investment and development purposes. One they've recently put on the market for $22 million has a 4,000-square-foot house, two miles of coastline and 145 acres of land purchased in 2006.

Why is Mary in a grotto?

The statue of the Virgin Mary is nestled into a landform, designed to offer a sheltered space for the statue and place for prayerful contemplation. The idea for a grotto came after President Michael Lovell completed the 18-month Ignatian Colleagues Program based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.

What is a grotto girl?

Women have been building 'girl grottos' or 'she sheds' - the female equivalent of the acclaimed 'man caves' Some have been designed purely for comfort, while others have been built with a particular hobby in mind.

How deep is a grotto?

The Grotto is a famous and impressive underwater limestone cavern that reaches some 21 meters (70 feet) below the sea at its deepest point.

How much does it cost to swim with pigs in Exuma?

How much does it cost to go to Pig Beach? If you're already in Exuma Island and want to go to Pig Beach to swim with the famous pigs, you will spend a minimum of US$ 250 on a Pig Island Tour.

How long is the boat ride from Nassau to Exuma?

Can you take a ferry from Nassau to Exuma? Nassau to Georgetown (Great Exuma) : By Ferry = 14 hours.

Can you swim with pigs in Bimini?

While on your tour to Bimini, take the plane a little further to the Exumas where you can see Pig Beach on Big Major Cay (Pig Island). ... Other places around the country have imported pigs to beaches to try to bring in tourist dollars, but the pigs at Big Major Cay are the original Bahamas swimming pigs.

What food is Exuma known for?

Top 10 Awesome Foods to Taste in the Exumas

• Conch. Conch is the national food in the Bahamas and very famous among the locals and the tourists. ...
• Rum Cake. This is another famous food that you will find in the shacks of Exumas. ...
• Souse. ...
• Bahamian Hot Patty. ...
• Bahamian Fish Stew. ...
• Bahama Mama. ...
• Johnnycake. ...
• Peas 'n'Rice.

Who owns Bell island Bahamas?

The island was purchased for $100 million in 2009 and it is controlled by the Agha Khan.

What is the main settlement of Exuma?

The main settlement, located on the island of Great Exuma, is George Town, which lies on scenic Elizabeth Harbour.

Which animal Cannot swim?

25 Animals That Can't Swim

• Camels. Most camels spend their entire lives surrounded by nothing but sand. ...
• Giraffes. Giraffes are the tallest mammals on the planet, but it's their long legs and neck that put them at a disadvantage. ...
• Porcupine. ...
• Tortoises. ...
• Shih Tzus. ...
• Peacocks. ...
• Gorillas. ...
• Chimpanzees.

Do pigs cut their throats when swimming?

In warm climates, pigs wallow in mud as a way of protecting their skin from UV rays. However, it seems that when there is tourist treat to be had, these animals will gladly risk the tropical Bahaman sun. It cut its own throat. ... But as Major Cay shows, pigs are actually very strong swimmers.