Staniel Cay, Exumas, Bahamas

Welcome to Staniel Cay.  Whitewing is on a mooring ball near Thunderball Grotto, a famous underwater cavity that was used in the filming to the movie  "Thunderball".  It is best to get  there at a slack tide to avoid the strong current.   I  did move off the mooring ball to a peaceful anchorage in nearby  Big Major  Spot....

The garbage at the dump is burned weekly .   Glad I was upwind from the smoke!

 

Another  beautiful sunset at Staniel Cay, Big Major Spot

/bSailing takes many forms here in Bahamas.  A group of dinghy dames came and sailed their sunfish a good distance to Black Point and also to Sandy Cay.  When the winds died, Bob was at hand to assist in the tow...

Our dingys are our transportation.   Here we see  various types and models.  I recommend the largest and highest horsepower you can accomodate.  A hard bottom rib type around 10 to 11 feet with a 15 horsepower engine seems to  work well here.

Beach gatherings complete with sunsets, food and music are a great way to meet other cruisers and get  off the boat for an evening.  Here at Big Majors Spot, some cruisers have created  a  nice spot with a fire it, picnic tables, etc.   We had over 20 boats represented and a great  time.

Big Major Spot is known for the wild pigs that swim off the beach to dine from cruisers boats.   Often,  cruisers will actually swim with them and pet them while  on the beach.  Here is  Bob  and  Peg with friends continuing the traditon.   They are fed constantly and seem  to enjoy the visit

The Thunderball Grotto was used in the filming of the James Bond film..."Thunderball".  Once you dive under the entrance,  you are treated to a wonderful large roomlike chamber full of fish and opening to the sky .  Young folks have been seen jumping from above.  The best time to visit is slack tide, you have about an hour to enjoy before the current starts to rip. Bring some cereal to feed the beautiful fish. 

   

 MahiHere is a day's catch of Mahi Mahi, or the fish dolphin.  We trolled at 8 knots with frozen ballyhoo.  When one is on, it is kept in the water and the others in the school can then be hooked as well..Thanks to Bob and Peg for the fish that did not get away.   

 

 

I had a great few  months in Staniel Cay and enjoyed all the beautiful water of the area. Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a fine watering hole and good fresh conch/seafood.  The area has become quite popular with the larger megayachts, but all are friendly around the bar.  Good bread can be found at the yellow house , Rhonda the baker.  Coconut is my favorite.

Thanks to my friends Bob and Peg for their hospitality and friendship during my brief stay in their paradise away  from Tampa.