Bahamas day tour
an unforgettable day in the bahamas
Check it off your Bucket List Today!
bucket lisT BAHAMAS Day Tour Itinerary
6:45 AM: Check-in at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
7:30 AM: Flight Departs
8:45 AM: Arrival at Bahamas Immigration and Customs
9:15 AM: Arrival at Staniel Cay & Escort to Marina
9:30 AM: Guided Boat Tour Begins
1:00 PM: Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club*
4:30 PM: Returning flight departs Staniel Cay
6:00 PM: Approximate Arrival at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
Pig Beach at Big Major Cay
swimming with the pigs
Big Major Cay’s “Pig Beach” residents are clearly at home in the tropics. Although they aren’t native to the island, they are just as comfortable as any other islander basking in the sunshine and taking to the seas. Friendly and gentle, these highly intelligent creatures nuzzle right up to visitors for a sampling of whatever’s on the menu. Of course, they love the attention as well so petting is certainly appreciated by some. Since visitors (us humans) have become somewhat normal, the pigs don’t forage for food so they will be hungry! There are no humans who live on the island.
The swimming pigs are a mystery. Local legends tell the tales of numerous shipwrecks and pirates all having something to do with the origin of the pigs. There’s even a businessman who feared a Y2K, millennial apocalypse who says he brought the pigs down to the island as a source of food. Whatever the case, it’s certainly become a popular, yet still a secluded, attraction. And since Staniel Air’s Day Tour makes it easy to see these playful piggies, you could very well have them all to your self.
Grotto, sharks & iguanas
thunderball grotto
Located next to Staniel Cay, this amazing site is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and wading around the warm waters of the Bahamas. It is teeming with exotic marine life and a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored coral reefs and fish, including vibrant yellow-tail snappers, huge blue and gold Angelfish. Enter the grotto via a small hidden entrance that’s completely submerged during high tide. We supply all the snorkeling equipment necessary so you can experience this unbelievably beautiful locale. The grotto is actually a naturally occurring limestone cave situated on the western coast of Staniel Cay. It’s a short boat ride and usually the first stop on the Day Tour if the tides are low.
The grotto got its name from the 1965 James Bond film “Thunderball”. The underwater scenes were filmed here and the cast and crew frequented the Staniel Cay Yacht Club. There are a few pictures hanging in the club of the crew lounging after a long day in the Bahamian sun shooting the film. The grotto was also used much later in the series for the James Bond film, “Never Say Never Again”. Sean Connery once again playing the part of James Bond for his seventh and final time. So get your 'Bond' on and take the dive!
Nurse sharks at compass cay
In Compass Cay you’ll be greeted by what some say is a frenzy of fish. Not any fish but a rather large school of scurrying nurse sharks. The marina’s staff throw scraps of fish into the water making these animals very friendly. Also, it keeps them quite full so they are less likely to get curious about the humans wading around the waters with them.
Within minutes you’ll feel right at home with these beautiful creatures. They swim right up to you, bask on the docks during high tide and let you pet them as they pass by. Nurse sharks are bottom feeders and rarely harm humans. Of course, they are animals who get curious and they don’t like to be provoked. So keep little fingers at bay and enjoy these mystical creatures close up and in their natural environment.
BAHAMIAN ROCK IGUANAS
The Exuma Island Rock Iguana (known as Cyclura cychlura figginsi) is native to eight of the islands around Staniel Cay and the Great Exuma Cays and are listed as an endangered species. They are protected by the “Wild Animals” Protection Act.
Arriving at Bitter Guana Cay, you will be welcomed by hundreds of the Rock Iguanas coming to see if you have brought them any fruit; the feeling is almost surreal, like something out of a dinosaur movie. Their coloring is beautiful & vibrant. They will happily pose for photos in exchange for fruits or vegetables. Ladies beware! Painted red toenails are often confused for fruits and these curious and hungry creatures are not shy!
Planes, sandbars & rum punch
SNORKEL A SUNKEN PLANE WRECK
This plane was used for drug trafficking during the 1970’s and ditched here in an effort to elude authorities, so the locals say. No one really knows for sure but what we do know is that it’s a great place to explore and snorkel in the shallows. Nurse sharks sometimes hide under the hull and it’s often surrounded by vibrant tropical fish. If time permits, we’ll stop by so you can take a look. Depending on tides and time, this attraction isn’t always included on the tour.
SERENE SANDBAR
Pure white sand emerges from blue-green waters at low tide. This little stretch of paradise is a perfect stop on your tour for shelling, sunbathing, and taking in the Bahamian breezes. Often, you and your guests will be the only ones there, having it all to yourselves.
The Sandbar is completely covered at high tide and our boat captains schedule your tour stops based on the tides so you can enjoy every one of the attractions. Like Thunderball Grotto, the Sandbar is enjoyed at low tide where you can walk on the white sands and take in the Bahamian sun as long as you like. Wade in the cool, crystal waters and enjoy the surrounding scenery, perfect for photos and group shots.
STANIEL CAY YACHT CLUB
Staniel Cay is approximately 75 miles south of Nassau and 250 miles southeast of Florida. The island itself is less than 2 square miles in area. There’s a small Bahamian village located on the western shore, just a short walk south from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club where people meet to share a drink and a fish tale or two. Sit back and sip the rum punch at the Yacht Club bar or move into the dining area for some Staniel Cay local cuisine.
BUCKET PRICING & IMPORTANT NOTES
STANDARD RATE: $999 PER PERSON
YOUR VIP RATE: $599 PER PERSON
Seasonal specials and discounts are available when you sign up for our email updates, promotions & specials.
The Day Tour runs every week (please call for flight information and to book). Also, upon request for groups of 6 or more, we will offer the Day Tour any day of the week with advance notice. Please contact our concierge for more information and pricing.
Prices include flights, boat excursion, immigration & customs clearance, and transfers in the Bahamas. For private group charters, please contact us for group pricing and availability.
*Price per person excluding applicable taxes. Please see our Cancellation Policy for details. Please note, guests accept the terms and conditions described in the policy and agree to all upon confirmation of your tour. Weather and other delays do seldom occur. The tour guides do everything possible to include all the sights however, time permitting, may not include some stops. Alternative lunch is available at a restaurant of our choice at Black Point – optional per person. Guests can also bring a packed lunch for themselves. Between 15-31 October, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club closes for annual maintenance.
**Please note, while we encourage guests to enjoy every aspect of the day tour, it is important to pay special attention to your guide’s recommendations and instructions. Do not go near the sharks in the marina at Staniel Cay. Please wait until Compass Cay to interact with the sharks. This is for your safety!
Do I need a Passport?
Yes. Passports are required for all guests regardless of age when flying from Florida to the Bahamas. US ID Cards or Birth Certificates are not an adequate substitute for a passport. International flights requiring entry to both the Bahamas and re-entry into the United States mandate a valid Passport.
Required Guests
This tour operates with a minimum of 6 confirmed guests. In the uncommon event, we do not have the minimum required guests, you will receive the option to reschedule at a later date with our concierge.
Departure Location
The Bahamas Day Tour From Fort Lauderdale departs from the Staniel Air Hangar and Lounge at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). 2201 NW 55th Ct, Hangar 11 Fort. Lauderdale, FL 33309. Free daily parking is available. If you’re from the area or staying in one of the surrounding locales, our hangar is easy to get to. We are less than 45 minutes from Miami and just an hour from the Palm Beaches.
Snacks, Lunch & Provisions
Snacks and drinks are included with your tour. Lunch is available for purchase at Staniel Cay Yacht Club. The current lunch menu can be found here. Please do bring your own preferred snacks if you have any dietary restrictions. Other recommended provisions can be found here.
