Staniel has always been one of our favorite stops. We can still remember our first trip here when Rachel was 7 and we first explored the area.
Pretty bungalows in Staniel
When we left Warderick Wells the wind was not cooperating in our favor, it was on our nose in the direction to Staniel. We were bummed but we motored on our way. Well, of course a boat went by with it’s sails up heading in the same direction and this was all it took was for Brian and it was on. He wanted to see how well we could keep up with this modern mono-hull that was sailing into the wind. Multi-hulls are not known for pointing as high into the wind as mono-hulls so Brian saw this as a challenge. We hoisted our sails too and tacked back and forth the rest of the way to Staniel. We did pretty good matching the other boat for most of the way but on the last tack they really took off and had a better run than we did. This was fun for us having a challenge made the trip more exciting. Anything is better than motoring the whole way.
Where we anchored in Staniel…can you see Moon in the distance?
We anchored off the beach in Staniel right by the yacht club. Nice little spot. There were more boats than we’ve ever seen anchored there by the beach, I think 6 in all. The harbor itself is huge and there are lots of spots to anchor in but this anchorage it is the closest that you can get to the island and pretty protected so we were happy to be there.
Face of rock wall, Staniel Pond
Finally back in civilization. We were able to use phone and internet, go grocery shopping (lots of choices, either the pink or blue store…lol) and do a bit of socializing. Great that they have groceries but bad on the wallet. Things were close to twice as much as in Nassau. One example is that a case of beer was $62.00! No sale prices here. Plain old supply and demand. Brian had a point though that was only $2.60 a beer and still less expensive than drinking at the pubs so it’s only money right? I also got a head of cauliflower and some lettuce for $5.00 each and a single sized bottle of gatorade for $3.00. Anyhow you see my point, things are expensive here!
This way or that way?
We did lots of exploring. Once again it was great to have our bikes. We rode everywhere…really everywhere. Brian likes to leave no path unexplored. It was nice to be able to check out areas of the island that we have not seen before.
Brian snorkeling by Thunder Ball Cave
Inside of Thunder Ball Cave looking out
We of course snorkeled the famous Thunder Ball Cave. Two James Bond Scenes were filmed here, as well as the movie Splash and Into the Blue. It was fabulous! It was more crowded than we have seen in the past but we were able to get into it between lulls and have the cave pretty much to ourselves. This place is incredible, so many fish, lots of pretty corals and the roof of the cave is full of holes with light pouring through. It’s a site to see. Loved it!
Pretty corals
Me in Thunder Ball Cave
Every time we have been to this area we have heard about the swimming pigs but we had never seen them. This time I was determined to find them. We did at Big Majors and it was quite the experience.
After talking to some other sailors about where to find the pigs they suggested that we bring some food scraps for them. I had some apples and carrots that were on there way out the door so we brought them along. Just like the dolphins begging at home in PCB for food these pigs come right up to you and open their mouths to be fed. Only difference is that it is legal to feed the pigs here and they are quite the tourist attraction.
Salty Hogs
I have to admit that it’s quite scary having a pig right at your side with it’s mouth open waiting for a treat…most of the goodies that I threw at them ended up boinking them on their nose instead of making into their mouths. They seemed perturbed that I had such a bad aim and only ate the food floating in the water when they realized that I had no more to toss to them.
Here piggie piggie. Yikes…don’t bite.
We had a great time visiting with the pigs. It’s a definite must see for anyone visiting the Staniel Cay area.
More carrots please
We enjoyed our time in Staniel. As with every island there is a time to head out and ours had arrived. We provisioned the boat with some fresh supplies and headed on our way to Georgetown.
Take care all for now…more tales to come.
Jennifer and Brian
Oink!!! Looks like fun!!!