Staniel Cay - Host of the annual Bahamian Bonefish Tournament each July 4th, the isle's main attraction is James Bond 007 Thunderball Grotto. This picturesque underwater cave has been the site for scenes in major Hollywood productions including the James Bond movies "Thunderball" and "Never say Never," and Ron Howard's "Splash." Rays of light pierce the water through holes in the cave's ceiling to create a dazzling effect as the beams refract. You need not even be a diver to explore it;during low tide snorkellers can make their way into the cave.

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. The island itself is less than 2 square miles in area. A small Bahamian village lies on the western shore, just a short walk south from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

The island's main attractions are its friendly people, beautiful clear waters and secluded beaches. With a population of less than 80 full-time residents, Staniel Cay is the ideal place to escape from the cares of the world. Although small, the island has most of what anyone could need: a church, post office, library, three small retail shops, a straw market and a marine supply store. In addition, the presence of the airstrip allows for quick and easy access to Nassau and Florida.

Staniel Cay is a great getaway, and the Staniel Cay Yacht Club -- only a 5-minute golf-cart ride from the airstrip -- is the place to get away to, if you are going by boat then it is a good place to moor and refuel. Although once famous in yachting circles, drawing celebrities like the late Malcolm Forbes, the property became rundown and lost its chic clientele for several years. Now it's bounced back. Fully restored and improved, it again welcomes the yachting world to its location near a white sandy beach. Guest cottages, each with a small shower unit, have been completely remodeled and refurbished and are quite charming. Each cottage is painted a different color with different decorative features. The cottages also have west-facing balconies, which make for unimpeded views of the sun setting over the water. This is one of the few guarantees each day on Staniel Cay. Since the island is only a kilometer (2/3 mile) wide, you can easily walk to the local village. A Boston Whaler is docked outside each accommodation, and guests are given a map of local waters and invited to sail on their own. There are many deserted islands surrounding Staniel Cay.

Club Thunderball is "License 2 fill" and well worth the visit.