Warderick Wells Cay to Big Major's Spot, Bay of Pigs & Staniel Cay, Bahamas

From Warderick Wells Cay we have just a short run to our anchor spot at Big Major ‘s Spot in the Bay of Pigs (16NM). Big Major’s Spot has a large salt pond in the interior that was, long ago, worked by the people on Staniel Cay. We are anchored, have the tender in the water and the snorkel gear on by noon. Larry locates the famous “Thunderball Grotto” where scenes from the Bond film, of the same name, were filmed. We tuck into the underhang of the grotto and are immediately surrounded by fish eager for their breadcrumbs. The cathedral-like ‘ceiling’ of this coral grotto has openings that allow the sunlight to stream in creating a truly spectacular experience. After the snorkel we check out the little Staniel Cay Yacht Club and a bit of the town. Most everything on the Cay is sadly still closed due to COVID. The following day we check out the swimming pigs. They are descendents of pigs that a Staniel Cay couple brought here many years past. The pigs are a really money maker now and draw many tourists every day.

The Independence anchored in the Bay of Pigs

A member of the welcome committee….nurse shark cruising for snacks

Thunderball Grotto. GoPro photo grab by Larry

The dingy beach at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club (SCYC)

Larry enjoys a cold one at the SCYC after the snorkel

The nurse sharks gather when the fisherman throw them the scraps from the cleaned lobsters & fish

I have never seen so many mega yachts in active use in one spot before…every toy imaginable…tenders, jet skis, inflatable slides & climbing walls, hoverboards, etc.

The tender at the Pig Beach with the mega yachts in the distance

The tour guides know what the pigs like and have trained them to sit for their treats

This big girl sits on command for her carrots. Larry mentioned that is hard to believe that they have such poor eyesight with all the carrots they eat!

Larry at the piggery with all the tired performers and the little piglets and their moms.

This happy pig some how scampered off with the whole loaf of white bread…still in the wrapper!

Another year around the sun calls for Rum Cake….and this little piggy liked it!