Thunderball Grotto
Explore the famous underwater cave system made legendary by film and unforgettable snorkeling.

Private Charter Flights to the Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Same-day, short-notice flights are available. We personally own and operate our twin-engine airplanes — no brokers, no mark-ups, just direct charter flights to the Exuma Cays.
If you’re searching “flights to the Exumas” or “Exuma Bahamas flights,” Staniel Cay is one of the most efficient arrival points for central Exuma Cays itineraries. The fastest and most predictable option from Florida is a direct private charter flight into Staniel Cay Airport (TYM / MYES).
| Best Option | Routing | Why It's Better | What You Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Private Charter Flight | Fort Lauderdale or Miami → Staniel Cay (TYM / MYES) | Fast, private, pet-friendly, gear-friendly, and operated under FAA Part 135 standards. Ideal for families, groups, and luxury itineraries. | Nassau connections, baggage re-checks, missed island hops, overnight delays, crowded terminals, and schedule risk. |
Staniel Cay is one of the most popular arrival points in the Exuma Cays for iconic Bahamas excursions, including the swimming pigs, James Bond’s Thunderball Grotto, and the friendly nurse sharks at Compass Cay. Many of these experiences are timing-sensitive, making proper arrival planning especially important.
Thunderball Grotto (James Bond Grotto) is tide-dependent and is only safely accessible during slack tide. Outside of this window, strong currents can make entry difficult or unsafe. If visiting Thunderball Grotto is a priority, let us know in advance so we can help coordinate your flight arrival with local operators and optimal tide conditions.
A local tip for visiting the Bahamas swimming pigs: bring iced, bottled fresh water and poke a small hole in the top. On warm days, the pigs will happily drink the cool fresh water directly from the bottle — a simple trick that makes for great photos and a more enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals.
Many of the small islands around Staniel Cay are also home to friendly Bahamas rock iguanas, which love fresh fruits and vegetables. One of their favorite treats is strawberries, making iguana encounters another memorable stop often included on Exuma day excursions.
Share your full excursion plans — including swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, nurse sharks, and island stops — and we’ll help align your private charter flight arrival for a smooth, well-timed, and unforgettable day in the Exuma Cays.
Satellite view of Staniel Cay in the Exumas, Bahamas, highlighting Staniel Cay Airport (TYM / MYES) and the surrounding cays that make this one of the best gateways for Thunderball Grotto, the Bahamas swimming pigs, Compass Cay nurse sharks, and private-island stays. Bahamas Charter Flights provides direct, pet-friendly private charter flights from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach, and across the Southeast U.S. — flying safely to the Bahamas since 1987.
Staniel Cay is a legendary gateway to the Exuma Cays for day excursions, private islands, and boating itineraries. Flying private keeps your group together, protects your schedule, and gets you closer to the experiences you came for — without connection risk.
Bahamas Charter Flights has been flying to the Bahamas since 1987 as a direct operator. We help coordinate the small details that matter: passenger manifests, arrival guidance, luggage planning, pet documentation, and timing for resort or marina check-ins.
Staniel Cay is a paved-runway Out Island airport serving Exuma Cays travel. Our team helps coordinate the details that matter: flight planning, manifests, Bahamas entry guidance, luggage planning, and timing so your arrival is smooth.
IATA: TYM
ICAO: MYES
Coordinates: 24.1706° N, 76.4538° W
Region: Exuma Cays, Bahamas
Runway: 17/35
Surface: Asphalt
Length: approx. 3,030 ft (924 m)
We match aircraft to your passenger count, luggage, weather, and mission (luxury, fishing, diving, family, pets).
International arrivals require passports and proper documentation. We provide step-by-step guidance and help with pet travel documentation for Bahamas entry.
Tell us where you’re staying (resort, villa, yacht club, private island) and your excursion schedule — we’ll help coordinate timing for check-in windows and boat departures.
We operate on-demand private charter flights to Staniel Cay from Florida and across the Southeast U.S. If you’re departing outside South Florida, we can arrange positioning or pick up from your preferred airport whenever feasible.
Want to compare Exuma airports? See our overview of Exumas private charter flights.
Exuma Cays travelers often bring more than a carry-on: coolers, fishing rods, snorkel/dive gear, strollers, and beach bags for the whole family. Tell us what you’re bringing and we’ll recommend the right aircraft.
Your pets fly in the cabin with you — no cargo hold. We’ll guide you through Bahamas pet documentation and timing.
Park close, board fast, and skip airline lines. We fly on your schedule and keep you informed if weather or other factors require adjustments.
Staniel Cay is one of the best arrival points for classic Exuma excursions. If you’re planning an excursion-heavy trip, a direct private flight into TYM / MYES helps protect your schedule and simplifies the day.
Explore the famous underwater cave system made legendary by film and unforgettable snorkeling.
Meet the world-famous swimming pigs — one of the most photographed experiences in the Bahamas.
Swim with friendly nurse sharks in clear shallow water — a signature Exuma day excursion.
Staniel Cay is a preferred arrival airport for central Exuma Cays itineraries, especially for private-island stays and high-end resort trips. These options are commonly paired with private flights into Staniel Cay (TYM / MYES) to simplify arrival logistics.
A private-island resort option frequently paired with premium Exuma itineraries and relaxed villa-first stays.
High-end private island experience in the Exumas with an emphasis on privacy, comfort, and curated stays.
An exclusive private-island destination in the Exuma Cays for travelers seeking maximum privacy.
For most travelers departing from Florida and the Southeast U.S., the fastest and most predictable option is a direct private charter flight into Staniel Cay Airport (TYM / MYES). This avoids Nassau connections, reduces total travel time, and keeps your group together with your luggage and gear.
Staniel Cay Airport uses IATA code TYM and ICAO code MYES.
Staniel Cay Airport has a paved runway (17/35) that is approximately 3,030 feet (924 meters) long.
Yes. Private charter flights are ideal for families, groups, pets, and gear-heavy trips. Pets typically fly in the cabin, and we help with Bahamas entry guidance and any pet documentation requirements.
Yes. Share where you’re staying and your excursion schedule (Thunderball Grotto, swimming pigs, Compass Cay sharks, private islands) and we’ll help align your departure and arrival timing for a smooth travel day.
Whether you’re planning a luxury private-island itinerary, a family trip with pets, an excursion-heavy weekend, or a fishing mission, our team will make your travel day simple. We’ve flown private charter flights to the Bahamas since 1987 — and Staniel Cay is one of the most-requested Exuma routes.
Want to compare Exuma arrival airports? See our overview of Exumas destinations to choose the closest airport for your resort, villa, marina, or itinerary.