Winter in Staniel Cay: What to Expect

by | Dec 29, 2024 | Seasonal + Events | 0 comments

November and December don’t have to be all about bundling up and early sunsets. The solution? Book a change of scenery. Staniel Cay will have you forgetting all about the heated blanket back home.

Here at Staniel Rental, we provide travelers to the Bahamas with opulent, luxurious accommodations. Our homes are fully furnished, sleep large groups of people, and feature sophisticated amenities like bay views, Wi-Fi, hot tubs, and al fresco dining areas with chic furniture.

So, what can you expect from a winter vacation in Staniel Cay? Keep reading for the lowdown on winter activities, events, and packing suggestions for your Bahamian vacation!

Winter Weather in Staniel Cay

Photo Credit: Buckeye Sailboat

Imagine a low of 78 degrees Fahrenheit — in the winter months! That’s what Staniel Cay’s high season lows (December) look like. (OK, we know Florida is similar — but they don’t have swimming pigs, iguanas, and turquoise waters like we do).

Here are a few more details about average Fahrenheit temperatures in Staniel Cay:

  • December: Highs of 82 and lows of 78
  • January: Highs of 81 and lows of 68
  • February: Highs of 79 and lows of 69
  • March: Highs of 78 and lows of 68

What about the torrential downpours of the rainy season? Don’t worry — you just missed them.

The Bahamas’s hurricane season lasts from May to October, making winter the absolute perfect time to visit. No more heavy rains, just clear skies, and sunny, warm weather!

Best Things to Do in the Winter

Winter activities in most of the US may involve staying home and hiding from the windchill, but in Staniel Cay, you can soak up the sun and enjoy every possible minute outdoors.

1. Snorkel at the Airplane Wreck

Photo Credit: Flickr via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

The Bahamas has its own lore behind the covert airplane trips from many decades ago. This includes the fact that German criminal Carlos Ledher of the Medellin cartel actually crashed his plane in the Exuma Cays in the 70s, specifically around Norman Cay and Staniel Cay. The upside is now you can snorkel the historic wreckage.

The airplane wreck is still in the water and has attracted thousands of tourists to the area as a great snorkeling spot. Enjoy an eerie look into 80s drug-lord history and catch sights of some incredible fish while you’re at it, like yellow trumpetfish, nurse sharks, angelfish, and if you’re lucky? Sea turtles — how cute! You’ll also take in views of striking coral reefs and lush seagrass.

Staniel Cay Adventures offers this snorkeling tour as well as scuba diving excursions, and they’ve been a reputable name in the area for many years.

2. Rent a Boat and Go Fishing

Photo Credit: Danita Delimont

Staniel Cay and the Bahamas, in general, have geography on their side. Place in the Caribbean Sea, we’re lucky to have access to some of the freshest, tastiest seafood on the planet. And we’re not just talking about sea snails (though you can pass the conch fritters to us, yum).

Here at Staniel Cay Rental, we offer various boat rentals that you can take out on the water for a day trip fishing charter. We’ll provide you with all the gear to catch some delectable fish species, like:

  • Mahi mahi: Fish tacos, anyone?
  • Wahoo: This stellar fish goes great with white wine and has a subtle, pleasant taste. The sharp nose is also a wonder to behold after you catch one.
  • Tarpon: These bad boys have a tough texture to eat, but good luck catching one — they can grow as large as 8 feet and weigh up to 300 pounds!

We also have on-staff guides to help you with baiting and any other questions you may have on your fishing charter. Beginners are welcome!

Check out our boat, watertoys, and golf cart rentals. We take patrons all over the Exuma Cays, including Compass Cay, Bitter Guana Cay, and Big Major Cay, and have English-speaking tour guides.

3. Host Your Own Winter Soirée

If you’ve always dreamed of hosting a lavish dinner party, you might make that dream a reality on your Staniel Cay vacation. Our accommodations aren’t just luxurious properties (though we’ve always had a taste for the finer things in life). When you book with Staniel Cay, you also gain access to many of our services, including our year-round private chef bookings.

Whether you want a black-tie seafood buffet at your villa or a festive Mexican taco night, our skilled chef can make it happen. Don’t worry about long trips to grocery stores —- our chef has you covered.

While we’re used to accommodating larger groups, you can also send most of your crew to another activity and have a chef-curated romantic dinner for two instead.

Create your custom dinner experience with Staniel Rentals!

Winter Events in Staniel Cay

Staniel Cay is an admittedly small island in the Exumas. But that doesn’t mean our neighbors don’t know how to have a good time!

Most of the events held in the immediate vicinity of Staniel Cay are happening at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club.

Check out these events you can enjoy during the wintertime: the best time of year to visit Staniel Cay!

1. Ahoy, Esteemed Travelers Annual Pirate Party

Have you been itching to attend a masquerade or costume party? Immerse yourself in the childlike wonder of dress-up with the Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s Annual Pirate Party! Find an eyepatch and crack out those flowy trousers, leather chaps, and bandanas you haven’t worn since the 90s.

Of course, you don’t have to dress up. It’s not mandatory. But the best-dressed patrons will receive a prize, so that’s an enticing reason to go all out.

Traveling with kids? No problem — in fact, they’re encouraged to attend this event, with a dedicated kids event between 4 to 6 p.m. There will also be cocktails and dinner — don’t forget to try the conch fritters!

2. Wahoo Blitz

Any anglers in the house? This is the event for you. Wake up bright and early and take one of our boat rentals out on the water right at 6:30 a.m. You’ll be competing with other fishing enthusiasts to find the best or heaviest Wahoo fish.

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club will have judges on staff to run the weigh-ins and also ensure you don’t break any rules. For example, this competition isn’t one for billfish, so participants aren’t permitted to catch them, even if they release them. Going by traditional rules, no electronic rods are allowed!

The event also ends with a Superbowl dinner and party on the 9th of February.

Note: You need a fishing license to join this event.

3. New Year’s Eve Celebration

Photo Credit: KKulikov

The pier lights up with flashing lights and fireworks every New Year’s Eve at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club’s annual celebration. The event goes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., complete with champagne, cocktails, and a New Year’s countdown.

While the website doesn’t list any details right now, we recommend you check back to see any updates about live music or special appearances.

Packing for Your Winter Vacation in Staniel Cay

Imagine leaving your house in December without your heavy coat. No more lugging around layers of clothing and boots — winter in Staniel Cay doesn’t call for it.

Instead, make sure to include these necessities in your luggage:

  • Swimsuits: Bikinis, onesies, and even diving suits are great options to enjoy the water.
  • Sunscreen: The sun gets pretty strong in the early afternoon peaks, so you should protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
  • Comfortable sandals: Comfort should come first to enjoy long beach strolls on the white sands, but keep the shoes light and open so your feet don’t sweat!
  • Sunglasses: Trust us; you won’t want to forget these. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the sights without squinting from the sun!
  • Light layers: Think flowy, linen pants, light-colored t-shirts, loose tank tops, and light sweaters to cover up during the cool evening breezes.

How about bedding, towels, kitchen appliances, soaps, shampoos, and creams? You’ll find all these things in your vacation rental here at Staniel Rental.

Indulge in a Bahamas Vacation With Staniel Rental

Winter brings snow and frigid temperatures across the US — but that doesn’t have to be your reality this year.

Staniel Cay is a gorgeous island in The Bahamas that treats every visitor with gorgeous Caribbean sea views, a laid-back ambiance, and the opportunity to truly unwind and connect with your loved ones.

Ready to experience winter the right way? Book with Staniel Rental today!