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For travelers who want to adventure like James Bond then Thunderball Grotto is the right destination. Go diving through the underwater cave system where two James Bond movies were shot.

Travelers can pretend they’re Sean Connery and live out their spy fantasy in this stunning location. The home to a variety of wildlife and beautiful scenery this is a must-visit destination.

Travelers making the trip to Exuma, and especially Staniel Cay, should make it a point to visit the stunning Thunderball Grotto.

Thunderball Grotto

Located just to the west of stunning Staniel Cay is Thunderball Grotto. This stunning underwater cave system is popular for snorkeling, diving, and wading. It is full of exotic and aesthetic sea life that provides travelers with the experience of swimming in a kaleidoscope of brilliant colors. The coral reefs of Thunderball Grotto are full of fish like yellow-tail snappers, angelfish, sergeant majors, and more. Low tide is usually the best time to visit and that is when the snorkeling is at its best. However, for travelers visiting during high tide, diving equipment is necessary.

Exuma Tourist Office

  • Contact Number - (242)336-2457
  • Email - tourism@bahamas.com

Hollywood and Bond Films

It’s no surprise that the stunning Thunderball Grotto attracted the attention of Hollywood. The extravagant Bond franchise filmed two movies here, 1965’s “Thunder Ball” and 1983’s “Never Say Never Again” both starring Sean Connery. Travelers will quickly understand why this location was perfect for the James Bond franchise.

Thunderball Grotto wasn’t just a destination for James Bond movies, but it has been used for various other Hollywood movies. From the outside, the beauty of the grotto isn’t quite visible from the outside, yet soon after entering the glamour that attracted movie franchises becomes evident.

Other movies that were filmed at Thunderball Grotto were “Splash” starring Tom Hanks and “Into the Blue” starring Paul Walker and Jessica Alba. The pop-culture fame that Thunderball Grotto has gained led to it becoming a must-visit destination. This is a sought-after location, not only for travelers but for celebrities too.

  • Thunderball - 1965
  • Never Say Never Again - 1983
  • Splash - 1984
  • Into the Blue - 2005

Go Diving Like James Bond

Travelers can pretend to be spies like James Bond as they navigate through intricate tunnels and cave systems. For those who enjoy a bit of adrenaline, there are few better destinations than the stunning cave system of Thunderball Grotto. Travelers can relish a bit of childhood wonder as they soak in this incredible experience.

Snorkeling is the preferred method for exploring these caves, and though travelers won’t be able to have all of James Bond’s fantastic gadgets they will not need to use much imagination as they take in their surroundings. The caves of Thunderball Grotto are naturally lit and full of exotic species of fish that are stunning in the light that naturally seeps into Thunderball Grotto.

For rock climbers, the adventure doesn’t end with snorkeling. From the inside of the cave, climbers scale the walls to add even more to their adventure.

Nearby Attractions

Travelers to Exuma Cay have much more to check out than just Staniel Cay. Though Thunderball Grotto is absolutely stunning, Exuma is full of amazing sights and experiences to check out. Travelers can be sure to check out these other destinations during their time in Exuma Cay.

Pig Beach

At Major Cay, travelers can find one of the most iconic locations in the whole of Exuma, Pig Beach. Pig Beach is the home of the famous pigs that enjoy nothing better than taking a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. This is an ideal location for tourists who want some new and exciting to experience. Travelers can dive in and take a swim with some happy pigs.

Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park

Taking up the territory between Shroud Cay in the north and Bell Cay in the south is Exuma Cay Land and Sea Park. This is an incredibly fun and popular destination for travelers that want to soak up the fun of the park, stunning views, and the beauty of mangroves.

Meet The Nurse Sharks Of Compass Cay

There is no animal in the world’s oceans that we love to fear more than sharks. So, why not jump into the shallows to go swimming with them. Compass Cay is the perfect place to do so. Meet the friendly nurse sharks that frequent Compass Cay. Travelers are also welcome to jump in the water with them. It’s perfectly safe to do so.

Visit Elbow Reef Lighthouse at Elbow Cay

Though it is a decent distance from Staniel Cay, Elbow Cay is a worthwhile destination for travelers spending a bit of time in Exuma. Elbow Reef Lighthouse went into operation in 1963. It was constructed by the British, and not well received by the locals. However, you can now find it on the ten-dollar bill of the Bahamas. It has become an iconic destination and is a great way to spend time while visiting Exuma.