Thunderball Grotto
Dive into the world of James Bond with a visit to the Thunderball Grotto, an underwater cave at Staniel Cay in the Bahamas Exuma Cays. The best way to visit the Thunderball Cave is to snorkel in through the underwater entrance with the many tropical fish that live in the Grotto too.
Thunderball Grotto Exuma, the James Bond Cave
Thunderball Grotto Exuma is one of the best things to do on a day trip to Bahamas. We have detailed information to make your Thunderball Grotto tour everything you hoped for. Read on to learn more about Thunderball Grotto Bahamas.
The sun glistens through the roof of the Thunderball Grotto James Bond Cave
Where is Thunderball Grotto Exuma
Thunderball Cave Bahamas is located in the perfect location between two of the most visited destinations in the Exuma Cays.
The Exuma Cays are a collection of 365 islands in the southern region of the Bahamas islands. Most people know the Exumas as the remote and most secluded area of the country with islands sitting in pristine turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Thunderball Grotto Exuma sits between the popular Pig Island (Big Major Cay) and Staniel Cay. It is not more than a short swim from Pig Beach and, if you are an average swimmer, you can also swim from Staniel Cay.
Aerial view of James Bond Thunderball Grotto. The Grotto is the 3rd island on the right of picture
The best part is this oasis is only 80 miles south of the Bahamas hub for tourism — the capital city of Nassau. It is entirely possible to fly to the Exumas where you would land at the Staniel Cay Airport (five minutes away from Thunderball Grotto) in under half an hour. This would give you the best chance at seeing all this beautiful region of the Bahamas has to offer.
What is the Thunderball Grotto Exuma?
Visiting this Bahamas attraction, it is important to remember the old adage “Never judge a book by its cover”.
Upon swimming up to Thunderball Grotto Bahamas, it doesn’t look like much. Just a small rock formation jutting out of the water. However, swim closer and you may notice several hidden entrances which open up to a hollow formation with natural sun holes and glistening coral waters inside.
Inside the James Bond Cave on a Thunderball Grotto Tour
How it got it’s name: Thunderball Grotto Staniel Cay
The Thunderball cave Bahamas has been featured several times in Hollywood films. It first appeared in the 1965 blockbuster 007 movie, “Thunderball”, starring Sean Connery among other stars. Then, another James Bond film featured the grotto in a scene, “Never Say Never” in 1983.
It is easy to see what the Hollywood movie producers saw in this place. It doesn’t seem glamorous from the outside, but from the inside, its potential is exponential.
The Entrance to Thunderball Grotto
What to do on a Thunderball Grotto Tour
This intricate tunnel cave system is wonderful for adrenaline junkies searching for their next opportunity to become James Bond for the afternoon. What better way for fans of the James Bond 007 series to geek-out than to literally live through the scenes they see in the movie!
Snorkeling is wonderful at Thunderball Grotto Exuma. Explore underwater caves and a thriving underwater ecosystem. The exotic species of fish and brightly colored coral underneath a naturally lit cave in the middle of the sea is something special that you won’t soon forget.
If you like rock climbing, it is also fun to scale the walls inside (and out) of this rock formation and really tune into your inner-Bond.
And, of course, just a short swim from the grotto is the most popular attraction in the Bahamas; Pig Island.
Thunderball Cave has a small entrance way on the northern cliff face of the Island
Useful Information about Thunderball Grotto Staniel Cay
In addition to the two Bond films, other Hollywood movies to be shot in the Grotto include “Splash” starring Tom Hanks and “Into the Blue” with Paul Walker and Jessica Alba. Its pop culture fame has led it to being frequented by many celebrities as visitors pulling up to the grotto in private yachts, so keep an eye out and you might just cross paths with a Hollywood star.
Diving into the Thunderball Grotto Cave and exploring the underwater passageways
Attractions around Thunderball Grotto Exuma
Thunderball Grotto is in a gold mine of Exuma treasures when it comes to day tripping to the other side of the Bahamas. All within a dozen miles of each other, you can find all these great natural attractions which many see all within a day trip to Bahamas.
- Swim with pigs at the world famous Pig Beach
- Take a selfie with sharks at Compass Cay
- Go sand bar hopping at Pipe Creek
- Hike with endangered iguanas at Bitter Guana Cay
- Dive through an underwater cartel plane wreck in crystal clear waters
- Adventure through Staniel Cay on a golf cart
- Dine at the historic Staniel Cay Yacht Club
- Go deep sea fishing with a local expert fisherman
There are more things to do in the Exuma Cays, but that list should get you through your day trip to Exumas. Explore Thunderball Grotto and get the adrenaline rush you were craving in this island paradise!
Share this tourRelated Tours
$949
Exuma Tour from Miami by Plane
Fly to Exuma from Florida and go Swimming with Pigs at Pig Beach on our Full Day Miami to Bahamas Day Tour, including Swimming with Sharks, Snorkeling in Thunderball Grotto, Sandbars, Iguanas and Beaches
$675
Exuma Tour from Nassau by Plane
Fly from Nassau to Exuma and go Swimming with Pigs on our Full Day Exuma Tour which includes Swimming with Sharks, James Bond Thunderball Grotto, Sandbars, Iguanas, Snorkeling and Deserted beaches.
Private
$3,900
Exuma Tour from Georgetown by Boat
Visit the famous Swimming Pigs on a Full Day Exuma Tour from Great Exuma by Powerboat that includes Swimming with Sharks, Thunderball Grotto, Sandbars, Iguanas, Snorkeling and Deserted beaches.
Bahamas Air Tours Inc
doing business as, Swimming with Pigs
Fla. Seller of Travel Ref No. ST41785