Private Jet Charter to Staniel Cay, Bahamas
Private jet charter to Staniel Cay starts at $3,500+ one way, with flights from South Florida averaging about an hour. Flights operate into Staniel Cay Airport (MYES / TYM), whose 3,031 ft (924 m) Runway 17/35 is a short strip suited to turboprops and select light aircraft only. It is the most direct gateway to the central Exuma Cays, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, and Thunderball Grotto. This is a niche, high-intent destination, and aircraft must be matched carefully to the runway. Hogani Jets coordinates each charter through licensed Part 135 operators.
Staniel Cay is the access point for the central Exuma Cays, one of the most spectacular and remote stretches of the Bahamas.Staniel Cay has limited scheduled air service, including direct service from Fort Lauderdale Executive, while private charter offers greater schedule flexibility and most of the surrounding destinations, the swimming pigs at Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, the uninhabited cays and sandbars, are reachable only by air or water. For travelers headed here, private aviation is not a luxury upgrade; it is the practical way in.
Direct Access to the Exuma Cays
Reaching Staniel Cay by commercial routing means flying to Nassau or Exuma International, then arranging a small regional flight or a long boat transfer. Private charter into Staniel Cay Airport collapses that into a single direct flight from South Florida of about an hour, landing in the heart of the cays.
The Swimming Pigs and Thunderball Grotto
Staniel Cay is the jumping-off point for two of the most searched experiences in the Bahamas: the swimming pigs of Big Major Cay, a short boat ride away, and Thunderball Grotto, the cave made famous by the James Bond film. The high search interest in these attractions is what drives much of the private aviation demand for this otherwise tiny destination, niche, but high-intent.
A Yacht and Boating Hub
Staniel Cay revolves around the water. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the social and logistical heart of the island, and most visitors split their time between brief shore stays and boat-based exploration of the surrounding cays. Many high-net-worth travelers fly in and join a charter yacht, using the airport purely as the arrival gateway.
Staniel Cay has its own short-runway airport. For aircraft too large for it, Exuma International serves as the alternate, with onward boat or regional transfer.
| Airport | ICAO / IATA | Runway | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staniel Cay Airport (PRIMARY) | MYES / TYM | 3,031 ft (924 m) Rwy 17/35, Asphalt | Primary gateway, in the heart of the cays. Short runway suited to turboprops and select light aircraft only. Self-service ramp with no FBO. Domestic routing; customs cleared at Nassau or Exuma first. |
| Exuma International (ALTERNATE) | MYEF / GGT | 7,000 ft (2,134 m) Rwy 12/30, Asphalt | Alternate for aircraft too large for Staniel Cay. Full customs. Onward transfer to Staniel Cay by boat or regional aircraft. Used for midsize and larger jets. |
Staniel Cay's 3,031 ft runway is the defining planning constraint. Turboprops and a few light jets can use it directly. Anything larger arrives at Exuma International (7,000 ft) and continues by boat or regional connection. International arrivals clear customs at Nassau or Exuma, since Staniel Cay is domestic only.
Staniel Cay Airport is a self-service ramp with no FBO. There is no fixed-base operator, fuel service, or private terminal at the field; ground handling is basic and arranged directly through the operator. For full FBO service, the alternate is Exuma International (GGT), where Odyssey Aviation provides customs, fuel, and handling before an onward boat or regional leg.
Yes, with the right aircraft. Turboprops and select light jets operate directly into Staniel Cay from South Florida and Nassau. Larger aircraft route via Exuma International. The Bahamas requires a valid passport; U.S. citizens need no visa for stays under 8 months. Because Staniel Cay is domestic-only, international arrivals clear customs at Nassau or Exuma en route.
Direct Routes Into Staniel Cay (MYES)
- Miami and Fort Lauderdale: approximately 1 hour by turboprop. The primary departure market, subject to a customs stop at Nassau or Exuma for the international clearance.
- Nassau: approximately 40 minutes by turboprop. The most common direct domestic leg, often after clearing customs at Nassau.
Aircraft suitability matters more than route distance for Staniel Cay. A turboprop that fits the 3,031 ft runway can fly direct; a midsize jet cannot, regardless of how short the route is. This is the single most important planning point for the destination.
Staniel Cay Airport has a 3,031 ft (924 m) runway (17/35), short by jet standards and well under the 5,000 ft threshold where larger jets become feasible. Aircraft feasibility, not cabin preference, drives every decision here. Turboprops are the natural fit; only select light jets are possible under ideal conditions; midsize and larger jets must use Exuma.
Aircraft Feasibility at MYES
| Aircraft Category | Passengers | Feasibility at MYES | Operational Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Executive Turboprop | 6-9 | Fully feasible | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, Cessna Caravan. The standard and recommended aircraft for Staniel Cay. |
Light Jet | 5-9 | Conditional | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300. Possible only under ideal payload, weather, and fuel conditions. Requires operator confirmation. |
Midsize Jet | 7-9 | Not feasible | Runway too short. Route via Exuma International, then boat or regional transfer. |
Heavy / Larger Jets | 10-19 | Not feasible | Use Exuma International (7,000 ft) with onward transfer. |
For Staniel Cay, the turboprop is almost always the answer. At 3,031 ft this is a genuine short-field strip, not a runway the larger-jet rules apply to. The King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-12 are purpose-built for strips like this, carry the group and the bags, and fly the South Florida route in about an hour. A light jet is occasionally possible but should never be assumed without operator sign-off on the day's conditions.
Flight Logistics and Arrival Planning
Staniel Cay requires more careful planning than larger Bahamian airports because the runway narrows the aircraft pool and international arrivals need a customs stop. Pre-departure documentation, the customs leg, and onward marine transfer are coordinated ahead of each flight through the Part 135 operators Hogani Jets works with.
- International arrivals clear customs at Nassau or Exuma International, then continue to Staniel Cay on a domestic leg.
- Passengers disembark directly at the airstrip; onward transfer to a yacht, villa, or nearby cay is by boat, arranged as part of the itinerary.
- Aircraft selection is confirmed against runway performance, payload, and the day's conditions before the flight is booked.
- For larger groups or aircraft, the alternate plan is arrival at Exuma International with a boat or regional connection to Staniel Cay.
- A valid passport is mandatory. No visa required for U.S. citizens on stays under 8 months.
Aircraft selection for Staniel Cay is governed first by the 3,031 ft runway. Cruise speed is included below as a reference, though on a one-hour flight runway compatibility is far more important than speed. Turboprops are the standard; light jets are conditional.
| Category | Example Aircraft | Passengers | Cruise Speed | Runway Fit | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, Cessna Caravan | 6-9 | ~201 to 357 mph | Excellent | The default for direct Staniel Cay access |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 5-9 | ~480 to 521 mph | Conditional | Possible only under ideal conditions, operator-confirmed |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP | 7-9 | ~506 to 514 mph | Not suitable | Route via Exuma International instead |
Baggage and payload planning is critical at Staniel Cay. On a 3,031 ft runway, every pound counts. Groups travelling with dive or fishing gear should plan around a turboprop and confirm payload at booking, since a heavily loaded aircraft changes the runway math significantly. The Caravan's large hold is an advantage for gear-heavy trips.
Staniel Cay charter traffic is short-haul, from South Florida and Nassau, and almost entirely by turboprop. All routes are shaped by the runway constraint and, for international arrivals, the customs stop.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Best Aircraft Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (KOPF) to Staniel Cay (MYES) | ~340 mi / 295 nm | ~1h | Turboprop. King Air 350, PC-12 (customs at Nassau/Exuma) |
| Fort Lauderdale (KFXE) to Staniel Cay | ~330 mi / 287 nm | ~1h | Turboprop. Most common South Florida routing |
| Nassau (MYNN) to Staniel Cay | ~80 mi / 70 nm | ~40 min | Turboprop. Common domestic leg after customs |
| New York to Exuma + transfer | ~1,115 mi / 969 nm | ~3h + transfer | Midsize jet to Exuma (GGT), then boat or regional |
Private jet charter to Staniel Cay starts at $3,500+ one way for a short turboprop hop from Nassau, with direct turboprop charters from South Florida starting around $4,500+. Larger groups requiring a midsize jet route via Exuma with onward transfer, which raises the total substantially. All prices are starting points; the final quote reflects the specific aircraft and schedule.
| Route | Aircraft | One-Way Price | Passengers | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau to Staniel Cay | Turboprop | $3,500+ | Up to 9 | ~40 min |
| Miami to Staniel Cay | Turboprop | $4,500+ | Up to 9 | ~1h |
| Fort Lauderdale to Staniel Cay | Turboprop | $4,500+ | Up to 9 | ~1h |
| New York to Exuma + transfer | Midsize Jet + boat | $22,000+ | Up to 9 | ~3h + transfer |
Prices reflect standard one-way charter starting rates including flight time, repositioning, fuel, crew, taxes, and handling. The onward boat transfer to a yacht or cay is coordinated separately. Final pricing depends on the specific aircraft, date, and availability. Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573 for a current quote.
Hourly Charter Rates by Aircraft Category
One-way charter prices include flight time plus repositioning, fuel, crew, taxes, and handling. The hourly rates below show the underlying cost per flight hour for each aircraft category. These rates are standard across Hogani Jets routes.
| Aircraft Category | Hourly Rate | Example Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
Turboprop | $1,100 – $2,300/hr | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12, Cessna Caravan |
Light Jet | $2,300 – $3,800/hr | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 |
Midsize Jet | $2,800 – $5,500/hr | Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP |
Super Midsize Jet | $4,500 – $7,000/hr | Challenger 300, Citation Sovereign |
Heavy Jet | $5,500 – $8,000/hr | Gulfstream G450, Challenger 605 |
Pricing Factors Specific to Staniel Cay
- Runway-capable aircraft are a smaller pool, so availability and repositioning have a bigger effect on price than at larger airports.
- The customs stop at Nassau or Exuma for international arrivals can add a short leg and handling fee to the total.
- Larger groups requiring a midsize jet must route via Exuma with onward transfer, which raises total cost substantially over a direct turboprop.
- Peak season (December through April) and holiday weeks tighten the small turboprop pool further; book early.
Staniel Cay operates year-round, with weather and the small aircraft pool driving planning.
- Peak season (December through April): Best weather and highest demand on a limited turboprop pool. Book 1 to 4 months ahead, more for holidays.
- Shoulder season (May and November): Favorable conditions and better aircraft availability. A strong value window.
- Hurricane season (June through October): Weather risk, particularly August and September. Flexibility is important given the limited aircraft options.
- The short runway makes Staniel Cay more weather-sensitive than larger airports; crosswinds and conditions can affect which aircraft operate on a given day.
This guide is written for travelers arriving by private jet. The focus is on the arrival sequence, the yacht-based nature of the stay, and the experiences that draw visitors here.
Where to Stay on Staniel Cay
Staniel Cay is the most yacht-dependent destination in the Bahamas charter market. The luxury experience here is overwhelmingly boat-based, with brief shore stays, and hotel inventory is limited by design. Most high-net-worth visitors fly in and join a charter yacht; the two land-based options below serve shorter stays and anglers. We are honest about this: the yacht is the real answer here.
| Option | Type | How It Works | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Yacht (Exuma Cays) | Live-aboard | Chartered by the week with crew. Wake somewhere different each day across the cays. Hogani Jets handles the flight; a yacht broker handles the vessel. | The default for most Staniel Cay visitors. Families, groups, anyone wanting to explore the cays |
| Staniel Cay Yacht Club | Marina hotel | The social and logistical heart of the island. Dockside cottages, restaurant, and bar. Books quickly given limited rooms. | Anglers, boaters, shorter shore stays at the center of the action |
| Embrace Resort | Boutique hotel | Small waterfront property on Staniel Cay with comfortable rooms and easy boat access. | Couples and small groups wanting a simple land base near the marina |
If the goal is the Exuma Cays, the swimming pigs, the grottos and the sandbars, a charter yacht is the honest recommendation over a land stay. The cays spread across miles of water, and a yacht lets you reach a different one each day. The flight gets you to Staniel Cay; the yacht is the experience.
Places to Visit Near Staniel Cay
The following spots are the most requested by visitors. All details flagged for Matt's confirmation before publishing.
- Big Major Cay (Pig Beach): A short boat ride from Staniel Cay, home to the famous swimming pigs. One of the most searched experiences in the Caribbean and the top draw for the area.
- Thunderball Grotto: The cave snorkel site featured in the James Bond films, just off Staniel Cay. Best visited at low tide.
- Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: A protected marine reserve of pristine reefs and uninhabited cays, accessed by boat from Staniel Cay.
- Compass Cay: Known for its friendly nurse sharks in the shallows at the marina, a popular boat-trip stop.
- Sandbars and uninhabited cays: The surrounding waters are dotted with sandbars and empty islands reachable only by boat, the heart of the Exuma Cays experience.
Activities That Affect Flight Planning
- Scuba diving and grotto snorkeling: FAA recommends a 24-hour interval between diving and flying. Plan dive days at least 24 hours before departure.
- Boat trips and cay hopping: Day trips returning to Staniel Cay do not affect departure scheduling.
- Swimming pigs and Compass Cay: Same-day boat excursions with no flight planning impact.
Practical Considerations
Staniel Cay uses the Bahamian dollar, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, so no currency exchange is required. The island is tiny and covered on foot or by golf cart, with boats handling everything between cays. Cell coverage is limited and drops off quickly across the outer cays. There are no significant medical facilities; serious events require evacuation to Nassau, a real consideration on remote cay itineraries.
Matt's Recommendation
Staniel Cay is niche but the search demand is real, mostly people chasing the swimming pigs and Thunderball Grotto. The thing clients need to understand is that it is a turboprop destination. I steer almost everyone here into a King Air or a PC-12 because a jet either cannot use the runway or has to land at Exuma and boat over. And honestly, the best way to do the cays is to fly in and get straight onto a yacht. That is how the people who really know the Exumas do it.
Hogani Jets coordinates all private jet charters through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.
Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573 to plan a Staniel Cay charter or Exuma Cays itinerary.
Reviewed by Matt Hogan — Founder, Hogani Jets & Aviation Specialist.
Can private jets land at Staniel Cay?
Only aircraft compatible with the 3,031 ft (924 m) runway can operate directly into Staniel Cay (MYES / TYM). Turboprops such as the King Air 350 and Pilatus PC-12 are standard. Select light jets are possible only under ideal conditions. Midsize and larger jets must use Exuma International with onward transfer.
How much does a private jet charter to Staniel Cay cost?
Direct turboprop charters from South Florida start around $4,500+, and from Nassau around $3,500+. Larger groups routed via Exuma in a midsize jet with onward transfer start around $22,000+. Final pricing depends on aircraft, date, and availability.
How long is the flight from Miami to Staniel Cay?
About 1 hour by turboprop from South Florida, though international arrivals include a customs stop at Nassau or Exuma. From Nassau, the direct domestic leg is approximately 40 minutes.
What is the runway length at Staniel Cay Airport?
Staniel Cay (MYES) has a 3,031 ft (924 m) runway (17/35), asphalt surface. It is short by jet standards and suited to turboprops and select light aircraft only. It is a self-service ramp with no FBO. Larger aircraft route via Exuma International.
Which aircraft are best for Staniel Cay?
Turboprops are the standard: King Air 350 (cruise approximately 357 mph), Pilatus PC-12, and Cessna Caravan. Their short-field performance suits the runway. Light jets like the Citation CJ3 are conditional and require operator confirmation.
Do larger jets fly directly to Staniel Cay?
No. Midsize and larger jets cannot use the 3,031 ft runway. They route into Exuma International (7,000 ft) and continue to Staniel Cay by boat or regional aircraft.
How do I see the swimming pigs from Staniel Cay?
Big Major Cay, home to the swimming pigs, is a short boat ride from Staniel Cay. Fly private into Staniel Cay Airport, then take a boat from the marina to Pig Beach. Thunderball Grotto is also nearby. Hogani Jets coordinates the aviation leg.
Do I need a passport to fly private to Staniel Cay?
Yes. The Bahamas requires a valid passport. U.S. citizens need no visa for stays under 8 months. Staniel Cay is domestic-only, so international arrivals clear customs at Nassau or Exuma International before the final leg.
Where should I stay on Staniel Cay?
Most visitors stay aboard a charter yacht, which is the best way to experience the cays. On land, the Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the island's hub and Embrace Resort is a small boutique option. Hotel inventory is limited by design.
Can you reach nearby cays after landing at Staniel Cay?
Yes. Most travelers continue by boat to yachts, nearby cays, marinas, and private islands. Big Major Cay, Thunderball Grotto, and Compass Cay are all short boat trips from Staniel Cay.
Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?
No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026, 10:52 AM
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