Thunderball Grotto
Thunderball Grotto
4.5
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This fantastic underwater cave was used in the filming of two James Bond movies and is a must-see for divers and snorkelers.
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4.5
391 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
78
Average
17
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Kristi B
1 contribution
Oct 2021 • Family
Our family went on a guided cays trip 8 years ago when my sons were 6 and 11. The grotto was part of the trip. We were not warned about how strong the current was. It was SO strong that it ripped my flippers off my feet while swimming. My 11 was with me and I was honestly scared for both of our safety. People in other groups got carried away by the current - past the grotto. It is the only time I’ve ever felt that I needed help in the water and I am an extremely strong swimmer. Cool place but you need to be VERY careful not to go when the tide is rolling through there. I hope this helps prevent someone from experiencing what we did. Go when the tide is low!!!!! So important!!!!
Written 15 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VanIsleMonkey
Nanoose Bay, Canada360 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Iconic spot to visit! Thunder all never disappoints. Visited in 2023 and 2024. Go at low tide - it’s safer to get into the grotto that way. There is a rope to help guide you in. Once you’re in, it’s your own personal aquarium. Beautiful spot! If you are a cruiser (like me) sometimes you can time it right when the tour groups aren’t there and you can have this magical spot to yourself!
Written 2 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisa p
Fort Lauderdale, FL40 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Thunderball Grotto is a MUST SEE!! The cave and the fish inside it are spectacular! It is SO close to Staniel, and there is an easy rope guide to follow into the cave. You do want to time the tides right if you can. We have been here multiple times and love it. It was featured in the James Bond film Thunderball.
Written 17 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer V
Nashville, Tennessee, United States18 contributions
June 2024 • Family
We went at low tide, but the current was extremely strong. We arrived in a dingy and were able to get very near the entrance, but it was still a struggle swimming with the current. I’d never go back and highly advise you skip, if you have you have children or below-average swimmers in your party. The rock formation is pretty, but there were only a few small fish…definitely NOT worth the anxiety caused by the current and trying to get to/from the boat.
Written 12 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert P N
Los Angeles, CA2,248 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Thunder ball grotto cave is pretty cool. There are two entrances or exits. The main one is where all the tourists come over from Nasau. However if you are on a private boat go the back side. The entrance can be confusing but look for the current and then suddenly the opening is in front of your eyes. Best to go at low tide. Easier to swim under You can swim inside or swim outside all around the little coral island. There is a hole in the top and occasionally ppl will climb up and jump in through the middle. Have fun.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
appenz
Menlo Park, CA71 contributions
Apr 2022
Beautiful limestone grotto about 1 minute by boat from Staniel Cay. At low tide you can swim in (at high tide, may need to dive). Lots of fish as they get fed, and an impressive grotto. Swamped by tourists, but still a very cool experience.
Written 14 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nejc Draganjec
Skofja Loka, Slovenia187 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
And to great surprise, we were alone there. Just us and the guide. Entering this cave is amazing. You snorkel through a breathtaking display of rays in crystal blue water. And then you can sit on the natural ledge inside of the cave or snorkel around with many colourful fishes inside. There are also bats on the ceiling (stating that as a GOOD thing :)! ) and 2 small tunnels out of the cave if you feel more adventurous and you are a good swimmer who can hold your breath for at least 30s. Just be advised, corals are very sharp.
Written 10 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James K
Clearwater, FL24 contributions
Oct 2018 • Couples
We were out there in the early afternoon. On the way out our guide asked us if we were good swimmers and if we could hold our breath for two seconds. Long story short, you had to hold your breath and swim under a rock wall into a small antechamber (maybe six feet in circumference) and then under another another wall to get into the grotto proper. Once in there, it is very spectacular but the tide was coming in so the current was a moderately strong force going against us on the way out. So highly recommended but hold out for a low tide trip where you can just swim in.
Written 23 October 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MountainManAIA
Las Vegas, NV40 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
Excellent spot for snorkeling and exploring. Cliff diving in two spots as well.
Kid friendly and not too far from the pigs!
Kid friendly and not too far from the pigs!
Written 26 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
symsdad
Penfield, NY166 contributions
Mar 2017 • Couples
Spent three days anchored just off the grotto on the Staniel Cay side of the island. There are openings to get into the grotto on both sides of the island. Most of the tour boats drop off their passengers on the more open side of the grotto and based on the current when we were there, that's a good thing. The current on the other side was so strong that I couldn't swim against it. I just let it take me around to the other side of the island. Of course that varied with the tidal flow. At/near high and low tide, the current wasn't bad at all and again, it was never a problem where the majority of tour boats let you off.
Yes, you can go into the grotto without a mask, fins, and snorkel but you certainly miss a large part of the experience. There are large schools of fish that hang around in the grotto and you can't really see them without at least a mask. there are also some beautiful coral formations on the outside of the grotto if you have time to snorkel.
Yes, you can go into the grotto without a mask, fins, and snorkel but you certainly miss a large part of the experience. There are large schools of fish that hang around in the grotto and you can't really see them without at least a mask. there are also some beautiful coral formations on the outside of the grotto if you have time to snorkel.
Written 23 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Michael, what tour company did you use? And did you come from Nassau/Paradise island by chance? Thanks, Suhail
Written 7 July 2019
Fly, its a long boat ride and there are some charter companies who fly to Staniel Cay and have boats there to take you the 5 minutes to the Grotto. You cant get in at high tide without diving gear so be aware of the tides, low tide is best.
Written 10 July 2019
i dont know how to swim, is the groto deep ? could i get inside without having to swim? could i possibly hold on to something on the side?
Written 31 March 2018
The water is not deep but you cannot touch the floor so you need to swim. You should really make the effort to learn how to swim with fins and so you will be able to enjoy the grotto because the most beautiful part is beneath the water!
Written 31 March 2018
Does the 4c’s tour provide any swimming aids if you’re not the most confident swimmer but want to see the grotto? If not can you bring your own type of floatation device ?
Written 27 March 2018
Hi Lisa, I'm not familiar with the tours. We stayed at Fowl Cay where you have your own boat. As far as the Grotto, tours will take you during "slack tide". That's when the tide reaches it's lowest and there is little to no current. At that time, it's unlikely you will need any flotation device. It's very safe. There is no rule against flotation devices there, and all boats must have them on board per Coast Guard rules. So you should be set. Enjoy!
Written 2 April 2018
Hello! My husband and I are heading to Bahamas this summer and want to hit up Thunderball Grotto and Pigs Beach. Any suggestions on company to book with? What if we would like to do a private boat so can specifically see these locations?
Thanks! =0)
Jennifer
Written 31 March 2017
Staniel Cay Yacht club was the ticket for us. Thunderball Grotto is very close to the Yacht Club, and Pig's beach isn't very far away either. Part of staying at the yacht club included a Boston Whaler for our own use. I'm sure they will rent you one, and maybe even provided a guide for the day.
Written 9 April 2017
Where do you go to book a tour? I am taking a cruise to the Bahamas and I cannot locate where you actually book it. Also, does anyone know how much it costs to do this? Please let me know. Thanks :)
Written 20 March 2017
Also I found this online but Trip Advisor won't let me include website to this link...maybe you can find it online.
trubahamianfoodtours (main site)
discover-the-bahama-islands/boating-day-trips (then add this)
Trying to be sneaky!
Written 20 March 2017
Do you need to dive to get into the grotto or is there a passage where you can keep your head up to get in ?
Is it deep when you jump from the above?
Written 10 January 2017
The tour should definitely be able to point out the easiest path in, but it's quite visible. It is on the far side of the grotto from the Yacht Club (this will make more sense when you are there!). You shouldn't have any issues though, the waters are very calm for the most part. My wife exited via the underwater tunnel, whereas I swam/walked as my hands were full, and had no problems at all. And if you are concerned at any point there are plenty of points to hold onto, should you need a brief break. I'd recommend looking at some of the videos on Youtube, this should give you some extra reassurance.
Have a great holiday!
Written 17 January 2017
Is there a 1/2 day tour to Thunderball Grotto from Exuma?
Written 4 January 2017
That I do not know, but I would expect so. We stayed at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, and they provided a Boston Whaler for our use during our stay. I have to believe they would rent one to you if you'd like. It's an easy approach and plenty of boat tie off points, so if you can get to Staniel Cay Yacht Club, that would be easy, but I do suspect other places in the Exumas would get you there as well. I hope this helped...you don't need a half a day at the Grotto either. 1-1½ hours is more than enough. It may be a stop on a larger tour.
Written 5 January 2017
Did you visit the Thunderball Grotto as an organised tour? We're staying ast Sandals Emerald Bay in October, want to do the Exuma Cays Ocean Safari but not sure if Thunderball Grotto is included
Written 14 August 2016
we went with Exuma Water Tours, I highly recommend them in their full day tour the Thunderball Grotto was included. I actually was looking forward seeing the swimming pigs, but Thunderball Grotto topped it all, definitely worth a visit!
Written 15 August 2016
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