Trying to decide on one night at either Sampson or Staniel. Would appreciate pros and cons though I'm sure they're both beautiful. Going to Thunderball, will exercise dinghy, want a nice tiki bar, need fuel. Based on that, any druthers? Have 3.5 draft. Thanks much,
Sampson vs Staniel
- Thread starter Diversion
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both are very different. personally i prefer Staniel Cay, the bar is great, nice atmosphere, friendly people, etc... on the downside, the docks are exposed to the W-NW which can be an issue once in a while in winter.
Sampson is very different. the lagoon is great with a maze of sandbars (although you can dinghy there from Staniel) and the entire marina complex is more "manicured". The restaurant is ok but very "cold", the staff isn't as friendly as Staniel... rules posted everywhere, etc... I once got to the office at 4:57 to buy some beer, they were about to close the door and refused to help...
if you want laid back, Staniel is best, if you want "fancy" then Sampson has an edge.
and while dockage is reasonable at Sampson (more of less the same as Staniel), beware of sticker shock on your metered power! runs $160 to $190 a day for a 70 footer!
no issue with your draft at either, Sampson has at least 8 MLW on approach and dockside, Staniel has 6 1/2 to 7 on approach in one spot and 10' to 12' dockside.
Sampson is very different. the lagoon is great with a maze of sandbars (although you can dinghy there from Staniel) and the entire marina complex is more "manicured". The restaurant is ok but very "cold", the staff isn't as friendly as Staniel... rules posted everywhere, etc... I once got to the office at 4:57 to buy some beer, they were about to close the door and refused to help...
if you want laid back, Staniel is best, if you want "fancy" then Sampson has an edge.
and while dockage is reasonable at Sampson (more of less the same as Staniel), beware of sticker shock on your metered power! runs $160 to $190 a day for a 70 footer!
no issue with your draft at either, Sampson has at least 8 MLW on approach and dockside, Staniel has 6 1/2 to 7 on approach in one spot and 10' to 12' dockside.
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Staniel is great, the "Yacht Club" is a blast, the food is very good too, Sampson is very nice but Staniel is more comfortable and relaxed, plus you get the Rays and Sharks that swim under the boats at the end of the day.
Also get to enjoy the 'beautiful' island.
Also get to enjoy the 'beautiful' island.
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Just a follow up question. Is there fuel at staniel?
Ken
Ken
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Sorry retract my last post. Their website says they have fuel.
Steve, I will talk to Mike about skipping Sampson and go straight to Staniel. I think this might be a good idea. A little closer to thunderball. however, i really want to stop at compass to fish the rocks at conch cut.
Ken
Steve, I will talk to Mike about skipping Sampson and go straight to Staniel. I think this might be a good idea. A little closer to thunderball. however, i really want to stop at compass to fish the rocks at conch cut.
Ken
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If they get their delivery, then they have fuel. It's the Bahamas........
Capt. Bill1
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Staniel. Sampson is like staying at a marina in S. FL. Very little local flavor and no settlement. And you can throw a stone at Thunderball from Staniel.
As to exercising the dingy, take it over to Big Majors and feed the pigs that live there. Makes a great photo op.
This picture was taken at Thunderball looking back toward Staniel. SCYC is on the far right of the picture.
As to exercising the dingy, take it over to Big Majors and feed the pigs that live there. Makes a great photo op.
This picture was taken at Thunderball looking back toward Staniel. SCYC is on the far right of the picture.
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yes, they have fuel at both, although it's typically 0.75 to $1 more than Nassau (just like any out island...)
indeed, big Major and the pigs is right around the corner from SCYC and from there it's a short dinghy ride north to the lagoon behind Sampson and all the sandbars. worth the dinghy ride. On the way back, take the east side of Big Majors, there are some nice rock formations by the cuts.
one of my pig pictures... they will try to climb in the dink if you're quick enough!
one of the sandbars in the sampson Cay lagoon
indeed, big Major and the pigs is right around the corner from SCYC and from there it's a short dinghy ride north to the lagoon behind Sampson and all the sandbars. worth the dinghy ride. On the way back, take the east side of Big Majors, there are some nice rock formations by the cuts.
one of my pig pictures... they will try to climb in the dink if you're quick enough!
one of the sandbars in the sampson Cay lagoon