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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

the tour provides snorkel gear it is included