Staniel Cay lies 129km (80 miles) southeast of Nassau at the southern end of the little Pipe Creek archipelago, which is part of the Exuma Cays. It's an 13km (8-mile) chain of mostly uninhabited islets, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and bonefish flats. There are many places for snug anchorages, making this a favorite yachting stopover in the mid-Exumas. Staniel Cay, known for years as "Stanyard," has no golf course or tennis courts, but it's the perfect island for "the great escape." An annual bonefishing festival is sponsored here on August 5, during the celebration of Bahamian Independence Day. The Happy People Marina (tel. 242/355-2008) arranges sportfishing trips with local guides, as well as snorkeling trips. About 100 Bahamians live here, and there's a straw market where you can buy crafts, hats, and handbags. Visitors to this island arrive by private boat or a chartered flight. To arrange a possible flight, contact Executive Air Travel and speak to Capt. Dennis Rotolo (tel. 954/224-6022) in Fort Lauderdale.