Lee Stocking Island Anchorage

Williams Bay Anchorage

Williams Bay on Lee Stocking Island's north side offers the primary cruising anchorage. The bay provides good protection except from westerly winds, with boats anchoring in 9 feet of clear water over white sand just a short distance from shore.

A narrow passage less than 100 meters wide leads into the protected bay, though vessels with deeper drafts may find the entrance tight at low tide. Once inside, the holding is excellent and the scenic surroundings make for a memorable overnight stop.

The Abandoned Research Center

The Perry Institute for Marine Science operated on Lee Stocking Island for nearly three decades before funding issues forced closure in 2012. The research center now stands abandoned, with buildings slowly returning to nature.

Cruisers can explore the ghost-town atmosphere, walking among the remaining structures and docks (use caution as infrastructure has deteriorated). A maintenance crew occasionally visits, but the island remains largely deserted. The juxtaposition of scientific infrastructure and tropical wilderness creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the Exumas.

Perry Hill and Exploration

A short hike from the beach leads to the top of Perry Hill, the highest point in the Exumas at 100 feet above sea level. The panoramic views across the island chain and surrounding waters reward the modest climb.

The island is crisscrossed with pristine hiking trails, and its waters are excellent for paddleboarding and snorkeling. Atlantic stingrays frequent the clear shallows, observable from a paddleboard or while wading. Crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, and isolation combine to make Lee Stocking a cruising highlight.

Getting there

Lee Stocking Island lies approximately 30 nautical miles north of Georgetown in the southern Exumas. The entry to Williams Bay can be tight for vessels with deeper drafts, potentially requiring high tide to clear the sandbar. Approach with good visibility for reading the water. The island has an airstrip though it may not be maintained. Most cruisers arrive by water from either Georgetown or Staniel Cay.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to explore the abandoned research center?

Use caution. The buildings have deteriorated since the 2012 closure, and infrastructure including docks may be unstable. Explore with awareness of structural hazards. A maintenance crew occasionally visits but the site is largely unsupervised.

How deep is the entrance to Williams Bay?

The entrance is narrow, less than 100 meters wide, and may require high tide for vessels with deeper drafts. Some cruisers have reported being tide-restricted when exiting. Plan your arrival with consideration for draft and tidal state.

Is there anywhere to provision near Lee Stocking Island?

No. Lee Stocking Island is uninhabited and has no services. Georgetown to the south offers full provisioning, fuel, and supplies. Cruisers should be self-sufficient before arriving at Lee Stocking Island.