Red Shanks Cay

Approach and Mooring

Red Shanks lies in the southern portion of Elizabeth Harbour, accessible after entering via Conch Cay Cut or North Channel Rocks Cut. The mooring field is located south of Crab Cay, away from the main traffic patterns of the harbour.

The 34 moorings are professionally maintained and accommodate vessels up to 60 feet. Bookings can be made through the Dockwa app with weekly and monthly discounts available. Traditional anchoring may also be possible in the surrounding area, though moorings provide greater convenience and reduce environmental impact.

Holding and Protection

The mooring field uses professionally maintained tackle designed for reliable holding in the sandy bottom of Elizabeth Harbour. The position south of Crab Cay provides additional protection from wind and waves compared to more exposed areas of the harbour.

Red Shanks offers a notably calmer experience than the busier central mooring fields, particularly when crowds fill the Stocking Island areas during peak season.

What's Ashore and Nearby

Georgetown proper lies a short dinghy ride away, offering full provisioning at several grocery stores, restaurants, yacht services, fuel, and the social center of the Elizabeth Harbour cruiser community. The town maintains genuine Bahamian character despite its popularity with visiting yachts.

Chat 'N' Chill, Volleyball Beach, and Sand Dollar Beach on Stocking Island are accessible by dinghy, though the ride is longer than from mooring fields closer to the island. The trade-off is quieter evenings and calmer conditions at Red Shanks.

Practical Considerations

Red Shanks suits cruisers who prefer a quieter atmosphere while maintaining access to Georgetown's amenities. The slightly longer dinghy rides to popular spots are balanced by calmer conditions and less crowded surroundings.

Elizabeth Harbour sees peak cruiser populations from December through April, when mooring reservations become increasingly important. The annual Georgetown Regatta and cruiser events fill the harbour during certain weeks. Book ahead through Dockwa when possible.

Getting there

Red Shanks lies in the southern portion of Elizabeth Harbour at the southern end of the Exumas. Enter Elizabeth Harbour via Conch Cay Cut or North Channel Rocks Cut and proceed to the mooring field south of Crab Cay. Georgetown has a commercial airport with scheduled flights from Nassau. Consult Explorer Charts EX-24 and EX-25 for detailed harbour navigation.

Frequently asked questions

Why choose Red Shanks over other Elizabeth Harbour anchorages?

Red Shanks offers calmer, quieter conditions away from the busier mooring fields near Stocking Island. It appeals to cruisers seeking peace while remaining within easy dinghy reach of Georgetown.

How far is Red Shanks from Chat 'N' Chill?

Red Shanks is farther from Stocking Island than the northern mooring fields, requiring a longer dinghy ride to Chat 'N' Chill and Volleyball Beach. Most cruisers find the trade-off worthwhile for quieter evenings.

How do I book a mooring at Red Shanks?

Moorings at Red Shanks can be booked through the Dockwa app, with weekly and monthly discounts available. During peak season, booking ahead is recommended.