Lee Stocking Island
Explore the haunting ruins of a pioneering marine research station
Lee Stocking Island stands as a haunting testament to scientific ambition in the southern Exumas, its abandoned research buildings slowly returning to nature. For nearly three decades, this island hosted the Perry Institute for Marine Science, where researchers studied everything from coral reefs to the invasive lionfish. Today, the empty laboratories and overgrown paths draw curious cruisers who anchor in the protected waters to explore what remains.
Beyond its ghostly infrastructure, Lee Stocking Island holds genuine scientific significance. The waters offshore contain living stromatolites, ancient layered rock structures formed by microorganisms that represent some of Earth's earliest life forms. This combination of abandoned human endeavor and primordial natural wonder makes Lee Stocking one of the Exumas' most intriguing destinations.
The Perry Institute Legacy
John Perry purchased Lee Stocking Island in 1957, establishing the Perry Institute for Marine Science in 1970. At its peak, the facility received funding from NOAA and multiple universities, conducting groundbreaking research on energy, marine conservation, lobsters, food fish, coral reefs, and climate change. The Caribbean Marine Research Center operated here, becoming a vital hub for understanding Bahamian marine ecosystems. Following Perry's death in 2006, funding dried up, and the institute closed its doors, leaving behind a complex of buildings that now stand silent.
Exploring the Abandoned Facility
Cruisers who dinghy ashore find buildings in various states of decay, with equipment still visible inside laboratories and dormitories. The main research complex includes a dock area, administrative buildings, and housing units for visiting scientists. Nature has begun reclaiming the structures, with vegetation growing through cracks and birds nesting in rafters. While exploring, visitors should exercise caution around unstable structures and respect the property, taking only photographs and leaving only footprints.
Stromatolites and Marine Life
The waters surrounding Lee Stocking Island contain living stromatolites, dome-shaped structures built by cyanobacteria over thousands of years. These formations represent some of the oldest evidence of life on Earth, making the site scientifically significant even after the research station's closure. The protected location also supports diverse marine life, with healthy coral formations and abundant fish populations that benefited from years of scientific monitoring and minimal fishing pressure.
Anchoring and Approach
Lee Stocking Island offers good protection for anchoring on its western side, with the old research station dock providing a reference point for navigation. The island sits approximately five miles northwest of Great Exuma, making it accessible from George Town as a day trip or overnight stop. Depths around the anchorage vary, so careful attention to charts is essential. The area sees relatively few visitors compared to popular central Exuma destinations, offering a quieter experience for those seeking solitude.
Getting there
Lee Stocking Island is accessible only by boat, located approximately five miles northwest of Great Exuma. From George Town, the trip takes roughly an hour depending on sea conditions. Anchor on the western side of the island near the old research dock. The approach requires careful navigation around shallow areas, so consult current charts. There are no facilities on the island, so bring all supplies including water and sun protection.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it safe to explore the abandoned buildings on Lee Stocking Island?
- Visitors should exercise extreme caution when exploring the abandoned facility. Buildings have deteriorated over years of neglect, with potentially unstable structures and floors. Explore at your own risk, stay aware of your surroundings, and avoid entering structures that appear particularly compromised.
- Can you see stromatolites from the surface?
- Yes, the stromatolites near Lee Stocking Island are visible from the surface in clear water conditions. They appear as dome-shaped or columnar structures on the seafloor. Snorkeling provides closer views, though touching these ancient formations is strongly discouraged to protect their delicate growth.
- Who owns Lee Stocking Island now?
- Following the closure of the Perry Institute, the island's ownership and development status has remained uncertain. The property is private, though cruisers have traditionally been able to anchor nearby and explore the shoreline. Always respect any posted signage regarding access.