Stocking Island

Beaches and Swimming

Stocking Island boasts some of the finest beaches in the Exumas. The harbour-side beaches offer calm, protected swimming in crystal-clear water, while the Atlantic side delivers more dramatic scenery with windswept dunes and crashing surf. South Beach stretches for three miles, perfect for jogging or long walks.

Powder Beach lives up to its name with incredibly soft, white sand and stunning turquoise water in a sheltered cove. Starfish Beach is renowned for its resident sea stars visible in the shallows. Each beach offers a different experience, from social volleyball games to complete solitude.

Chat N Chill

No visit to Stocking Island is complete without a stop at Chat N Chill, the beach bar and grill that has welcomed cruisers since 1998. Located on a 1,000-foot stretch of pristine white sand, the establishment serves grilled island fare, fresh conch, and tropical drinks to a steady stream of boaters, day-trippers, and locals.

Six volleyball courts draw competitive and casual players alike, and the laid-back atmosphere embodies the best of Bahamian hospitality. Water taxis run regularly from George Town, and cruisers dinghy over from their anchored boats. Sunday pig roasts and live music add to the festive spirit.

Hiking and Nature

The Stocking Island trails offer some of the best hiking in the Exumas, maintained primarily by the cruising community that visits each winter. Well-marked paths connect remote beaches, scenic overlooks, and ecological niches, including stromatolites, ancient coral-like formations among the oldest life forms on Earth.

The monument hike delivers panoramic views of Elizabeth Harbour, with boats dotting the turquoise water below. Other trails lead to osprey nesting sites, natural tide pools, and a quirky spa area where visitors slather themselves in mineral-rich mud. Sturdy shoes and water are essential.

Blue Holes and Snorkeling

Stocking Island and its surrounding waters feature excellent snorkeling opportunities and several blue holes, mysterious underwater sinkholes that drop into the island's limestone bedrock. These geological formations attract adventurous swimmers and divers seeking something beyond typical reef exploration.

The harbour side offers gentler snorkeling among healthy coral gardens and abundant fish populations. Sea turtles are commonly spotted, and the water clarity often exceeds 100 feet. The Moriah Harbour Cay National Park, established in 2002, protects over 22,000 acres of terrestrial and marine ecosystems surrounding the island.

Getting there

Stocking Island is accessible only by boat. Water taxis run regularly from the government dock in George Town, with the crossing taking just a few minutes. Cruisers anchored in Elizabeth Harbour can dinghy directly to Chat N Chill or various beach landing spots around the island. There is no airstrip or vehicle access on Stocking Island.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Stocking Island from George Town?

Water taxis run regularly from the government dock in George Town to Chat N Chill and other points on Stocking Island. The ride takes just a few minutes. If you are anchored in Elizabeth Harbour, you can dinghy directly to the island.

Are there facilities on Stocking Island?

Chat N Chill offers food, drinks, restrooms, and beach amenities. Beyond that, the island is largely undeveloped with no shops or services. Bring sunscreen, water, and snacks if you plan to hike or explore away from Chat N Chill.

What is the best beach on Stocking Island?

It depends on what you seek. Volleyball Beach at Chat N Chill offers social atmosphere and amenities. Powder Beach features incredibly soft sand in a sheltered cove. South Beach stretches three miles for long walks. Each has its own character.