Stocking Island
A long thin island across the harbour from George Town, with Atlantic beaches, a blue hole and a beach bar the yachts run on.
Updated 21 October 2026
Stocking Island lies across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town and shelters it, which is why several hundred cruising yachts anchor there through the winter. The island has calm harbour beaches on one side, Atlantic sand on the other, a hill known as the Beacon, capped by an old gas beacon, with a view down the chain, and Mystery Cave, a blue hole entering the harbour side. Chat 'N' Chill on the point is the social centre of the cruising fleet and runs a Sunday pig roast.
What you'll find
- The two shores - sheltered harbour beaches on one side, Atlantic surf on the other.
- The Beacon - a short climb to a viewpoint down the Exuma chain.
- Mystery Cave - a blue hole on the harbour side, dived by those qualified for it.
- Chat 'N' Chill - the beach bar and Sunday roast at the heart of the cruising scene.
When to go
November to April is the dry season and when the cruising fleet is in, which is when the island is liveliest. The March regatta fills the harbour. Summer is quiet and hot.
Good to know
The ferry runs to a schedule and missing the last one means arranging a water taxi. The island has no shops and only the beach bars for food. Mystery Cave is a cave dive and is not a casual snorkel.
Nearby
George Town is across the harbour, and Tropic of Cancer Beach is south on Little Exuma.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q7618091, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Stocking Island
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Your own mask + snorkel - A well-fitting mask is the single biggest comfort upgrade underwater. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Head torch + spare batteries - Hands-free light is essential; caves are truly dark. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
