GuideReviewed 2026-11-01

A day on Stocking Island

How to get across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town, what is on the island and what to bring.

Two people wading in clear shallow water with stingrays at Stocking Island

Stocking Island is the long, low island that shelters Elizabeth Harbour opposite George Town. It has some of the best beaches on Exuma, a famous beach bar, stingrays that come right up to the sand, and walking trails over to the Atlantic side. There are no roads, no shops and no bridge, which is exactly the point.

Getting across

Water taxis leave from the Exuma Yacht Club dock in George Town and run back and forth through the day, with the last return usually around five in the afternoon. A round trip costs around twenty dollars per person at the time of writing. You do not normally need to book; turn up, pay the boatman and tell him where you want to be dropped. Pickups from Augusta Bay and February Point can be arranged for a little more. Call ahead if you are a large group or want an early or late crossing.

Chat 'N' Chill and Volleyball Beach

Most boats land at Volleyball Beach, home of the Chat 'N' Chill beach bar. The bar is open through the day, grills over wood, and has a conch salad stand at the water's edge where stingrays gather for scraps. Sunday is the big day, when cruisers from the anchorage come ashore for the pig roast. It is cash friendly, so bring some.

Beaches and trails

Walk north or south along the harbour side for quieter sand, or follow one of the marked trails across the island to the ocean beaches, which have real surf and almost nobody on them. The climb to the monument on the hill takes about twenty minutes and gives the classic view over the harbour. Wear shoes you can walk in; the trails cross sharp limestone.

What to bring

Sun protection, water, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel and cash. There is no shop on the island. The stingrays are used to people but are still wild, so keep your feet shuffling in the shallows, do not grab them and let the staff handle any feeding.

Sources

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