Stocking Island Beach
Exuma, Bahamas
Wild Atlantic-facing wilderness and the legendary Chat 'N' Chill bar — a water taxi ride from George Town.
Exuma, Bahamas
Wild Atlantic-facing wilderness and the legendary Chat 'N' Chill bar — a water taxi ride from George Town.
Location
Stocking Island, across Elizabeth Harbour from George Town
Best For
Quiet & Snorkeling
Water Temp
25–29°C (77–84°F)
Crowds
Low — popular with sailors and cruisers
Parking
Water taxi from George Town dock
Facilities
Chat 'N' Chill beach bar, volleyball net, picnic area
Stocking Island is a slender barrier island separating the calm Elizabeth Harbour from the open Atlantic, reachable by a five-minute water taxi from George Town's harbour dock. The island's two faces offer completely different beach experiences: the harbour side, home to the famous Chat 'N' Chill beach bar, where world-cruising sailors anchor for months at a time, and the Atlantic side, a wild, undeveloped stretch of brilliant white sand with rolling surf and exceptional snorkelling.
The Atlantic beach is Stocking Island at its most elemental — pure, wide, perfectly groomed by the tide, with water clarity approaching 30 metres. Offshore reef systems harbour an extraordinary variety of marine life including sea fans, brain coral, spotted eagle rays, and Caribbean reef sharks. This is Out Island Bahamas in its purest form.
Chat 'N' Chill on the harbour side is one of the Caribbean's most beloved beach bars — famous for its Sunday pig roast, conch salad, and the eclectic community of sailors, anglers, and travellers who wash up here. The juxtaposition of wild Atlantic wilderness and sociable beach bar makes Stocking Island a genuinely unique destination.
Fly to Exuma International (GGT). Water taxis depart regularly from George Town dock (government dock), a 5–10 minute crossing. Taxi drops off at Chat 'N' Chill; walk across the island (5 min) to reach the Atlantic beach.
November to May. The annual George Town Cruising Regatta (February–March) turns the harbour into a lively spectacle. Sunday pig roast at Chat 'N' Chill is a must-do tradition any time of year.
Bring a cooler with drinks and food for the Atlantic side. Snorkel gear hire is available at Chat 'N' Chill. The water taxi schedule is informal — ask at the dock for current timings. Carry cash for the water taxi and bar.