Stocking Island
Stocking Island anchorage · Chat 'N' Chill anchorage · Elizabeth Harbour east
23°30.84'N 75°45.00'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand in 2–5m. The 0.7–0.9m tidal range creates tidal swing — allow adequate radius. Anchoring close to Chat 'N' Chill means dinghy traffic is heavy during the day; ensure anchor is in sand well clear of the swimming beach. Western exposure means NW northers can make anchorage uncomfortable — move to sheltered Elizabeth Harbour main anchorage in norther conditions.
About This Anchorage
Stocking Island is the long, narrow barrier island forming the eastern side of Elizabeth Harbour — creating the sheltered anchorage that makes George Town such an excellent hurricane hole and gathering spot. The west side of Stocking Island, facing George Town, offers good sand holding in clear turquoise water with the Chat 'N' Chill beach bar as the centrepiece attraction. Chat 'N' Chill is legendary among Bahamian cruisers — a barefoot beach bar serving burgers, conch, and rum drinks, hosting the Sunday pig roast, volleyball, and the social heart of the George Town fleet. The ocean side of Stocking Island (accessed by dinghy through the cut) has an Atlantic-facing ocean beach. The 0.7–0.9m tidal range is very visible on Stocking Island's shallow flats as the tide falls.
Protected From
E · NE · SE · N
Exposed To
W · SW · NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring
- Permitted in sand
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; anchor clear of the Chat 'N' Chill swimming beach area; dinghy traffic is very heavy around the beach — maintain slow speed; the cut between the west and east sides of Stocking Island has a strong tidal current.
Hazards
- !Heavy dinghy traffic around Chat 'N' Chill during operating hours — maintain slow speed and watch for swimmers
- !0.7–0.9m tidal range — anchor depth planning essential in shallow water near the beach
- !Cut tidal current — the passage between west and east Stocking Island has strong tidal flow; plan dinghy crossing at slack water
- !NW exposure — cold front northers expose this anchorage; move to main Elizabeth Harbour anchorage in norther
Skipper's Tips
- →Sunday pig roast at Chat 'N' Chill is a mandatory George Town experience — dinghy over early (11:00) and stake your spot on the beach
- →The cut from the west side to the ocean beach is passable by dinghy at low current — stunning Atlantic ocean beach on the other side, often empty
- →The water clarity off Stocking Island is extraordinary — snorkelling off the rocky points is excellent with good reef fish population
- →The 0.8m tide drop reveals extensive sand flats around Stocking Island at low water — excellent for wading, beachcombing, and finding conch
Facilities
Chat 'N' Chill beach bar — the social hub of the George Town fleet; burgers, conch, rum drinks, Sunday pig roast (arrive early). No fuel or water — use George Town government dock (1nm W).
Nearest provisions: George Town Exuma Market (1nm W by dinghy) (1nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. The social heart of the George Town fleet. Sunday pig roasts and the cruising community make this one of the most enjoyable stops in the Bahamas.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
The Exumas' 0.8–1.0m tidal range and extremely shallow banks make anchor alarm monitoring essential — even a small drag on the Exuma Bank can leave you aground. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors continuously through every tidal cycle.
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