Beneath the surface are exquisite coral formations alive with brilliant, darting schools of fish. A mask and snorkel will allow you to spend hours watching the exotic other world that lies a fathom or two under your keel.
Fishing of all kinds is excellent. A hand line and piece of conch or a trolling line with a feather lure will get you all the fish you need.
Stocking Island has some of the best anchorages in the area. The main anchorage here has a depth of 12-18 feet. It is almost landlocked and gives protection in all weather. Among the attractions of Stocking Island is a coastline almost surrounded by white sandy beaches and lush coconut groves.
George Town, a delightfully picturesque community of about 800 people, serves as the southernmost cruising headquarters for visiting yachtsmen exploring the Bahamas. The town is ideally suited for this role, not only because of its excellent anchorages, but also because local businesses carry the most complete stock of supplies in the Exumas and the local airport has frequent air connections to Nassau and South Florida.
Anchorage may be found 100 yards in front of the Peace & Plenty Hotel, a large pink structure that, with the pink government administration building to its left, dominates the George Town side of Elizabeth Harbour. Legend has it that this hotel was originally built as a slave market, after which it became a sponge warehouse and eventually a hostelry. Owned for many years by Stanley and Jeanne Benjamin, Peace & Plenty serves a delicious Bahamian menu, and there’s an intimate friendly bar. On dance nights there is live music on the outside terrace overlooking the harbour.
Extended cruising can include other out islands: Eleuthera, Cat Island, Long Island, San Salvador, and back to Stocking Island.