Easily reachable by boat from Elizabeth Harbour, Stocking Island has some of the finest white sand beaches.
Stocking Island is made up of towering seaside cliffs, coral gardens, blue holes, and lush hiking trails awaiting those in search of an eco-adventure in The Bahamas. Snorkelers and divers love to explore the island’s blue holes, coral gardens and undersea caves. In addition to offering much natural beauty, the island creates multiple harbors, providing valuable protection for seasonal cruisers in The Bahamas.
Stocking Island Is Home To The Rare Stromatolites
Stromatolites are said to be the oldest known macro-fossils on the planet, found on the Atlantic-side beaches. Stromatolites are fossilized bacteria dating from more than 1 million years ago. Stromatolites are found in only two places on Earth, – here and Australia. To see the stromatolites on the Atlantic side of the island, it’s an easy walk from Chat ‘N’ Chill®. Just walk around Gaviota Bay at low tide, then wade across the channel to the Atlantic side of the island.
Jacques Costeau Mystery Cave
The blue holes of the Bahamas are unique geological features as they are the only tidal blue holes in the world. Blue holes are underwater caves, so called because of their coloration when viewed from above; the dark blue deep water in the ‘holes’ contrasts with the light blue shallow water surrounding them. This cave system runs under Stocking Island and explorers, including Jacques Cousteau, have proved that the system links to an inland blue hole. The entrance to Mystery Cave is a beautiful snorkeling spot where snapper, grunts, schoolmaster, sergeant major and a school of Atlantic spadefish can be seen.
Natural Trails
Peaceful, scenic walking paths crisscross the island with benches and identification markers of our local plant life. You can obtain a Stocking Island Nature Trail Map in the in the gift shop for free at Chat ‘N’ Chill®.
Starfish Beach
Starfish Beach is located on the north end of Stocking Island. If you rent a boat, you can easily anchor off of starfish beach. Comb the powdery white sand beach and look for starfish in the crystal clear Exuma blue. Just look and don’t touch them!
