Lee Stocking Island Yacht Charter: Beaches, Hiking & Wild Southern Exumas

Located in the southern Exumas just north of Great Exuma, Lee Stocking Island is one of the most rewarding wilderness stops for yachts cruising the full Exuma chain. Long empty beaches, clear turquoise water, coral reefs, sheltered bays, and elevated hiking trails give the island a distinctly adventurous character compared with the marina-oriented cayes farther north.

For decades, Lee Stocking Island was also an important center for marine science. The Perry Institute for Marine Science began as a research facility on the island, contributing studies of coral reefs, Nassau grouper, queen conch, spiny lobster, and other Bahamian marine ecosystems before its operations later moved elsewhere.

Today, yacht guests come primarily for the natural surroundings. Hike to Perry's Peak, explore beaches on both the Exuma Bank and Sound sides, snorkel in exceptionally clear water, or simply remain at anchor in a quiet bay surrounded by almost no development. For charters traveling between George Town and the central Exumas, Lee Stocking Island is an excellent place to break the journey.

Approaching the northern side of Lee Stocking Island requires careful attention to extensive shoaling and relatively shallow bank water. Waterway Guide notes that vessels drawing more than approximately 6.5 feet can have difficulty reaching the deeper water immediately beside the former research station. Yachts with greater draft will generally find it simpler to remain outside the shoal in deeper water.

Visual navigation remains particularly important around the island, with sandbars, grass-covered shoals, and shallow passages surrounding several approaches. Larger yachts should use current charts, tide information, good daylight, and local knowledge, while tenders provide the easiest way to reach beaches, trails, and shallower areas once the yacht is securely positioned.

The northwestern anchorage near the former research station is one of the principal options. Waterway Guide reports approximately 8 to 12 feet outside the shallow inner area, with good holding and strong protection from northerly through easterly winds. The anchorage becomes more exposed from the south, and there are currently no moorings.

Farther south, Williams Cay and Williams Bay provide another highly attractive anchoring area. Although Williams Cay is effectively the southern portion of the same landmass, the surrounding sandbars create a well-protected basin with excellent holding and protection from roughly north-northwest through east. It is particularly popular during the winter cruising season.

One of the island's signature experiences is climbing Perry's Peak, which rises to approximately 39 meters and is regarded as the highest point in the Exuma Cays. The trail rewards the climb with panoramic views across both the shallow Exuma Bank and the deep-blue waters of Exuma Sound.

The former marine research station remains another distinctive landmark, but visiting yachts should not assume unrestricted access. Current cruising guidance identifies the research-station property as private and recommends obtaining permission before going ashore there. Beaches and hiking opportunities elsewhere around the island remain the principal attractions for most yacht guests.