Boating & Things to Do in George Town

Moriah Harbour Cay offers a pristine anchorage experience with its crystal-clear waters and peaceful surroundings. This hidden gem is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape, away from the hustle and bustle. The area is renowned for its natural beauty, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and enjoying the serene marine environment.

Exuma Yacht Club Hotel & Marina is a cornerstone of the George Town boating community, offering a protected harbor, floating docks, and slips accommodating vessels up to 150 feet. The marina provides top-notch services including gasoline and diesel fuel, fresh water, ice, and stable guest WiFi. Located right on Queen's Highway, it is situated within walking distance of central George Town's supermarkets, provisioning hubs, and dining. It serves as an active cruiser hangout and ideal base for exploring the Exumas.

Elizabeth Harbour is a stunning natural anchorage renowned for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty. Nestled among the cays, it offers a tranquil haven for sailors and boaters alike. The harbour is dotted with vibrant marine life, making it a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring. With its protected waters and picturesque surroundings, it's a favorite among those seeking a peaceful retreat on the water.

Emerald Bay Marina, nestled in a picturesque location, offers a mixed experience for boaters. While the marina staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful, the facilities themselves are in need of significant maintenance. The floating docks, though convenient, are in disrepair, and many lack essential services like power and water. Despite these challenges, the marina provides free laundry facilities and a well-equipped captain's lounge. Nearby, you'll find a beautiful beach and a golf course within walking distance, adding to the allure of the location. However, access to resort amenities is limited and comes at a steep price. Overall, it's a place where the warmth of the staff shines through, but the infrastructure could use some attention. (VHF Channel 16)

242 Prime Spirits is a modern, beautifully designed beverage and spirits boutique located on Queen's Highway in George Town. Situated a short walk from the Victoria Harbour dinghy dock, it offers cruising boaters an upscale selection of fine wines, premium rums, and high-quality spirits, making it an excellent stop for curating your onboard beverage collection.

Sand Dollar Beach is a hidden gem known for its stunning Bahama-like white sands and crystal-clear blue waters. This secluded beach offers a perfect escape for those looking to swim, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The sandbar provides a unique underwater landscape, transitioning from knee-deep to over 15 feet within a short distance, making it ideal for both swimming and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Haulover Bay Bar & Grill Restaurant is a highly scenic, authentic waterfront eatery located in Rolletown, Great Exuma. Run by a wonderful family—a mother with her son and daughter—it offers some of the most hospitable service, incredible drinks, and fantastic Bahamian food with spectacular views of the turquoise flats. For captains planning a visit, keep in mind that due to the extremely shallow surrounding waters, this spot is best suited for vessels 24 feet or smaller. While there is no official marina dock, you can safely tie your smaller boat or dinghy directly to their deck structure, or drop anchor nearby in the shallow flats and wade or dinghy ashore.

John Marshall Liquor Store is a highly convenient provisioning stop located in central George Town, just steps away from the Exuma Markets dinghy dock. It is a well-stocked and highly popular destination for cruising boaters, offering a wide selection of local and imported beers, wines, and spirits at competitive prices. It's the perfect quick stop to restock your vessel's bar while loading up on groceries.

The Cut, also known as Lazy River Beach, is a hidden gem in Exuma, offering a serene and picturesque beach experience. This location is renowned for its unique lazy river that flows with the tide, providing a relaxing float experience. The beach is accessible by boat, kayak, or even by land, making it a versatile destination for adventurers. At low tide, the expansive sandbar is exposed, offering a perfect spot for exploration and relaxation. The area is family-friendly and known for its stunning natural beauty, making it a prime photo spot. Visitors often encounter turtles and other marine life, adding to the magical experience of this secluded beach.

Exuma Markets is the premier grocery store and supermarket in George Town, Great Exuma. Highly optimized for cruising boaters, it features a dedicated and highly convenient dinghy dock behind the store in Victoria Harbour. Boaters can anchor in Elizabeth Harbour, navigate their dinghies into the harbour, tie up securely at the dock, and load groceries and fresh water directly into their dinghies. The market is fully stocked with fresh produce, meats, baked goods, dairy, and all essential provisions. Also, you can throw out trash in an open truck by the dinghy dock with L&L disposal for a small fee.

Exuma Yacht Club Restaurant and Bar is a lively marina stop known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views. While the service can sometimes be slow, the delicious food and live music more than make up for it. It's a great spot to relax, enjoy a cold beer, and take in the beautiful surroundings. The restaurant is particularly popular on Wednesdays for its live music featuring talented local performers.

The Exuma Fish Fry is a legendary waterfront cluster of shacks located just north of George Town, offering an authentic taste of Bahamian culture, music, and food. It is the ultimate local scene where boaters and locals gather. ### Best Options & Boating Tips: * **Docking**: Rent a slip at the Exuma Yacht Club to easily walk to the shacks (about a 15-minute walk north along Queen's Highway or a quick 2-minute taxi ride). * **Anchoring**: Drop anchor in Elizabeth Harbour and use a dinghy to go ashore at the Yacht Club, or pull right up to the sandy shore behind the shacks if the tide permits (mid-to-high tide is recommended). ⚠️ **CRITICAL CRUISER WARNING**: Almost all shacks inside the Fish Fry are **CASH ONLY**. Be sure to stock up on US dollars or Bahamian dollars before visiting, as there are no ATMs on site! ### Restaurants inside the Fish Fry & How to Access: * **Shirley's Seafood Restaurant**: One of the most famous shacks here, known for outstanding coconut shrimp, cracked conch, and lobster. Easily accessed by beaching your dinghy right behind the shacks or walking from the Yacht Club. * **Porgie's Place**: Highly recommended for authentic Bahamian steam fish and peas 'n rice. Located on the ocean side of the cluster, best accessed via a beach landing or road walk. * **Da Out Deck Bar & Grill / Rasta Steve at Da Out Deck**: A lively, friendly hub for grilled dishes and cold drinks. You can dinghy right up to the shoreline behind Da Out Deck at rising tide. * **Wonderation Restaurant & Bar**: Known for excellent local mutton and fried fish, this shack is highly popular on weekend nights. Access via walking Queen's Highway or beach landing. * **The New Hasty's**: A fantastic spot for late-night music, drinks, and local snacks. Conveniently located near the road side of the complex.

Splash Beach Bar & Grill is a vibrant beachfront venue located right at Jolly Hall Bay, offering beautiful sunset views, tropical cocktails, and classic Bahamian-American pub fare. It is a fantastic cruiser hangout. ### How to Get Here & Boating Tips: * **Beaching your Dinghy**: The most common and scenic method is to anchor your vessel in the harbor near Jolly Hall Bay and take a dinghy directly onto the beach, tying up or beaching on the sand. * **Docking at Exuma Yacht Club**: If your vessel requires a proper slip or deeper draft, dock at the Exuma Yacht Club in George Town. From there, it is just a short 5 to 10 minute taxi ride north.

Da Sand Bar is a vibrant and relaxed beach bar located on Stocking Island, offering a perfect blend of lively weekends and quieter weekdays. Known for its beautiful setting and chill vibes, this sandbar is a favorite among visitors looking to enjoy a drink, soak in the sun, and meet new people. With beach access and swim-friendly waters, it's an ideal spot for both relaxation and socializing. While food options are limited to grilled hotdogs, the generous drinks and welcoming atmosphere make it a memorable stop. Accessible by dinghy or water taxi, Da Sand Bar is a quintessential beach hangout in Exuma.

Moriah Harbor Cay National Park is a breathtaking destination that offers a pristine natural environment perfect for exploration by boat. Visitors rave about its stunning beaches, expansive sandbars, and the opportunity to encounter diverse wildlife, including turtles, crabs, and nurse sharks. This park is a must-visit for those seeking a serene escape into nature's beauty.

Starfish Beach is a stunning and serene destination known for its beautiful stretch of sand and clear waters. It's a family-friendly spot with plenty of loungers and umbrellas available, making it perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can enjoy the adjacent Starfish Lagoon and grab a drink or a snack at the nearby Da Sand Bar. While starfish sightings have become rare, the beach remains a fantastic place to unwind and capture stunning photos.

Coconut Club is a vibrant waterfront restaurant that offers a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. Accessible by boat or water taxi, this destination is perfect for a day-long retreat with activities like volleyball, corn hole, and large anchored floats. The restaurant provides a variety of food and drink options, including full bottles of liquor for purchase. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach views and clean, air-conditioned restrooms. While the food receives mixed reviews, the overall experience is enhanced by the numerous activities and the scenic setting.

Chat 'N' Chill Beach Bar & Grill is a vibrant beach destination known for its lively atmosphere, especially on weekends. Accessible by ferry, private boat, or jet ski, this spot offers a unique blend of relaxation and activity with its beach volleyball courts, swings, and opportunities to swim with stingrays. While the food receives mixed reviews, the beach bar's charm and the chance to interact with marine life make it a popular choice for families and friends looking to unwind and enjoy the Bahamian beach vibes.

Man-O-War Cay Sandbar is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning beauty and tranquil atmosphere. This sandbar offers a magnificent landscape with many shades of blue water and pristine sand, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and photography. Visitors often describe it as an 'otherworldly' experience, especially when timed right with the tides. It's an ideal location for those looking to anchor nearby, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy a peaceful day in a less crowded setting.

Tropic Breeze Beach Bar & Grill is a stunning waterfront restaurant located in William's Town on Little Exuma. Renowned for its breathtaking turquoise views and elevated Caribbean-American cuisine (including their famous surf and turf burger), it is a classic cruiser destination. Boaters can anchor in the calm waters outside and dinghy right up onto the sandy beach to dine, similar to other famous Exuma spots like Chat 'N' Chill and Da Sand Bar. It offers a wonderfully relaxed yet upscale beachfront dining experience.

Moriah Harbour Sandbars offer a breathtaking escape with their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. This idyllic location is perfect for families and photographers alike, providing a serene atmosphere ideal for swimming and relaxation. Arrive early on calm days to fully enjoy the tranquil beauty of this natural wonder.

Saint Francis Resort & Marina, nestled on the idyllic Stocking Island, offers a serene retreat for boaters seeking tranquility and exceptional hospitality. Just a short water taxi ride from Great Exuma, this marina is a gateway to breathtaking beaches and calm, crystal-clear waters. The resort features unfussy yet comfortable accommodations with stunning lagoon views, complemented by an airy restaurant and a casual bar that hosts regular live music. With easy access to hiking trails and kayaking opportunities, it's a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.