Rugged Isolation, Busy Beaches and Town Days - Georgetown Has It All

Our last time in Georgetown, one year ago, seemed like a blip. We were here for two weeks but, for us, the vibe was very different. We were exhausted from constant travel, still trying to get our bearings on how to do this liveaboard thing and we were nervous about making the leap to the Caribbean. Our two weeks in Georgetown was spent stocking up, fueling up, and checking out the “you-have-to-do-this” stuff like the “Chat n’ Chill” beach and exploring the island by car. We did manage to snorkel and hike a wee bit but, truly, our minds were on weather windows, planning our route south and connecting with possible buddy boats for the trip. We were in deep focus mode.

The iconic Chat n' Chill sign posts

One of our travel meetings a year ago at Chat n' Chill

And yet another travel meeting

It was in Georgetown that Ocean first learned to howl when the conch horns blew at sunset

Oh wait, we did have some relaxing times too! Having a beer with our friend Steve from Lola.

This go-around is very different. Our days are sloooooooooooow. We rarely wake up with plans, yet we seem to get everything done that needs to get done, whenever it gets done. Every two or three days we will take the salty trip across the bay in order to go to town for groceries or fuel but, otherwise, we are beaching it. Or hiking. Or both 😉.
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We are in deep chill mode.

Heading under the Georgetown bridge that leads into town

Mayhem at the diesel dock! Lots of boats looking for diesel today, including the boat taking provisions to Chat n' Chill

Beaching the dinghy in Hoopers Bay on our way to get our propane tank filled

One of the many shacks selling awesome Bahamian food in Georgetown

One of our favourite haunts these days is the north section of Stocking Island, where there are a choice of beaches, one to fit whatever mood we may be in. One of the first beaches there is Starfish Beach. It is home to Da’Sandbar, a tiny shack at the tip of the beach which attracts lots of tours boats bringing weekend travelers and tourists from the nearby Sandals Resort so they can get a taste of the islands. The beach is postcard perfect and you can have a cold Kalik or Sands beer while you swim, play volleyball or just enjoy the view from the lounge chairs. It is not uncommon to have music blasting away from anchored party boats. Ocean, our pup, always gets lots of attention here from the dog-loving tourists who are missing their pups back home. 

Ocean at Starfish Beach

A busy day at Starfish Beach

Mike sitting outside Da'Sandbar Bar, contemplating how to spend his day

Ah, perfect!

Ocean enjoying some rare shade at Starfish Beach

​Around the corner from Starfish Beach is Flip Flop Beach. It is a quiet, little oasis where hardly anyone goes. We have heard that there are little pop-up parties on this beach but it is likely that only occurs during the heart of the season (January and February). Our only encounter during the past week was a young family mixing swimming along with a few home-schooling lessons. At this beach we can swim and relax, in the shade or in the sunshine. Total tranquil bliss.

Mike and Ocean swimming at Flip Flop Beach

Flip Flop Beach was set up by cruisers

Victoria and Ocean searching for starfish

Ocean swims for hours at Flip Flop Beach

Yes, we were here!

And when we feel like exploring? We can take a trail from either Starfish Beach or Flip Flop Beach and walk to the windward side of Stocking Island. The ocean roars on this coast. There is no swimming or snorkeling, just walking along the shoreline, taking in the beauty and force of the ocean being slammed by the eastern trade winds.

One of many trail markers (made from the garbage that washes up on shore)

A rough trail to the windward side of the island

The final steps to the windward side of the island

Beautiful but rough waters

Mike beside a tranquil water inlet...

...that roared as the waves came in!

Ocean enjoying an inland pool created by the waves crashing against the shoreline

Victoria walking along the rough shoreline

Goodnight Georgetown! We are excited to see what you show us tomorrow!

​We will likely stay in Georgetown another week while another cold front pushes through. We are happy to have calm, easy days and lots of access to  several amenities. We are happy to be here 😊.

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