We spent nearly three weeks in George Town, which in cruiser time is basically setting up a P.O. box and forwarding your mail. It became our floating neighborhood, familiar, fun, and just comfortable enough to make you forget you’re supposed to keep moving.
Morning Announcements, Cruiser Style
Every day kicked off with the Cruisers’ Net on VHF channel 68. Think high school morning announcements… but with boats, weather reports, and way more sunscreen. You’d hear who was sailing in, who was heading out, the day’s events, and the occasional “lost dinghy” PSA. It kept us connected, even if some days, the farthest we traveled was from the cockpit to the galley.
The Art Trail
Some of our favorite George Town memories didn’t happen at a bar or even on the boat, they happened on foot. There’s this little dusty path just off the beach, known to cruisers as the Art Trail. You have to find it, and when you do, it’s like stepping into a salty scrapbook. Along the trail are weathered bits of driftwood, hand-painted by sailors passing through over the years. Some are bright and fresh, others faded and chipped, each one a little story left behind.
Rodney had actually painted our “Kismet” sign back in Black Point, during one of those windy days when we were stuck on the boat. Bright colors, bold letters, pure Rodney style. Once in George Town, we carried it ashore and found it the perfect home along the trail. Now there’s a tiny piece of us out there, a salty little “We were here too.”
Swing Sets, Stingrays, and Island Fun
Another favorite spot was the swing set, just a simple wooden swing overlooking the water. On calm days, we’d wander over with coffee or an afternoon drink and just sit, swing, and watch the harbor. Sometimes we’d talk. Sometimes we’d just be still, letting the breeze do all the work.
Then there was Chat ‘N’ Chill Beach, a cruiser’s playground. We’d enjoy a cold beer with friends, watch or join a game of volleyball, and listen to island history talks from a local who could spin a great story. It was the perfect place to relax and meet friends, both old and new.
And we can’t forget the Dinghy Concerts hosted by a fellow cruiser known as The Electric Mermaid. Picture this: boats and dinghies gathered around a floating stage, everyone cooling off in the water or lounging in their dinghy, music drifting across the harbor. It was one of those “only in Georgetown” experiences you don’t soon forget.
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The “Errands” That Turn Into Adventures
Even paradise has a to-do list. We made regular stops at the Shell Station and Brown’s Marine for parts and diesel, unless, of course, they were “out.” (Personally, I think they keep it for the locals, which makes sense… but also means cruisers need to time things right.)
Fresh veggies were a whole other game. The Exuma Market, right by the dinghy dock, was the go-to spot. They had just about everything you needed, for a price, but reasonable enough since locals shopped there too. Shop Rite was smaller but worth the walk, especially on Sundays before Mass.
Laundry day was at the Corner Laundry, which, in true island style, is not actually on a corner. You pay by the pound and follow the shop owner’s strict washer-and-dryer assignments. The guy running the place knew his machines so well he could predict when a breaker would trip.
Food, Drinks, and Island Vibes
George Town was full of places that quickly felt like “our spot.”
- Shirley’s Seafood | dinner with cruiser friends, easy to get to, and full of flavor.
- Exuma Yacht Club | solid lunch, great happy hour, ice-cold beer.
- Snappy Turtle | Monday burger-and-beer special for $10 (until you add cheese… then maybe don’t check the receipt).
- Chat ‘N’ Chill | Sunday BBQ and sundowners with friends while stingrays glided past like it was no big deal.
- Peace and Plenty | all-around cool vibe, the kind of place you just want to linger.
- Coconut Club | total tourist trap… which we visited anyway, because curiosity.
- Da Sand Bar | where we celebrated St. Paddy’s Day, and celebrated hard. Drinks, laughs, and green everywhere (some people wore more green than others).
By the time we pulled up the anchor, George Town had given us more than just a safe harbor. It gave us art, sunsets, swings, stories, and the kind of friends you meet once but run into forever.
If George Town isn’t already on your cruising bucket list, it should be. From swings and stingrays to cold beers and dinghy concerts, it’s a place that knows how to make you feel right at home on the water. Have you been to George Town? Drop us a comment and share your favorite memory, and don’t forget to follow along for more Sailing Kismet adventures. Who knows… we might just see you out there.
Fair winds,
Patrice & Rodney