The Abacos |
The Ultimate Cruising Destination, Reborn |
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Summing up the Abacos as a Preferred Destination is a little like summing up the Chesapeake Bay in a brief paragraph. There's just too much to see and do in this cruising Mecca.
The Abaco Cays are the string of cays (pronounced "keys") lying along the north and northeast coastline of Great Abaco Island in the northern Bahamas. The Abaco Cays are world famous, so you've probably heard the names before—Green Turtle, Man-O-War and Elbow Cays, just to name a few. Between the cays and "mainland" Abaco are the protected, crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Abaco—as much a draw for boaters as the islands and communities around it. |
Marinas and Dockage in the Abacos |
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The epicenter of Abaconian life is Marsh Harbour, the third largest city in The Bahamas. While "Marsh" and the nearby cays were devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, most of our favorite spots have now rebuilt and reopened. Docking options in Marsh Harbour include:
Most of these marinas have a steady business of seasonal visitors and charter boats departing and arriving. Marsh Harbour is the perfect place to stock up for your cruise, with provisioning options and everything visiting boaters might need. |
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But the outer cays have their share of fine resorts and marinas to choose from as well, and it's here that most visitors want to spend at least some of their time.
For a taste of the laid-back Out Island lifestyle, head to the northwest Abacos.
Other nearby places to stay, include: |
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If traveling by your own boat, visit www.MyOutIslands.com for details on the $300 Dock and Stay offer. Stay at and dock your boat at any Bahama Out Island Promotion Board marina hotel for four consecutive nights to take advantage of this generous offer. |
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Things to Do Ashore in Abaco |
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The Sea of Abaco is really what makes boating in the Abacos so spectacular. Once you're there, nothing is too far away, and most weather produces little more than a moderate chop. Sure, there are some ugly days here and there during frontal passages or summer squalls, but generally, the water is smooth, the sea breeze is fresh and the boating and sailing are near perfect. |
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Comparing which beach is the most spectacular is also a popular Abaco pastime. All of the outer cays are top contenders, with this cruising editor's favorites on Green Turtle, Great Guana and Elbow Cays. The beach at Treasure Cay is another favorite. Those are the big ocean beaches, but there are also plenty more small, picturesque coves with powdery white sands, swaying palm trees and miles of sandbars to explore. Whatever waterborne fun you enjoy, the Abacos have it. The diving and fishing are superb, and one of favorite fun-days out on the water is with Brendal’s Dive Center on Green Turtle Cay. It's the perfect place to sail your dinghy, paddle your kayak or explore by paddleboard. You can feed a swimming pig or swim with stingrays, turtles and nurse sharks. The dolphin watching is pretty good, too. |
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Landside, each island community has its own unique flavor, and each bar has its own signature cocktail. The Green Turtle Club is famous for the 'Tipsy Turtle,' and no trip to Great Guana is complete without sampling Nipper's 'Nipper Juice.' And, when in The Bahamas, seeking out your favorite conch fritter or conch salad recipe is a must. Every island has a beautiful beach, a relaxed hangout, an island band, a tropical drink and good food—is there anything more to paradise than that? |
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Come By Boat or Plane |
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With all of the above, it's easy to see why the Abacos are a popular spot for boaters year-round. It is, after all, less than 175 miles east of West Palm Beach—but it feels a world away. During the winter, snowbird cruisers flock to the Abacos. Many use the Abacos as a starting point for a longer Bahamas cruise, while others spend a whole season bobbing around the Sea of Abaco. The islands see even more visitors during the summer months when light winds make it easier to escape the hot doldrums of Florida. |
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Don't want to go to the trouble and expense of getting your boat out to the Abacos? No problem—the area hosts The Bahamas' largest bareboat charter fleets. Power or sail, mono or catamaran, there's a charter boat waiting to take you for a spin. Check out the following charter companies for availability:
And remember, nothing crosses the Gulf Stream faster than a 737. Marsh Harbour's Leonard M. Thompson International Airport has non-stop flights to several US hubs, including:
Visit www.MyOutIslands.com and subscribe to receive the Bahama Out Islands Promotion Board’s seasonal e-offers like their $250 Air Credit and Two Fly Free From Nassau offer. For those looking for landside accommodations, rental cottages, resorts, and inns abound, and all of the cays are connected to Marsh Harbour by ferry. |
