The small size of the Sea of Abaco means you can pick and choose destinations at will. If the wind doesn't let you go one way, go the other. There are few better cruising grounds in the world in terms of all-weather cruising and easily accessed destinations. Before settling on an itinerary, listen to the morning Cruiser's Net to find out if any islands are having any special events. If Barefoot Man is playing at Nipper's, Man-O-War marina is hosting their annual luau or Cracker P's full moon party is on, rearrange your schedule to make the trip.

Marsh Harbour

The most popular place to visit in The Abacos is Marsh Harbour. Most itineraries in the Abacos begin or end here. Marsh Harbour is the third-largest town in the nation and has numerous provisioning, parts, repair and marina options. International air service connects Marsh Harbour to the rest of the world, and there is a steady stream of visitors who charter vessels of every description here. The anchorage at Marsh Harbour sees a constant turnover of cruisers who stop by for a few days. Whether restocking the pantry, spending a few weeks making repairs or passing through on their way to points north or south, everyone stops in Marsh Harbour at least occasionally. 

(See Chapter 4 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Day 1 - Hope Town

Just a few miles east of Marsh Harbour lies one of the gems of The Bahamas. Take a slip at Hope Town Inn, pick up a mooring or anchor outside the harbor. Stroll the streets and cruise the shops, but don't miss the oceanside beach and climbing the candy-striped lighthouse.

(see Chapter 4 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Day 2 - Great Guana Cay

On the way to Great Guana, stop at Fowl Cays National Park for a few hours of snorkeling. Then head into Settlement Harbour at Great Guana and take a mooring from Dive Guana or a slip at Orchid Bay. Walk the streets of the cute town, and the snorkeling right of the beach is spectacular.

(See Chapter 3 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Day 3 - Green Turtle Cay

If the weather is right, set sail north and cruise through Whale Cay Passage. Stop by Piggyville at No Name Cay to visit the swimming pigs. Then choose your destination on Green Turtle: you can enter White Sound and dock at Green Turtle Club for a pampered resort experience. Anchoring off the government dock or mooring in Black Sound puts you closer to the adorable Bahamian village of New Plymouth and the gorgeous beaches on the south end of the island.

(See Chapter 3 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

*A Quick Note on Whale Cay Passage - The Whale is the famous cut that must be crossed between the Central and Southern Abacos. A shallow, shifting sandbank reaches out from Great Abaco Island, blocking passage for all but the most shoal-draft outboard boats. The passage is not difficult at all, but the weather is a factor. Like all Bahamian ocean cuts, a "rage" occurs when the tide opposes wind or strong offshore swells roll in. These rages can make any cut an unsafe place to be.

(See Chapter 3 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Day 4 - Treasure Cay

Head back through The Whale and enter the protected harbor at Treasure Cay: Enjoy the pool bar and amazing views from the beach.

(See Chapter 3 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Day 5 - Man-O-War Cay

Wrap up your tour of the Sea of Abaco with a stop at Man-O-War Cay. Stay at the marina in town or pick up on of their moorings. The museum is a great place to stop to learn about the island and pick up breakfast too. Then stroll the shops, including the Man-O-War Canvas shop. On work days, you can watch workers build Albury Brothers skiffs right on the main road. The beach on the ocean side is a lovely walk through quiet residential neighborhoods.

(See Chapter 4 of The Bahamas Waterway Guide)

Bonus Spots:

If you have more time. (Listed from north to south)

Powell Cay

Manjack Cay

Tahiti Beach and Lubbers Quarters

Tilloo Cay Beach and Sandbar

Little Harbour

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