As you stroll through the village, the streets may seem like sidewalks to you as they are lined with purple bougainvillea and hibiscus of every shade. There is no motorized traffic allowed within the village and this charming settlement can only be explored on foot. Anchored within its protected Hope Town Harbour, one will find boats of every description.
The historic candy striped lighthouse, built in 1863, provides the backdrop, which you will long remember. Take a climb up the 101 steps to the top of the lighthouse for 360-degree breathtaking views of the turquoise Sea of Abaco, vast Atlantic Ocean and many surrounding Cays. This famous lighthouse is one of only three kerosene-powered lights in the world. By the way, all three are located in the Bahamas. This lighthouse is mechanically operated. The light floats on a bed of Mercury and is powered by a grandfather’s clock type chain mechanism, with pirate cannon balls as the powering weight. The large Fresnel lens generates light visible for more than 17 miles.
The Wyannie Malone Museum is housed within Hope Town, named after the founder of this settlement. It is filled with photos, documents, maps, quilts, china, simple treasures and other heirlooms of the past. For those who may be history buffs, you will find the Wyannie Malone Museum well worth the visit.
Located in the village of Hope Town, one will find two grocery stores, Harbour View Grocery on the edge of the Harbour and Vernon’s Grocery on Back Street known for their fresh baked breads and pies. Also within the village of Hope Town one will find art galleries, bike rentals, dive shop, clothing shops, several gift and jewelry boutiques, hardware store, coin-op laundry, liquor store, telephone company, marinas, and Assembly of God and St. James Churches.
LVA Convenience store is located on the southern edge of the village with extended hours in the evening and on Sundays. On Da Beach Bar & Grill is also located in this area offering fantastic views of the vast Atlantic Ocean and extensive white sand beach.
Just north of White Sound (approx. 3 miles south of the village) you’ll find a full service grocery store called Sweetings Grocery and A&E Liquors. Lighthouse Ministries is also in this area.
There are several restaurants within Hope Town Village, Cap’n Jacks, Club Soleil, Harbour’s Edge, Hope Town Harbour Lodge, and Munchies Take Away. Another neat little restaurant is Rudy’s Place, which is located on Centerline Road, just a little south of the village. In the area of White Sound there are two restaurants offering awesome views and sunsets, Abaco Inn and BoatHouse Restaurant. Both of these offer transportation with advance reservations. It is suggested to make reservations in advance and with some restaurants it is required. Best to check in advance.
Elbow Cay offers spectacular white sand beaches and excellent snorkeling reefs along the Atlantic Ocean side. The reefs near Hope Town and the northern tip of the Cay offer calmer waters and can be easily reach by swimming from the beach. On the Atlantic Ocean, within the White Sound area (approx. 3 miles south of Hope Town Village), surfers are provided with six of the best break areas in the Bahamas (best during the winter months).
The well-known Tahiti Beach located on the very southern tip of the Cay offers a huge white sand bar especially during low tide. A walk along the beach toward the Atlantic side is fun for all. You’ll find all types of seashells along the way and take a moment to gaze into the turquoise sea to see our Giant Sea Stars. Please don’t touch or remove so others may enjoy. Take a swim from the southeastern side and you will find a fascinating little reef area, which your children will enjoy. Gently caressed by calm, crystal clear turquoise waters of the Sea of Abaco, Tahiti Beach surroundings also boast the largest palm grove on Elbow Cay. Exploring our nature environment is a fun and exciting activity for all to enjoy.
The mode of transportation on Elbow Cay is by foot, bike, golf cart or boat. There are no car rentals on this island, a real treat for those coming from larger cities.
The Abaco Islands have many National Parks, nature centers, sea and land preserves, which will satisfy the most demanding nature lover. Within our natural beauty you will find an array of wildlife, plants, reefs, blue holes and underwater cave systems. We invite you to stay with us at one of our many properties, so you may also experience first hand what a special paradise this area truly is.
Please note the information provided is subject to change without notice. If you see an error or you feel we missed something, please let us know
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Enjoy your stay in Abaco.
The Staff of Abaco Vacation Res, Inc.
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