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Scattered amongst 649 square miles, one will find sugar sand beaches aligned with palm trees and casuarina pines, gently swaying in the constant, gentle breezes. The soft turquoise, green and azure blue waters are a boater's dream and will surely captivate the eye. Charming villages, reminiscent of 18th century New England, dot the shorelines of the mainland and the surrounding cays (pronounced keys). Exotic sea life darts through the untouched coral reefs and the blue holes are just waiting to be explored. The natives welcome your arrival and encourage relaxation, so that you may relish in their unlimited natural wonders. Return to Top |
|  A true vacation
These islands are a prime choice for a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Several airlines offer daily service to Abaco. Take either a one-hour flight from the East Coast of Florida or a thirty-five minute fight from Nassau or Grand Bahama. There is good connecting service from all destinations around the world.
Abaco is a group of islands where time seems to have stood still, virtually untouched by modern man. There are no crowds, high rises, or casinos to be found here. The pace is relaxing and the dress is casual. A barefoot elegant atmosphere. Daylight offers an enormous amount of activities, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, island hopping, beach combing, and more. At night, relax under the glistening stars, listen to a local band, or make new friends with others of like mind. The memories created in the Abaco Islands will be ones you will cherish for a lifetime. Return to Top |  Abaco is comprised of one large island with a group of barrier cays, occupying the second largest landmass in the Bahamas. The mainland is known as Great Abaco, extending 130 miles long and rarely more than 4 miles wide. To the east of Great Abaco, a chain of smaller cays are located two to six miles off the shoreline, providing a natural barrier from the Atlantic Ocean, and forming a protected body of water, known as the Sea of Abaco. These waters have been called the 'sailing capital of the world', making for one of the most popular cruising grounds for both pleasure and avid boaters alike. When boating these waters, land is always in sight and the cays are usually no more than 10 to 40 minutes apart, making island hopping a multitude of fun. A popular activity is renting a motor boat. On some of the cays, this is the only form of transportation. The boats are easy to operate and usually have an open hull, center console steering, outboard motor, and bimini top. There are several rental companies throughout the area, offering a variety of sizes to meet your personal needs. Since there is a limited number of boats available, it is always best to make your reservation ahead of time.
For those who do not wish to rent a boat and would prefer to venture from the mainland, there is a ferry system or one can hire a guide. The ferries offer scheduled departure times and destinations or an option to charter, for those who do not meet the scheduled time or wish to go outside the designated areas. Hiring a guide provides an excellent opportunity to learn the local history and culture, as you explore the villages on the outlying cays and snorkel/dive the prime areas. A guide can be hired to come aboard your rental boat or you may choose to board theirs. Return to Top |
|  Diving/Snorkeling
The third largest barrier reef in the world surrounds Abaco, creating a superb destination for divers and snorkelers. The water temperature ranges from 74 to 85 degrees and the outstanding visibility varies between 60 and 200 feet, depending on the weather and season. Many of the colorful underwater sea gardens, coral reefs, and shipwrecks can be reached by swimming 30 to 200 feet from the shore. A rental boat or dive operators provide easy access to areas which are further out. Some of the coral reefs include Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, Fowl Cay-Fowl Preserve, Johnny's Reef, and many more. They are brilliant with purple seafans, staghorn coral, perfect brain corals, elegant elkhorn coral (world's largest formation), and star coral. They provide a home for a diversity of marine life, such as large grouper, stingrays, sea turtles, spiny lobster, nurse sharks, moray eel, and a variety of exotic, tropical fish. Explore sun filtered coral catacombs, sparkling sand channels, shipwrecks, and caverns. Special requests for night dives, snorkeling trips, resort or certification courses and group rates are all available. Return to Top |
| Fishing
The waters of Abaco are a fisherman's paradise. Offshore fishing will reel in the 'Big Guys' such as marlin, sailfin, dolphin (also known as mahi-mahi and not to be confused with the mammal), wahoo, tuna, and more. Reef and bottom fishing will surely bring a succulent taste to your dinner table, with grouper, snapper, and yellow tail. Test your skills and patience while bonefishing on the flats. There are several local guides throughout the area, with considerable knowledge of the Abaco fishing grounds. The guides offer full and half day excursions, for groups and private charters. Their rates include bait, tackle, boat, and some also include lunch and drinks. For those looking to fish on their own, bait and tackle are sold in the area and rods are available for rent. Fishing is good year round with peak seasons for each species. Return to Top |
|  More about the Cays
Beautiful sunny days can be found, no matter what time you choose. Since Abaco is located in the northeast part of the Bahamas, the Gulf Stream bathes the western shores with clear, warm waters and the trade winds sweep in from the southeast. As a result, the temperature seldom drops below 60 degrees F. or rises above 90 degrees F.
The original inhabitants of Abaco were the Lucayan Indians. In the late 1500's and early 1600's, the Spanish explorers forced them from the area. Abaco was not permanently settled, again, until the 1780's. Loyalist had fled North America, during its struggle for independence from Britain, and formed a town in Abaco called Carleton Point, which was located at the northern tip of Treasure Cay Beach. They did not remain in this area long and migrated south developing villages in Marsh Harbour, as well as the nearby cays.
Quaint villages, such as Hope Town, New Plymouth, Great Guana Cay, and Man-O-War Cay retain the 18th Century ambiance. Clapboard homes with gingerbread trim are painted in a variety of pastel hues and are accented with picket fences. The streets resemble sidewalks and are fringed with purple bougainvilla, pink orleander, and hibiscus of every shade, which bloom year round. There are many points of interest to explore in each area.
In the village of Hope Town, on Elbow Cay, one can explore the Wyannie Malone Museum. This is an 18th century Loyalist home, where one can view historical artifacts and learn of the heritage, as well as the development of the area. Shipwrecks were common on the Atlantic Ocean reefs, until 1863 when the candy striped lighthouse was built. To this day, the lighthouse functions as it did many years ago, with a kerosene mantle light operated by weight and cable, which a keeper winds several times a night. Visitors are encouraged to climb the 101 steps to the top. Remember to bring your camera; the view is spectacular. For surfers, the Atlantic Ocean side of White Sound on Elbow Cay has the six best break areas in the Bahamas (best in the winter months).
Stroll through the memorial Sculpture Garden in the settlement of New Plymouth, on Green Turtle Cay, and learn of the honored Loyalists and their descendants. Enjoy the Albert Lowe Museum, which exhibits models of early Abaconian ships, photographs of the early days, and artifacts, in a building over a 150 years old. A trip to Green Turtle Cay would not be complete without a stop at Miss Blue Bees Bar, the home of the "Goombay Smash", a local drink.
Great Guana Cay offers a relaxed setting with a 5-˝ mile beach, extending almost the length of the island, and superb snorkeling off its shoreline. After a refreshing swim, have a bite to eat at Nipper's Bar & Grill (famous for their Sunday "Wild Boar Roast") or Coco Sand Bar, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean Beach or stop in at Floyd’s Bar & Grill nestled in the palms. For a real treat of gourmet cuisine, take a short walk outside the village to Mermaid Café or the new Blue Water Grill, serving Bahamian and International cuisine with a "funky twist". Beware, you may be nipped and grabbed on this island, with some of the local drink specialties such as the "Nipper and Grabber", each is very potent. Return to Top |  When on Man-O-War Cay, stop at one of the local eateries or take a lunch to go. Then, stroll through the village to the Atlantic Ocean and relax on the white sand beaches, as you enjoy the magnificent hues of the turquoise water. Take a dip in the ocean or visit Albury's Sail Shop, on the edge of the harbour, and watch the seamstress as they sew a variety of colorful canvas products. At Joe's Studio, one can observe the making of handcrafted frame models of Abaco dinghies, chairs, candlesticks, and more.
Lubber's Quarters located between Elbow Cay and Marsh Harbour is a boater’s paradise. A heavily vegetated island with access by boat only. This mile long island offers a get-a-way among the singing birds and the best nature has to offer. Two beach side restaurants and artist studio are the only forms of business on this cay. Nearby reefs and fishing grounds makes this a mecca for those who enjoy diving, snorkeling and fishing.
If you are really looking to get away from it all, then relax on the island of Sugar Loaf Cay, where there are no shops or restaurants, only private homes, secluded beach, nearby reefs, and fishing grounds. Located only a five-minute boat ride from Marsh Harbour.Return to Top |
| Tennis, golf, beaches and more
If golfing and tennis are a must, then draw your attention to Treasure Cay on the mainland of Great Abaco. It is "Tee Time" on the 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Dick Wilson. This course has been rated "#1" in the Bahamas by Golf Digest. For beach lovers, Treasure Cay Beach has been noted by National Geographic as "one of the top ten beaches in the world." Enjoy the day with a windsurfer rental on Treasure Cay Beach or kayak tour exploring the estuaries. Visit the workshop and showroom of Abaco ceramics or for a bite to eat stop at Florence’s Café known for their home made breads and world famous sticky buns. Return to Top |
| Shopping and restaurants
Gift shops, art galleries, well-stocked grocery stores, liquor stores, and restaurants can be found in most areas throughout the Abaco Islands. Marsh Harbour, located on Great Abaco, offers the largest and most diverse selection of goods and services. It is also a central location to all points of interest, whether one is traveling by boat or car. Restaurants throughout Abaco offer an elegant island style or a more laid back "mom and pop" atmosphere and offer local bands at several locations throughout the week. Specialty items to look for while shopping include original handcrafted gold jewelry, straw baskets, ceramics, a variety of local art, prints, and woodcarvings. Return to Top |
| Things to do and see
Looking to venture off the beaten path? Little Harbour is a small picturesque community, located on the southwestern shores of Great Abaco and less than 45 minutes (by land or sea) from Marsh Harbour. Randolph Johnston made this his home in the mid-1950's and founded an art colony. Internationally known for his lost wax castings in bronze, Randolph died in 1992. His son, Pete Johnston, has carried on at the foundry, creating incredible life size marine bronzes, furniture, and gold jewelry inspired by local motifs. Pete's Pub, an open air bar serves lunch and drinks on the beach, offers lots of local color. The gallery, shop, pub and foundry are open to the public in season (best to radio ahead for operating hours).
The fishing tournaments for the "big guys" such as Billfish and Marlin are held in May and June. Watch the excitement when fishermen bring in the winning catch. Or maybe you would like to participate in one of the sailing regattas held in July and October. August 1st starts crawfish season and the restaurants throughout the area prepare it in many different ways. Summer months bring lots of fun to ABACO. "Goombay Summer Festivals" are held in several locations throughout the Abaco Islands. Maybe you will be lucky to observe the famous Royal Bahamas Police Force Marching Band. During the limbo contest you could win a T-shirt or just come for fun and dance the night away. In September show your talent and partake in the Abaco Triathlon. Early December, enjoy the Christmas concert under the stars on Green Turtle Cay. New Years in Abaco are always special with their lively "Junkanoo". A happening of colorful costumes and music... that should not be missed. For those who enjoy getting back to nature, trained eco-tour guides can show the way to bird sanctuaries and the natural sights of Pelican Cays and Abaco National Park throughout the year. The Abaco National Park remains the only major natural habitat of the endangered Bahamian parrot.Return to Top |
| Getting around the cays
There are many forms of transportation throughout the islands. While on Great Abaco, taxi service is available; other options include automobile, motor scooter, and bicycle rentals. Very few automobiles are on the outer cays. Instead, they offer visitors a more laid back pace, with golf cart and bicycle rentals. Green Turtle Cay is an exception, as they have two taxis. Some of the cays may only be seen by foot. It is highly recommended to reserve rental transportation, when booking your land accommodations. A credit card or deposit may be required. Return to Top |
| Accommodations
A variety of accommodations are available throughout the islands. Each property and location offer its own distinct personality and charm. Some areas offer hideaways with inns, small resorts/hotels, villas, and condos, as well as an array of island style cottages to upscale private homes. Other cays are completely uninhabited and make a good resting spot for a picnic.
It is recommended to make your reservation six to nine months prior to arriving. This will allow you to book the accommodation, which best suits your needs and obtain the lowest airfare. You are welcome to call us, at the last minute, but your first choice may already be taken. Return to Top |
| Air and Ferry Details
There are two airports in Abaco, Treasure Cay and Marsh Harbour. If your visit takes you to Treasure Cay or Green Turtle Cay, you will need to fly into the Treasure Cay Airport (TCB). From the airport, take a land taxi to your accommodations or to the Green Turtle Ferry. Once on board the ferry, enjoy a pleasant 20-minute ride over to Green Turtle Cay. Your ferry captain will radio ahead to your on-island host, so they will be awaiting your arrival.
If your visit takes you to Marsh Harbour, Coral Point, Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, Sugar Loaf Cay, or Lubber's Quarters, you need to fly into the Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH). Once in Marsh Harbour, inform the taxi driver of your final destination and they will bring you to your accommodations, rental company, or to the ferry servicing the nearby cay, which you plan to visit.
Our clients have noted that a vacation in Abaco is truly satisfying. The setting is casual and the area has the charm, relaxation, and solitude, they were searching for. Many people traveling to the area for the first time have chosen Abaco for a change of pace. Now, captivated by the beauty of its natural wonders and the friendliness of the natives, it keeps them returning again and again. Return to Top |
| Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings
Marsh Harbour: Mondays and Thursdays @ 6:30 P.M. @ Marsh Harbour Public Library (includes holidays).
Hope Town: Monday @ 7P.M. at the Clinic.
Treasure Cay: Mondays @ 7P.M. at the Community Center.
Green Turtle Cay: Call Lounette @ 365-4615.
Additional meeting in Hope Town and Man-O-War may be available . Visitors can check in and around the various towns. Or Listen to the Abaco Net on VHF channel 68 every morning. Or call for friends of Bill W over the VHF on 16/68.
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| About Our Reservation Service
Abaco is our "Specialty". For eighteen years, we have dedicated our reservation service to accommodations throughout the Abaco Islands. Each property we represent has been inspected by one of our representatives and we personally visit the area often, allowing us to answer most of your questions from our personal experiences.
We, at Abaco Vacation Res, Inc., invite you to give us a call. With our first hand knowledge and the many different types of accommodations, we are sure, we will be able to assist you in selecting the right property, fitting both your budget and needs.
For further information, a free color booklet, or to make your reservation, contact us at 1 (800) 633-9197, (978) 874-5995 Local, e-mail avr@abacovacations.com or (978) 8746308 Fax. Your local travel agent can also assist you in making your reservation with us, by calling the Toll Free number. Our Reservation Department is open for calls Monday thru Friday, 830AM to 430PM Eastern Standard Time.
Have a wonderful experience in the Abaco Islands.
My best,
Karen Legere
PresidentReturn to Top |
| A special note of thanks
Thank you to all the people of Abaco for your warm smiles, natural friendly ways, and your continued effort to please the guests we send to your islands. The Bahamas Tourist Office has given us immense support and their efforts are greatly appreciated. Very special thanks to the New England office. Many thanks to Steve Dodge, author of "The Cruising Guide to Abaco" for brightening our booklet with some of his fantastic photography work and Jim Kerr, editor of "Abaco Life" for copies of his magazine for our clients. And to our valued clients, we thank you for your repeat business, referrals, pictures and comments. To my staff, thanks for your support and a special thanks to Pam Mascroft, Senior Reservation Consultant, for assisting with details for this booklet and her constant dedicated service and devotion to each client she services. Return to Top |
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