About Abaco
Calm waters, sheltered harbours and colourful settlements make The Abacos a natural choice for boating, sailing and exploring ashore. Great Abaco and Little Abaco form the mainland of a long chain of islands and cays, where white-sand beaches, local art, fishing and Bahamian hospitality shape the experience.
Great Abaco Island
Marsh Harbour is the main hub for shops, dining, accommodation and boating. To the south, Little Harbour brings together a protected bay, an artist community and Pete’s Pub, while Winding Bay is home to the private Abaco Club. Cherokee Sound offers quiet lanes, beaches and a long dock overlooking shallow waters. Sandy Point is a traditional fishing settlement on the southwest coast, and Treasure Cay is known for its soft white sand.
The Cays
Each cay has its own character. Elbow Cay is home to Hope Town and its candy-striped lighthouse. Man-O-War Cay celebrates a long boat-building tradition around a sheltered harbour. Great Guana Cay pairs a long Atlantic beach with relaxed beach bars, while Green Turtle Cay offers pastel buildings, history and boating. Ferries connect several of the cays with the mainland; check routes and schedules before setting out.
What to Do
Art Galleries & Museums
Discover Abaco’s heritage through its museums, local artists and historic sites. Places to explore include the Albert Lowe Museum and Memorial Sculpture Garden on Green Turtle Cay, the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum in Hope Town, Man-O-War’s heritage museum, and Johnston’s Studios, Art Gallery & Foundry in Little Harbour. Check opening arrangements before visiting.
Beaches
Treasure Cay’s sweeping white sands are a highlight, alongside Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay and the long Atlantic beach on Great Guana Cay. Sandy Point offers shell-strewn shores, while quieter coves throughout the islands invite a slower day by the sea.
Boating Information
Ask your marina or charter operator about current cruising information, local radio channels and navigation guidance before leaving the dock. The Cruiser’s Net helps visiting boaters stay connected; confirm its current channel and broadcast time locally.
Cay Hop
Explore more than one island by ferry, charter or rental boat. Combine a beach stop with lunch in a waterfront settlement, or spend a full day discovering the different personalities of the cays. Choose an operator and route suited to your experience and the weather.
Scuba Diving
Reefs, caves and clear water offer plenty to explore beneath the surface. Fowl Cay and Pelican Cays offer protected underwater landscapes for diving and snorkelling. A local operator can help you choose a suitable site.
Family Fun
Turn a ferry ride into a family outing to Hope Town, Man-O-War, Great Guana or Green Turtle Cay. Beach days, gentle snorkelling and walks through the settlements offer easy ways to explore together. Choose water activities appropriate to each family member’s age and swimming ability.
Fishing
From the shallow flats to the Atlantic’s deep water, Abaco offers a wide variety of fishing experiences. Local guides can help visitors plan a day targeting bonefish in the marls or offshore species such as marlin and tuna.
Bonefishing
The marls and the flats around Cherokee Sound are a major draw for bonefishers. Experienced anglers and beginners can arrange guided outings, with local knowledge helping visitors make the most of the tides, conditions and shallow-water habitat.
Golfing
Golf adds another way to enjoy Abaco’s coastal scenery. The Abaco Club at Winding Bay is a private golf community; ask your accommodation or the club about access and arrangements before planning a round.
National Parks
Abaco National Park protects habitat for the Abaco parrot and other birds. Black Sound Cay National Park, Fowl Cays and Pelican Cays Land & Sea Park showcase more of the islands’ natural landscapes, from mangroves to reefs. Explore responsibly and check visitor guidance for each protected area.
Sightseeing
Hope Town’s Elbow Reef Lightstation is Abaco’s signature landmark. Its red-and-white tower, built in 1863, overlooks the harbour and surrounding cays. Combine a visit with a walk through the settlement’s colourful streets, and check current visitor arrangements before going.
Tours
A local tour offers an introduction to Abaco’s scenery, history and island life. Choose a cultural walk, a boating excursion or an outing focused on nature, with a guide who can share the stories behind the places you visit.
Nightlife/Bars
Sunset drinks, beach bars and live music set the pace after dark. Seek out Bahamian drinks and local performers for an evening with the sounds of rake ’n’ scrape or calypso. Ask locally about music nights and opening times.
Boating & Marinas
Protected waters, sheltered anchorages and island-to-island cruising make The Abacos a favourite with sailors and powerboaters. Plan a route through the cays, stop at a marina or spend time in a quiet bay. Confirm marina facilities and local conditions when planning your trip.
Where to Dine
Abaco’s restaurants range from casual waterfront stops to resort dining. Look for Bahamian seafood and local flavours alongside American, international, Jamaican and Creole-inspired dishes. From Marsh Harbour to the smaller settlements, there are plenty of ways to sample island cooking.
Weddings
White-sand beaches, waterfront resorts and colourful island settings make Abaco a memorable destination for a wedding. Local planners and accommodation providers can help with venues, guest stays and celebrations, from an intimate beach ceremony to a larger gathering.
Real Estate
Waterfront homes, island cottages and resort communities offer different ways to make Abaco a longer-term base. A local real estate professional can help you explore locations and properties that suit your plans.
Shopping
Browse for local art, Bahamian crafts, souvenirs and clothing in the settlements and shopping centres. Supermarkets, hardware shops and marine stores also help visitors stock up for a holiday ashore or a trip through the cays.
Where to Stay
Choose from intimate hotels, cottage-style resorts, rental homes and larger waterfront resorts. Consider whether you want easy access to a marina, a quiet beach or the character of a small cay. Abaco Beach Resort offers a waterfront base in Marsh Harbour.