The Abacos, Bahamas Easy Cruising and Iconic Sights
The expression that Abaco is the boating capital of The Bahamas is well-deserved.
Nowhere is there such a collection of what boaters like: gorgeous beaches, calm waters and lees, superb reefs, delicious dining, and quaint, historic sights. And boaters can now enjoy a $300 Dock & Stay Credit at three participating marinas with lovely resorts. Further good news is that, as of April 1, 2026, the government has reduced the boating entry fees, with temporary cruising permits now costing 33% to 50% less. For details, see the Bahamas Boating Entry and Cruising Permit Fees.
First Stop — Green Turtle Cay
In the north from Walkers Cay to Spanish Cay, you will discover a pretty introduction of 50 miles of secluded cays, deserted anchorages, and pristine powder. To clear customs, many boaters head directly to Abaco's first large cay settlement: New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. Here, The Bluff House Beach Resort, and The Green Turtle Club have popular marinas, offering top dining and accommodations. Fuel and customs clearance are available at Green Turtle Club.
You can spend a week on GTC enjoying beaches, restaurants, bars and cafes. At least three bars have famous signature cocktails. New Plymouth's narrow lanes, white picket fences and colorfully cladded homes echo its loyalist roots. Visit the Albert Lowe Museum. Brendal’s Dive Shop is a famous PADI operation for SCUBA and snorkeling trips.
Cheeseburgers and Swimming Pigs
North of Green Turtle on Fiddle Cay, on each 1st of July, over a hundred center-consoles gather to celebrate Cheeseburger in Paradise, an iconic huge beach party held to raise funds for GTC’s charities. A mile south is No Name Cay with Abaco’s swimming pigs, an adventure made easier with a dinghy dock, and a beach bar, grill and pool.
Island Party Central
Further south, Guana Cay is famous for its two dining hot spots: Nippers Bar & Grill with stunning elevated beach views and its Sunday Pig Roast. On Orchid Harbour, Grabber's at Sunset Beach is a chill bar & grill with lounge chairs and karaoke parties. On Guana Cay, Dive Guana fills dive tanks, and charters out boats for Scuba Dives and for day adventures that include, swimming pigs, turtles, and snorkeling.
Man-O-War Cay has a new marina giving easy access to this charming, back-in-time loyalist settlement. The island’s working boatyards and small studios offer a rare chance to see Abaco’s boatbuilding tradition. Browse Albury's Sail Shop for its famous crafts and canvas bags. To see the Man-O-War Heritage Museum call ahead on 242-365–6092.
Marsh Harbour — The Island's Capital
Across on the mainland is Marsh Harbour, the Bahamas' third-largest town. Popular among boaters are dozens of restaurants, cafes, and shops such as Maxwells for groceries, National Marine for parts, and Abaco Hardware for supplies.
One of the Nation's Largest Marina
The town’s protected southern shore is home to one of The Bahamas' largest marinas, Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour. This celebrated resort is a superb base to enjoy all of Abaco's adventures, land and sea. The resort offers myriad fun amenities and activities. The 200-slip marina is host for six sportfishing tournaments. For other Abaco tournaments, see the Abaco Calendar of Events.
Hope Town — Where Time Slows Down
With its safe harbor and candy-striped lighthouse, Hope Town is a big draw that also offers two marinas: Hope Town Inn and Marina and the Lighthouse Marina where you can get fuel. Like Green Turtle, you'll leave Hope Town feeling this is one of the nicest places on earth. The village nestles around a scenic harbor, and its cute narrow lanes are lined by wooden clapboard cottages with porches, painted in pastels. Visit the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum and Ebb Tide Bookshop to learn about the Abaco's history.
Little Harbour & Winding Bay
Back on the mainland, 10 miles south of Elbow Cay, lies Little Harbour with two spectacles: Pete's Pub & Gallery with a roof amassed in t-shirts and the Johnston Foundry with brass sculptures
Across Little Harbour is the new Abaco Yacht Club, part of the Abaco Club at Winding Bay, a luxurious resort on a spectacular beach and a links golf course. Touted as one of the finest resorts in the entire region, the private resort allows guests to enjoy a myriad of amenities in consummate luxury.
Sandpiper Inn at Schooner Bay
Fifteen miles southwest, boaters will discover a gem of a harbor at Schooner Bay. Purpose-built to be fully eco-sustainable, this village has the Sandpiper Inn, a Charleston-style mansion with cottages, where locals and visitor enjoy quiet meals and drinks. The inn is loved for its tranquility, and surroundings that include a pristine ocean beach. Boaters staying there can dock and also explore the Sawmill Sink Blue Hole, and the Abaco National Park where rare Bahama Parrots reside.
Iconic Events
Abaco’s welcoming residents put on many events to enjoy. The largest is the Regattas In The Abacos (RITA), a wonderful nine-days of sailing races and lively parties. Boats race around picturesque locations such as Green Turtle, Guana, Marsh Harbour, Elbow, and Little Harbour. At each evening stop, the locals put on a great party with music, dancing and food.
In Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, each July the Ministry of Tourism organizes the Goombay Summer Festival held on Friday or Saturday evenings. Hope Town and Green Turtle Cay both have Christmas season festivities. For more events see the Abaco Events Calendar.
The Abacos are proud of attracting many repeat visitors. Your first trip will likely be the first of many.
