The Abacos

The Abacos, a jewel in the northern Bahamas, beckon with turquoise waters, deserted beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Located north of Nassau and southeast of Freeport, this chain of idyllic cays offers a unique charm and adventure. Imagine island-hopping through these stunning islands, each offering unique charm and adventure. From sailing and snorkelling to exploring quaint settlements and enjoying fresh seafood, the Abacos promise an unforgettable yacht charter experience.

Why Go There?

The Abacos are a captivating blend of natural beauty and Bahamian charm. Don't miss sailing through the Sea of Abaco, a protected turquoise playground dotted with uninhabited cays perfect for secluded anchorages and snorkelling. Explore the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town for panoramic views and wander the colourful streets of New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. Discover the underwater wonders of Fowl Cays National Park, teeming with marine life. For cultural immersion, visit during the Junkanoo festivals held annually on Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year's Day (January 1st), showcasing vibrant parades and music in settlements like Marsh Harbour. Indulge in fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants and soak up the laid-back island vibes.

How to Get There?

The main airport serving the Abacos is the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco. Scheduled flights arrive primarily from Florida, USA, with airlines such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Silver Airways.

For those chartering from Nassau, the sailing distance from Nassau to the Abacos is approximately 180-200 nautical miles. If you are chartering from Grand Bahama Island, the sailing distance from Freeport to the Abacos is approximately 80-100 nautical miles.

For more information on flights and marinas in Nassau and Freeport click here.

Marina Facilities:

The Abacos offer several well-equipped marinas catering to various vessel sizes:

• Marsh Harbour Marina (Marsh Harbour): Offers a full range of services including fuel, water, electricity, waste disposal, showers, laundry, and restaurant access. Accommodates large yachts.
• Boat Harbour Marina (Marsh Harbour): Provides similar amenities to Marsh Harbour Marina and can accommodate sizable vessels.
• Hope Town Marina (Hope Town, Elbow Cay): Offers essential services like moorings, water, electricity, and dinghy dock access. Suitable for medium-sized yachts.
• Green Turtle Club Marina (Green Turtle Cay): Features comprehensive facilities including fuel, water, electricity, showers, laundry, and a restaurant. Accommodates larger yachts.
• Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina (Green Turtle Cay): Offers services such as fuel, water, electricity, and dining options. Can accommodate various sizes of yachts.

Many smaller settlements also offer basic dockage or mooring options.

What Food to Expect?

Expect a delightful array of fresh seafood in the Abacos. Local specialties include conch in various forms – cracked conch (tenderized and fried), conch salad (raw conch marinated with citrus, peppers, and onions), and conch chowder. Freshly caught grouper and snapper are often grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Don't miss trying peas 'n' rice, a Bahamian staple, and johnnycake, a dense, slightly sweet bread.

While the Abacos aren't known for wine production, restaurants offer a selection of international wines and local beers. Several are easily accessible by dinghy from anchorages or marinas, often boasting stunning waterfront views and serving high-quality meals, such as the popular Sip Sip Bar & Grill in Hope Town and the elegant Green Turtle Club Restaurant on Green Turtle Cay.

Provisioning Advice:

For provisioning your yacht in the Abacos, your best bet is to do your primary shopping at the larger grocery stores in the main settlements. Maxwell's Supermarket in Marsh Harbour offers the widest selection. Consider checking if they offer pre-ordering or delivery to the marina to save time.

Smaller grocery stores in Hope Town and New Plymouth also carry fresh foods, including locally sourced fruits and vegetables when available. However, for a comprehensive stock, especially for longer charters, Marsh Harbour is the place to go. It's wise to arrange a taxi from the marina or airport to these stores upon arrival.

Remember to stock up on essentials like drinking water and ice while in Marsh Harbour. When storing provisions onboard, especially in the tropical climate, using airtight containers and proper refrigeration is key. You might also want to check if local bakeries in the settlements offer fresh bread for your trip. Be aware that while convenient for top-ups, provisioning directly from marina stores usually offers a limited selection at higher prices. Plan accordingly to ensure a well-stocked and enjoyable charter.