Enjoy an adventure in the Abacos with our exciting Bahamas yacht vacation packages where our crews are ready to show you thrilling Bahamian highlights. We’ll sail you right onto the beach where you can stroll shallow, warm waters, snorkel Abacos’ barrier reef, watch the stingrays and enjoy the native rum punch, Goombay Smash. Our crew will prepare tasty dishes, such as mahi mahi, or you can taste local fresh lobster and cracked conch.
The shallow Abaco islands span 130 miles and feature the world’s third largest barrier reef and some of the globe’s most photographed beaches. Our itineraries offer the chance to feel the welcoming atmosphere ashore, as well as that special deserted island experience. We’ll share our best places for snorkeling, kayaking and swimming in the Abacos.
The beginnings of the Abacos
The islands were first settled by the Lucayan Indians, who were taken as slaves in the 1500s by the Spanish. Ownership of the islands went backwards and forwards between the Spanish and British for 150 years until the Bahamas entered British colonial rule in 1783. In the 1700s more than a thousand British loyalists escaped the American Revolution for the Abacos and founded Hope Town and Marsh Harbour. They set up thriving boat building, wreck salvaging and sea cotton industries.
Today Hope Town is a photographer’s dream with its pastel-colored waterfront cottages and imposing 80ft red and white striped lighthouse. This landmark is one of the last kerosene lighthouses in the world and is still in working order. Climb 101 steps for an impressive panoramic view over the Abacos. There’s a beach nearby, where you can enjoy the long expanse of soft sand and find a lobster roll from a local stall.
The finest Abacos beaches
The pirates are long gone but the wonderful beaches and healthy coral reefs remain. Off the peninsula on Great Harbour is Treasure Cay, home to one of the finest beaches in the Bahamas with 3.5 miles of soft white sand and brilliant blue waters. It’s consistently voted in the top 10 beaches of the world and you might get lucky and see bottlenose dolphins as you watch the sun set.
Tahiti Beach off Elbow Cay at low tide exposes a stretch of sand which is perfect for beachcombing shells and sea glass and snorkeling among tropical fish. Great Guana Cay is known for the famous Nippers Bar with its riot of rainbow-colored decoration and delicious Sunday hog roast, as well as its seven-mile expanse of super soft sand.
For a laid back feel, Man O’ War Cay offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and is known for its shipbuilding, which spans generations. This is a place to seriously chill out and avoid the crowds. The private island, Matt Lowe’s Cay offers fine swimming in the Sea of Abaco.
The best time to visit the Abacos
While it is a good place to sail most of the year, the best time to visit Abaco depends on your personal preferences. In the run up to Christmas, it’s warm and the lobsters are plentiful. It’s cooler March to May and hotter June and July, when the winds are calmer and the snorkeling is super clear.
Learn more
Take a look at our Abacos by the cabin charters, our by the cabin special offers or get in touch with our team. Email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 855.650.8902.
