Overview of The Abaco Islands in The Bahamas

Overview of Abaco Islands

The Abaco Islands (often referred to collectively as “Abaco”) are a chain of islands and cays in the northern Bahamas, forming one of the country’s 32 districts. They’re not a single island but a group, with Great Abaco and Little Abaco as the two main islands, surrounded by numerous smaller cays and barrier islands. Abaco is known for its stunning turquoise waters, pristine beaches, coral reefs, and a laid-back Bahamian lifestyle influenced by British Loyalist history. The total land area is about 1,681 square kilometers (649 square miles), with a population of around 17,000 (as of recent estimates). The main hub is Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco, which serves as the commercial and administrative center.

Abaco is a paradise for boating, fishing, diving, and eco-tourism. It’s part of the third-largest barrier reef in the world (the Abaco Barrier Reef), making it a hotspot for marine life like dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish. The climate is subtropical, with warm temperatures year-round (averaging 75–85°F or 24–29°C), though it’s in the hurricane belt—Hurricane Dorian devastated the area in 2019 as a Category 5 storm, destroying much infrastructure, but recovery efforts have rebuilt many communities with resilient tourism facilities.

Main Islands: Great Abaco and Little Abaco

•  Great Abaco: The largest island in the group, stretching about 130 km (80 miles) long. It’s home to most of the population and key settlements:

 •  Marsh Harbour: The “capital” with an airport (Leonard M. Thompson International Airport), marinas, shops, restaurants, and ferries to outer cays. It’s a gateway for yachts and has vibrant markets selling conch salad and fresh seafood.

 •  Treasure Cay: A resort area with one of the world’s most beautiful beaches (a 5-km powdery white sand stretch). It features a marina, golf course, and luxury rentals. Nearby is the Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort.

 •  Hope Town on Elbow Cay (technically a cay but connected via ferry): Famous for its iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse (Elbow Reef Lighthouse, built in 1863 and one of the last manual kerosene lighthouses). The town has colorful colonial-style cottages, no cars (golf carts only), and excellent snorkeling spots.

 •  Other spots: Green Turtle Cay (historic New Plymouth settlement with Loyalist architecture), Man-O-War Cay (boat-building heritage), and Elbow Cay.

•  Little Abaco: North of Great Abaco, connected by a short bridge. It’s quieter, with smaller communities like Fox Town and Crown Haven. It’s great for secluded beaches and bonefishing flats.

Surrounding Cays

Abaco is ringed by over 120 cays, many uninhabited or sparsely populated, offering endless exploration via boat charters. These form a boater’s dream with shallow turquoise lagoons (the “Sea of Abaco”) protected by outer reefs. Key surrounding cays include:

•  Green Turtle Cay: A charming island with British colonial vibes, museums (like the Albert Lowe Museum on Loyalist history), and beaches like Coco Bay. It’s known for ferry-accessible dining and the Green Turtle Club resort. Excellent for diving the “Cathedral” reef site.

•  Elbow Cay: As mentioned, home to Hope Town. Tahiti Beach at the southern tip is a hidden gem for picnics and shallow wading.

•  Man-O-War Cay: A conservative, shipbuilding community where residents still craft fiberglass boats by hand. Narrow streets, bakeries, and Albury’s Sail Shop (for canvas bags). No alcohol sales on the island, adding to its unique dry character.

•  Great Guana Cay: Famous for Nippers Beach Bar & Grill—a lively spot with pig roasts, pool parties, and views over the Atlantic. It has a 7-mile beach, snorkeling at “The Fish Bowl,” and eco-trails. Nearby is Baker’s Bay, a luxury development with golf.

•  No Name Cay: Home to swimming pigs (like the famous ones in Exuma, but smaller scale). Visitors feed them from boats.

•  Other Notable Cays:

 •  Walker’s Cay: Northernmost, a former fishing mecca now recovering; great for deep-sea fishing (marlin, tuna).

 •  Spanish Cay: Private resort island with a marina and airstrip.

 •  Little Harbour: Artistic community founded by the Johnston family (sculptors); features Pete’s Pub & Gallery, a foundry, and caves.

 •  Stranger’s Cay and Umbrella Cay: Remote, pristine for birdwatching and kayaking.

The outer cays like those in the Abaco Blue Holes National Park protect mangroves, blue holes (underwater caves), and endangered species like the Abaco parrot.

History

Settled by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution in 1783, Abaco has a unique “Conch” culture blending British, African, and American influences. They brought pineapple farming and boat-building skills. Wrecking (salvaging shipwrecks) was once a key industry due to the reefs. Today, it’s a mix of descendants and expats.

Activities and Attractions

•  Water Sports: World-class sailing (Abaco Rage regatta), bonefishing (flats are legendary), scuba diving (reefs, wrecks like the San Jacinto steamship), and kayaking through mangroves.

•  Eco-Adventures: Tilloo Cay Reserve for birding (flamingos, ospreys), Abaco National Park for pine forests and parrots, and blue holes like those in Little Abaco.

•  Beaches: Endless options—Treasure Cay often ranks in global top 10 lists.

•  Fishing and Boating: Rent a boat; the Abacos are called the “Boating Capital of the Bahamas.”

•  Culture: Festivals like Junkanoo (Christmas parades), Loyalist ruins, and fresh seafood (try cracked conch or grouper fingers).

•  Wildlife: Spot wild boars on some cays, nurse sharks, or rays.

Getting There and Practical Tips

•  Access: Fly into Marsh Harbour (direct from Florida cities like Miami, Fort Lauderdale) or Treasure Cay. Ferries connect cays (e.g., from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town: 20 minutes).

•  Best Time: December–April (dry season); avoid June–November for hurricanes.

•  Currency: Bahamian Dollar (BSD, pegged to USD); English spoken.

•  Sustainability: Post-Dorian, focus on eco-tourism—support reef-safe sunscreen and local guides.

•  Challenges: Limited medical facilities; bring cash for outer cays. Rent golf carts or bikes on islands.

Abaco offers a more authentic, less crowded alternative to Nassau or Grand Bahama. For deeper dives, check resources like the Bahamas Tourism site or books on Loyalist history. If you’re planning a trip, boat rentals are essential for exploring the cays fully!