The Abacos
A boating playground of sheltered water, loyalist villages and barrier cays in the northern Bahamas.
Get free Abacos quotes »The Abacos are made up of Great Abaco and Little Abaco and a string of barrier cays that shelter the calm, shallow Sea of Abaco — one of the most popular cruising grounds for sailors in the Bahamas. Marsh Harbour is the main town and airport; ferries run out to the cays, including Elbow Cay (Hope Town and its red-and-white-striped lighthouse), Man-O-War Cay (known for boatbuilding) and Green Turtle Cay (New Plymouth). The Abacos were devastated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and have been rebuilding; check that the places you plan to visit are open.
Highlights of The Abacos
Hope Town
Pastel cottages, narrow lanes and the candy-striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse.
Sail the Sea of Abaco
Bareboat charters and rental boats let you hop between cays in sheltered water.
Treasure Cay Beach
A long, curving white-sand beach on Great Abaco.
Man-O-War Cay
A quiet cay with a long tradition of wooden boatbuilding.
Green Turtle Cay
The historic settlement of New Plymouth and nearby beaches.
Fishing & diving
Reef, bonefish and offshore fishing, plus snorkeling on the barrier reefs.
Getting There
By air: Marsh Harbour (MHH) is the main airport, with flights from Nassau and some U.S. gateways; Treasure Cay (TCB) serves the north. Compare fares on AirfaresForLess.com.
Getting around: Public ferries connect Marsh Harbour with the main cays; many visitors rent a small boat for the week.
Where to Stay
Choose between marina resorts and rentals around Marsh Harbour, beach stays at Treasure Cay, or cottages on the cays. Browse the Bahamas Hotel Guide or ask a specialist which properties have reopened since 2019.
Plan the Abacos with a specialist
Tell a travel specialist your island, dates and resort style. Get up to 5 free, no-obligation quotes through the Official Travel Directory.
Get up to 5 free quotes »The Abacos — FAQ
Is Abaco open after Hurricane Dorian?
Yes — the Abacos have been welcoming visitors again, though recovery varied by area. Check with your hotel or a travel specialist that the places you want to visit are open.
Do I need a boat in the Abacos?
Not necessarily — public ferries reach the main cays — but renting a small boat is the classic way to explore the Sea of Abaco.
Which airport do I use for Hope Town?
Fly to Marsh Harbour (MHH), then take the ferry to Elbow Cay.
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