A chain of more than 130 miles of islands, cays and beaches, Abaco represents the most northern part of the Bahamas. Miles of secluded beaches, towns offering native dining and accommodations, coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, and the gracious hospitality of the people make this area a top vacation destination.
The Abaco Islands are a sailing and boating universe.

Home to the famous red and white striped lighthouse, Abaco with its numerous offshore cays and reef protected waters, once served as a safe harbor for British loyalists during the American Revolution.

The first settlement on Abaco was Carleton Point, located at the northern end of Treasure Cay, now a luxury resort development. Carleton was settled in 1783 by 600 Loyalists refugees from New York, fleeing the newly independent United States. These origins are reflected in the New England-style architecture and traditional activities of quiet villages, mostly untouched by modern times.

The 2 major islands of this small archipelago are Great and Little Abaco, with the off-lying cays of Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Guana Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay and Walker's Cay completing the string. The outer cays form a chain down to Little Harbour, protecting the island of Little and Great Abaco from the restless Atlantic Ocean. They also define the eastern edge of the temperate and captivating Sea of Abaco. The sea channel between the islands allows for good cruising.

Abaco, located in the northern Bahamas, typically boats pine forests and is frequented by hunters of wild boar and ducks. Its waters abound with fish, including the marlin and sailfish. It also has bonefishing flats. Fishermen off Walker’s Cay have caught record marling and swordfish in the nearby Atlantic’s indigo water.

Over forty kinds of wild orchids, rare, endemic birds like the Abaco Parrot, wild boar, iguanas as long as four feet and a small herd of rare and endangered horses make Abaco their home.
It is even said to be the home of pirate Henry Morgan's buried treasure and two mythical creatures - the chickcharnies and Lusca.

Marsh Harbour is the largest town on Great Abaco. Originally settled in the late 1700’s, Marsh Harbour was renowned for shipbuilding and sponging. Today this sophisticated commercial centre for the widespread settlements of Abaco offers excellent shopping with a huge selection of stores and boutiques. Within the harbour many resort, marinas and eateries stretch out on the shoreline.

Elbow Cay –(the central part of Elbow Cay is home to the settlement of Hopetown.
Hopetown, established by Loyalists in 1785, is a charming blend of 200 year old residences and newer homes and businesses. Boat, golf cart and bicycle rentals allow you to explore and sightsee at your leisure.

Hopetown’s120 ft. red and white stripped lighthouse still uses a kerosene fueled light and must be hand cranked to rotate the huge glass fresnel lens and the vistas from the top are truly breathtaking.

A wide variety of shops and restaurants are available on the edges of the inner harbour and daily ferry service from Marsh Harbour makes a day trip very easy.

Green Turtle Cay – located northeast of Treasure Cay and a mere 2 to 3 miles from the main land and accessible by ferry from Great Abaco. Its charming settlement of New Plymouth features Victorian clapboard houses in pastel colours trimmed in crisp white gingerbread, its flower gardens enclosed by white picket fences. Founded more than two centuries ago, this tidy prosperous town has strong ties to Key West, Florida. In the mid 1800’s many citizens of New Plymouth immigrates to Key West and the similarities between these two towns are striking. There are many good restaurants serving basic to elegant European style dining. The Albert Lowe museum and several art galleries invite you to leisurely stroll through.

Treasure Cay – is to the south and has the distinction of not being a separate cay, but attached to Great Abaco.

National Geographic’s travel magazine lists it as one of the best ten beaches in the world with its 3 1/2 miles of powdery white sand. You have to experience the beach to believe how soft it is!

Treasure Cay started as a resort and has evolved into a small community complete with its own commercial airport, grocery store, shops, library, school and medical clinic. Treasure Cay Resort includes a marina and championship 18-hole golf course.

Things To Do:
Relax, Fish, Swim , Walk, Hike, Snorkel, Sail, Shop, Golf, Picnic on a Deserted Beach, Scuba Dive, Island Hoping Tours, Kayaking Tours, Wild Horses of Abaco Tour, Wild Dolphin Encounter, Sightseeing Tours, Birding Safari Tours, Sunset Cruises ( all activities can be arranged at your resort).

Getting There:
By Air: American Eagle - flies daily from various cities in Florida to Nassau

By Air: Bahamasair, the national flag carrier of The Islands of The Bahamas, provides daily direct service from Nassau to the islands. There are also regular flights from Florida to some islands.

By Air: Regional Air - Daily flights from Freeport into Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay International Airport.

By Ferry -The M/V Seawind provides modern, reliable round-trip service from Nassau to Andros, Eleuthera and Abaco.
www.bahamasferries.com