Visit the yachting capital of the Bahamas in the Abaco islands

For a genuine Bahamian experience, visit Green Turtle Cay, which is known for its shops, restaurants, historical sites, colorful buildings, and distinctive white picket fences. Strolling the lovely streets of New Plymouth will take you on a delightful journey back in time to when British colonists first established the Loyalist settlement. Many of the island’s 500 or so residents can trace their ancestry back to these Loyalists. Be sure to stop by the Albert Lowe Museum for a peak at the settlement’s earlier times and admire the beautifully crafted model ships built by Lowe and the art work made by his son Alton. On your way back, make sure to stop by the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden, featuring bronze busts of many of the influential folks of days gone by.

There is plenty to see and explore throughout Green Turtle Cay and it is a must-stop destination for animal lovers. Take a dive into the deep blue sea and amongst the reefs to spot turtles, dolphins and swordfish. There are ample opportunities to witness the local wildlife in their natural habitats. In addition to the amazing quality of natural habitats for wildlife, Green Turtle Cay also boasts an exciting history with pirates. During the 17th century, pirates used marinas on the island, including Coco Bay and Black Sound, to clean and repair the hulls of their ships and exploring these marinas will give you small glimpses into what they left behind.

No visit to Green Turtle Cay is complete without a stop at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, the birth place of the famous Goombay Smash, a delicious rum punch now found throughout the Caribbean! The Goombay Smash is a common tourist cocktail at any tropical bar. The notable exception is in Green Turtle Cay at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar. Don’t mind what others may say, this is where the Goombay Smash originated with the famous handshimmy of Miss Emily. When you enjoy a Goombay Smash at the Blue Bee Bar, it is not just a drink it is an experience of storytelling with inherited family and friends.

A must see at Elbow Cay is the world famous candy striped lighthouse. Standing atop the Hopetown Lighthouse requires climbing 101 tightly spiraled steps, so once you have climbed them all, you got your workout in for the day! Make it to the upper balcony and a coast-to-coast view of Elbow Cay is your reward. The harbor is usually filled with sailboats and catamarans, while the ferry shuttles passengers from dock to dock; you can see luxury homes along the coast and tucked away in the lush greenery that covers the island. Did you know that the Elbow Reef Lighthouse is one of the last remaining manually operated lighthouses in the world?

The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is the best place on the island to catch a little of the history of Hope Town and the Abaco islands. It features a recently renovated home in the typical style which Hope Town and Harbour island are known for. After visiting the museum, make sure to stop at Hope Town Canvas, an artisan store selling products made from recycled sails of the Bahamas. The ultimate place to pick up some unique souvenirs to bring home for your loved ones!

Hiding in the southwestern tip of the island is a hidden gem of a beach, often completely deserted. The beautiful blue and shallow water meets a soft white sandy beach, lined with coconut trees. The beach is secluded, accessible only on foot, bike or by boat, and your captain will make sure to drop the anchor at a stretch of beach you and your loved ones can call your own. This is a perfect spot for swimming and to collect shells, starfish and sand dollars, especially during low tide when there is an endless sand bar.

Even though you have all your favorite dishes at your fingertips at the yacht, ordering at Thirsty Cuda is an experience you don’t want to miss! This floating boat bar brings your favorite drinks and little snacks right to you. Simply wade in the water out to their boat and choose what you would like to order. You will be pleasantly surprised, the food is excellent. From the conch wrap to the wonderful burger, wash it all down with an ice-cold Kalik or one of their delicious frozen drinks!

Situated north of Great Abaco Island, Man-O-War Cay is an ideal stop for historians. Arriving at the three kilometers long island is like taking a large step back in time. With beautifully preserved architecture, the English Loyalist settlements remain as dominant today as they did in 1798. 

If you are up for some peace and tranquility, you will love the relaxed atmosphere of Man-O-War Cay. With the narrowest part of the island being a mere ten meters wide, this island is toned down, making it a quiet piece of paradise. If you are a fan of diving, the captain will drop the anchor so you can explore the crystal clear waters surrounding the island of Man-O-War Cay. The perfect island to have dinner onboard of your yacht in the Abacos islands!