Abaco Islands

Introduction

The Abacos are a group of islands in the Bahamas east of Grand Bahama. Great Abaco and Little Abaco are the primary islands. Disney's privately-owned "Castaway Cay" is here.

Geography

Unlike the sandy barrier islands of the eastern US, here the islands consist of limestone with some elevation and are protected on the ocean side by the third largest barrier reef in the world. For the most part the cays are green with mangroves and white-sand beaches. Most are uninhabited. The Abacos and their cays have been called Out Islands, Family Islands and Friendly Islands.

Cities

• Coopers Town
• Marsh Harbour

Sights and Activities

The outer reefs are great to go to see sharks.

Weather

The Abaco Islands have a pleasantly warm but humid climate. Compared to Caribbean islands more to the south, there are some differences regarding temperatures, mainly because it is somewhat colder during the wintermonths of November to April. Generally though, temperatures are high, with summer maximum temperatures averaging around 30 °C and minimum temperatures around 24 °C. During the wintermonths temperatures are about 5 °C lower. The rainy season lasts from May to October, with September and October being the wettest months. This is also the time (especially from August to October) when hurricanes are a possibility.

Getting There

By Plane

Leonard M. Thompson International Airport offers flights to/from Nassau, Miami, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, Freeport, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tampa.

Treasure Cay Airport only serves Fort Lauderdale.

By Boat

Ferry service is to be found between Nassau and Sandy Point on the southern end of Great Abaco on weekends.

Getting Around

The cays can be reached by ferries. The southern cays can be reached from Marsh Harbour and another ferry leaves from the Treasure Cay ferry dock about a half-hour from Marsh Harbour by road.

Eat

• Curly Tails, ☎ +1 242 367-4444. Despite a very fun, touristy air to the place, Curly Tails features great gourmet food breakfast through dinner.
• Magnolia Cafe - Maybe the best restaurant in the Abaco Islands. Situated in Man 'O War key, run entirely by a local man and wife.
• Baker's Bay - World class dining in the brand new Baker's Bay marina on the north end of Great Guana Cay

Drink

• Nipper's - Three story bar overlooking the ocean with a famous Nipper's cocktail and a pig roast every Sunday afternoon

Sleep

Ocean Frontier - Great Guana Cay, Abacos, Bahamas, 1.888.828.6745, Well equipped cottages on the Atlantic beach of Great Guana Cay with private decks and well landscaped property provide privacy as well as direct access to the beach. All cottages are air conditioned and include a full kitchen and grill, a three piece bath, two private bedrooms and a loft with additional sleeping quarters.

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