Ever wondered what alternative superyacht charter destinations in the Bahamas are worth exploring? The Abacos island chain, located in the Northern Bahamas, is a scattering of tiny unspoilt islands, cays and reefs stretching over 120 miles. The Abaco reef is the third-largest barrier reef in the world reaching over 130 miles in length. You won’t find touristy stores, high-rise hotels, or casinos here. Instead, sparkling, crystal clear water washes onto pristine sandy beaches where friendly locals call charming traditional fishing villages home.
Great Abaco
As the largest island of the Abacos, Great Abaco has two airports, Leonard Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour and another smaller airport at Treasure Cay. Marsh Harbour is the island’s capital, and it’s here that most Abaconians call home, all 6000 of them. It’s also home to the island chain’s only traffic light. While it may be one of The Bahamas biggest cities, it still retains a small-town feel, even with its range of restaurants, accommodations, and shopping.
Treasure Cay is known for its magnificent picture-perfect beaches. Charter guests of Motor Yacht Loon can opt to enjoy the natural beauty with a luxury beach set up or make use of the yacht’s toy box and enjoy the water with snorkels, stand-up paddle boards, SeaBobs, and Schiller Bikes. Great Abaco is home to a collection of blue holes and vast cave systems, which are accessible to experienced cave divers. Crystal caves like Dan’s and Ralph’s caves provide a once-in-a-lifetime journey through a mesmerising underwater world.
Avid golfers can enjoy the beautiful beachside Links course at the Abaco Club, the world’s first tropical Links and the number one golf course in the Bahamas. Abaco National Park is also situated on Great Abaco. 32.05 square miles of protected pristine Caribbean pine forest offers sanctuary for endemic species such as the Bahama parrot, Bahama Swallow, Bahama yellowthroat, and Bahama mockingbird.
Elbow Cay
This eight-mile-long island is situated just opposite Marsh Harbour, and upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the famous Hope Town Lighthouse. Hope Town itself is a charming small village made up of wooden cottages and surrounded by greenery. To learn more about the local history, take a trip to the Wyannie Malone Historical Museum. Ethical shoppers will love Hope Town Canvas, where products handmade from recycled sails of the Bahamas, such as bags, beach totes, and more, are for sale. If fishing is on your agenda, then the waters near Elbow Cay are a great spot to throw your lines. It’s common to spot varieties such as Mahi Mahi, Wahoo, and Blackfin tuna.
Great Guana Cay
“It’s better in the Bahamas, but it’s gooder in Guana.”
Great Guana Cay is arguably one of the most beautiful islands in the Abacos chain. Deserted white sand beaches are lapped by waters of every shade of blue, turquoise, and aquamarine, and its untouched forests provide greenery and a home for many native species. With only 100 full-time residents, the island offers tranquillity and privacy to its visitors yet still boasts luxuries such as high-end resorts and restaurants.
Nippers is a restaurant and bar with one of the best party scenes in the Abacos. Sunday’s attract hungry yachtsmen and visitors from all over for their Hawaiian-style pig roast. The luxurious Bakers Bay Club resort boasts a golf course and a 100-plus slip marina. The island’s beaches are home to Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Hawksbill and green Sea Turtles, and elkhorn and staghorn coral reefs are waiting to be explored just offshore.
Man-O-War Cay
Step back in time with a visit to Man-O-War Cay. Located north of Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay is only 2½ miles long and ½ mile wide and is the boat-building capital of the Bahamas. Resembling a New England seaside village, wooden, pastel-colored homes house the small, welcoming community who are religious and conservative. There is no sale of alcohol permitted on the island. Stop by Joe Albury’s studio, the resident master wood carver, for handcrafted goods carved from local hardwood or driftwood.
Scuba divers can gear up onboard and then set out to discover the shipwreck of the 1862 USS Adirondack, found on the reef northeast of Man-O-War. A salvaged canon from the wreckage is displayed in front of Joe Albury’s studio.
Green Turtle Cay
A visit to the 3-mile-long island of Green Turtle Cay should include a stroll through the historic town of New Plymouth. The West Indies northernmost town is home to around 450 residents who live in Quaint, brightly colored homes. Catch the sunset from the terrace of Sundowners Bar, which offers scenic views over the Sea of Abaco.
The island gets its name from the thriving population of green turtles that once called this island home. Unfortunately, over the years, they’ve been over hunted, and those left are now protected species. There’s plenty of fishing to be done on Green Turtle Cay. The Town Flats is the perfect spot for Bone fishing. Inshore it’s common to see Grouper, Snapper, Triggerfish, and Cuda. Offshore there’s plenty of wahoo, tuna, and billfish available seasonally.
Explore the magic of the Abacos Islands yourself with a superyacht charter aboard Motor Yacht Loon. Together, We’ll plan a completely bespoke itinerary so you can cruise in style and luxury on your dream vacation.
If this is your first superyacht charter to the Bahamas we recommend visiting our destinations page so you can also explore some of the classic highlights of the Exuma Islands.
For a more detailed itinerary or to discuss your exact requirements, please email info@motoryactloon.com