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An aerial view of a marina, with a sportfishing boat leaving the channel.

The Abacos

Sailing capital of the Bahamas — pastel villages, reef-protected harbors, and easy island hopping.

Make it your kind of trip

The Abacos covers 650 square miles and has a population of approximately 16,695.

Marsh Harbour, the capital of the Abacos, has exactly one traffic light.

Marsh Harbour is the quaint colonial capital city of the Abacos, offering a wide selection of hotels and resorts, exceptional restaurants, and a spirited nightlife.

Plan this island

Overview

Best for
Sailors, Boaters, Families, Divers
The feel
Boating, Sailing, Charming, Historic, Family

Highlights from the catalog

  • Elbow Reef Lighthouse (Hope Town)
  • Man-O-War Cay
  • Tahiti Beach
  • Pelican Cays National Park
  • Treasure Cay Beach
  • Green Turtle Cay
Best time to visit
Year-round daytime temperatures in the Abacos range from 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with nighttime temperatures ranging from 62 to 70 degrees.

Island highlights

  • Bahama Parrot Nests in Sub-Terrain Rock Cavities in the Abacos

    The Abacos is home to the Bahama Parrot, described as the only 'new world' parrot that nests in sub-terrain rock cavities.

  • Tahiti Beach: Secluded, Access by Foot, Bike, or Boat Only

    Tahiti Beach is a secluded beach accessible only by foot, bike, or boat, offering calm swimming and shell collecting during low tide.

  • Abacos Remained Largely Unexplored Until the Late 18th Century

    The Abacos remained largely unexplored until the late 18th century, when British Loyalists became the first known settlers following the American Revolution.

  • British Loyalist Heritage Shapes Abacos Culture

    After the American Revolution, British Loyalists fled the United States and became the first known settlers in the Abacos. Their New England-style influence remains prevalent today.

Show all highlights (6)

The Abacos on the map

45 places with a map position. Tap a pin to open it.

Full map

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  • Beach · The Abacos

    Elbow Cay

    An Abaco cay known for historic Hope Town, preserved Loyalist architecture, Tahiti Beach and the striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse.

  • Beach · The Abacos

    Great Guana Cay

    A small Abaco cay known for a long Atlantic beach, surrounding reefs, sea turtles and relaxed island-hopping stops.

  • Beach · The Abacos

    Tahiti Beach

    A secluded white-sand beach at Elbow Cay's southern tip, with calm shallows and a broad sandbar revealed at low tide.

  • Beach · The Abacos

    Treasure Cay Beach

    A sweeping white-sand beach in northern Great Abaco's Treasure Cay community, fronting clear, shallow turquoise water.

  • Culture · The Abacos

    Man-O-War Cay

    A quiet Abaco cay with a centuries-old boatbuilding tradition, local canvas and woodcraft shops, and ferry access from Marsh Harbour.

Self-guided tours here: Abaco Cay-Hopping, Lighthouse & Heritage Guided Tour

Book a tour

See all 1 tour

Prices and availability are confirmed by our tour partner. Booking completes on the partner's site.

Getting around

Arriving by air: Marsh Harbour (MHH). Compare flights

Elbow Cay, home to the picturesque Hope Town, is accessible by a short ferry ride from Marsh Harbour. The Bahamas, including the Abacos, is located only 50 miles off the coast of Florida, making it a quick destination for U.S. travelers. Two airports serve the Abacos: Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay International Airport (TCB).

Domestic flights and ferries connect Nassau with many of the Out Islands. Schedules vary by day and season.

Leave room for connections, and settle onward travel before fixing island stays. Traffic drives on the left.

Getting around The Bahamas

Plan your visit

No questions answered for The Abacos yet. Ask Buddy anything about your visit.

A scuba diver over a reef-encrusted shipwreck.

Diving in the Eleuthera and Abacos region

Ask Buddy to fit a dive or snorkel day into your plan. Buddy suggests operators from the Baha Buddy catalog.

Plan a dive day

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