The Best of the Abaco Islands – In the Abacos Islands Bahamas you’ll feel content in this uncrowded environment, yet with the accommodations and services you desire. Sea kayaking in pristine protected areas provides a rewarding sense of adventure. Conventional activities like golf, tennis, and beach volleyball are also available. Of course doing nothing at all is a highly rated activity here.
This is the Bahamas, so don’t neglect activities happening in one of its most magnificent assets—the water. Snorkeling and diving have long been staple activities for visitors. The islands’ calm, naturally protected waters, have helped the area become the Bahamas’ sailing capital. The Abacos play host annually to internationally famous regattas and to a half-dozen game-fish tournaments.
From island-long stretches to strips as short as your boat, with powder-white to pink to warm-cream sand, the roar of the surf or the silence of a slow-rising tide, the Abacos have a beach suited to everyone’s liking. And most likely, you’ll find a secluded spot to call your own. Visit The Best Beaches in the Bahamas Guide for information on all of the Grand Bahama beaches, or visit us on Pinterest.
Abaco Islands Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit the Abacos Islands is from mid-December to mid-April, the country’s peak season. Though temperatures here are great year-round (they rarely dip below 60 degrees), the islands fall within the hurricane belt, so hurricanes may be a factor between June 1 and Nov. 30 (the Atlantic hurricane season). Most of these months (plus May) also fall within the region’s rainy season, which can leave you with fewer days spent enjoying the islands’ outdoor activities. But keep in mind that mid-December to mid-April’s sublime weather attracts hordes of tourists, so prices will be at their highest and crowds at their thickest during these months.
Best Beaches in the Abaco Islands
Guana Cay Beach
Guana Cay BeachThe beaches on Guana Cay stretch along much of the island’s ocean side and are often only separated by rocky outcroppings. The sand here is slightly courser and is more cream color, with speckles of pink from wave-ground corals. Surfing is popular here, too, especially on the northern beaches. The North Side Beach, as it is known by locals, offers both long quiet walks and Sunday pig roasts at Nippers restaurant, one of the best beach parties in the Bahamas.
Treasure Cay Beach
Treasure Cay BeachTreasure Cay Beach is the most picturesque and most visited beach on the Bahamian island of Big Abaco. It is located near the eponymous resort village on the northern outskirts of the island, not far from Marsh Harbor. This coast is always on the list of the top ten beaches in the Bahamas and is the perfect place for a day trip from Marsh Harbor.
Tahiti Beach
Tahiti BeachLocated on the southern tip of Elbow Cay, this picturesque beach with soft white sand is lined with coconut trees and arcs out into calm clear water. It is secluded, accessible only on foot, bike or by boat, and you’re guaranteed to find a stretch of beach to call your own. This is a perfect spot for swimming, to collect shells, starfish and sand dollars, especially during low tide when there is an endless sand bar.
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Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point BeachLocated on the southwest tip of Great Abaco, 40-miles south of Marsh Harbour sits Sandy Point Beach. A large number of seashells makes this one of the best beaches in The Bahamas.
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Pelican Cay Beach
Pelican Cay BeachIn a protected park, this is a great spot for snorkeling and diving on nearby Sandy Cay reef. The cay is small and between two ocean cuts, so the water drops off quickly but its location is also what nurtures the beach’s pure white sand. If you get restless, ruins of an old house are hidden in overgrowth at the top of the cay, and offer fantastic views of the park.
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Best Abaco Islands Restaurants
Abaco Inn Restaurant $11 – 30
Fresh-baked bread, fruit, and egg dishes are breakfast highlights. But where the restaurant really shines is in its servings of the freshest seafood on the island. At lunch, sample the grilled grouper or spicy cracked conch. For dinner, grilled wahoo, hog snapper, or mahimahi can be prepared to your liking. There’s also crawfish in season-blackened, grilled, fried, or coconut fried, as well as escargot. When you make your reservation, ask for a table on the enclosed patio overlooking the ocean. Telephone: 242-366–0133 Web: Abaco Inn Restaurant
Firefly Bar & Grill $11 – 30
Whether you pull in by golf cart or tie up by boat, it’s worth the trip. Owned by the developers of Firefly Vodkas, this bar carries the full line along with the Mo-Tea-To, their take on the mojito, and the Fly Swatter, a delicious mixture that’s a closely guarded secret. Seafood is their specialty and the extensive menu makes choosing just one dish a challenge. Locals travel from throughout the Abaco island chain to enjoy lunch or dinner here and catch one of the best views of the Sea of Abaco. Telephone: 242-366–0145 Web: Firefly Bar & Grill
Green Turtle Club Dining $11 – 30
At lunch, treat yourself to a lobster salad, lobster corn chowder, cheeseburger, or grilled grouper sandwich. Dinner is where the club really shines, transporting you back to the 1920s with elegant dining beneath antique chandeliers. The steaks are among the best around. The jumbo lobster and artichoke ravioli, Coconut Curry Seafood Hotpot, and Stone Crab Souffle are just some of the temptations on the extensive menu. For dessert, try the guava crème brûlée. Telephone: 242-365–4271 Web: Green Turtle Club Dining
Treasure Sands Club $31 – 60
A large pool surrounded by lounge chairs and a sound system give this spot a very South Beach vibe. For lunch, enjoy a lobster club or top the already decadent TSC Premium Burger with fried lobster and avocado. For dinner, select from the pastas, seafood, duck, lamb, short ribs, or steak Diane. Finish it up with a Grand Marnier souflé and an “adult” coffee. Sunday brunch is a mix of Continental, American, and Bahamian classics. Telephone: 242-365–9385 Web: Treasure Sands Club
Wally’s $11 – 30
This is the Abacos’ most popular restaurant—the place to go for good food, potent rum cocktails, and serious people-watching. Lunch is a scene, especially if you sit outside, where you’ll find a mix of locals, tourists, and boat people munching on Greek or Caesar salads, spicy grouper, and mahimahi burgers. Inside there’s a stylish bar, a boutique, and three dining rooms, all adorned with Haitian-style paintings. Dinner is served every night except Sunday and the menu includes creamy curried shrimp, mahimahi Provençal, or a filet mignon smothered in a mushroom sauce, as well as a daily sashimi. Save room for the key lime pie or Bahamian bread pudding. Telephone: 242-367–2074 Web: Wally’s
Best Abaco Islands Nightlife
Cap’n Jacks
Each evening Cap’n Jack’s offers a different event, including bingo and trivia, along with drink specials. After 9 pm on Wednesday there is DJ music. This is a popular spot for young adults. For more information call 242-366–0247, or visit them on the web at Cap’n Jacks.
Grabber’s Bar & Grill
This is a popular local spot on weekend nights. There’s music and the Guana Grabber, a potent frozen drink designed to lighten any mood. Telephone: 242-365–5133 Web: Grabber’s Bar & Grill
Gully Roosters
At night, Green Turtle can be deader than dead or surprisingly lively. Bet on the latter if the local favorites, the Gully Roosters, are playing anywhere on the island. Known locally as just the Roosters, this reggae-calypso band is the most popular in the Abacos. Its mix of original tunes and covers can coax even the most reluctant reveler onto the dance floor. The band’s schedule is erratic, but they play every Wednesday at 9 pm under the Buttonwood tree at the Green Turtle Club during the high season. Telephone: 242-365-4227 Web: Gully Roosters
Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
Other nighttime options include a visit to Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, where you might find a singing, carousing crowd knocking back the world-famous Goombay Smash. Mrs. Emily Cooper, creator of the popular Goombay Smash drink, passed away in 1997, but her daughter Violet continues to serve up the famous rum, pineapple juice, and apricot brandy concoction. The actual recipe is top secret, and in spite of many imitators throughout the islands, you’ll never taste a Goombay this good anywhere else. It’s worth a special trip to try one. Telephone: 242-365–4181 Web: Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
Pineapples Bar & Grill
On the water in front of the Other Shore Club and Marina, this bar has a hopping happy hour from 4 to 6 daily and live music every Friday at 8. Telephone: 242-365–4039 Web: Pineapples Bar & Grill
Best Nearby (Grand Bahama) Abaco Island Hotels
The Abaco Cays are a string of islands that line the Atlantic side of the island of Great Abaco and theyre the most beautiful islands. I enjoy seeing and interacting with the Fish, conch, land crabs, and rock lobster. I was shocked to learn that only two airports serve The Abacos: Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) and Treasure Cay International Airport (TCB).
Yes, but actually two airports is more than some other islands have 🙂 It is a beautiful location, and really some of the best islands in the Caribbean 🙂
WOW
I’ve been waiting to go on a trip, but I think it’ll be a while till I am available to hit the road.
With your help I see what I’m missing out on though. It’s only motivated me further to go get money to take my dream vacation. Thanks again for your help!
You are welcome Ken! And it would be a dream vacation for sure! One of those destinations that would be unforgettable! Thank for visiting Abacos Travel.
This beautiful island looks like paradise in the making!
I sure would love to visit here, just looking at the white sands and the cools waves of the sea is just so refreshing!
It is paradise! I am glad you enjoyed the photos and information. Yes, it is a great bucket list item. Thanks for visiting Abacos Travel!
After just getting back from a little city break to Barcelona, me and my wife feel that we need another vacation to get over this one. There was no public transport for 2 of the 4 days we were there because of protests and strikes and my wife has now got blisters on her feet from the amount of walking we were doing. Still had a great time but we’ve said that the next vacation needs to be a relaxing beach holiday and The Abaco Cays sounds like the perfect destination. Thanks for making me aware of this beautiful location and now to start saving.
You are so welcome. Wow, I could not imagine having no public transport for 2 days. That would be kind of a drag! I generally do not rent a car in foreign countries. I prefer to stick to Taxis and buses. May be a little more expensive, but I feel more comfortable not driving in another country. Thanks for reading and I am glad you enjoyed reading Abacos Travel 🙂
What an informative post. The images are so alluring. Have got to visit these beautiful islands of the Abacos. When is the best time of the year to travel there if I want to avoid the crowds?
I am glad you enjoyed reading about the Abacos. The best time to travel and have less crowds is going to be mid-April thru mid-December. You will also enjoy up to 60% lower prices in hotels. Thank you for visiting Abacos Travel.
Going to the Abaco Cays seem to be a great beach destination. The scenery of those cays are beautiful, seems quiet and peaceful, so very inviting. Just the right kind of vacation I would want after some hard work. Glad to know that there is a regular ferry service so you can get to explore some other Bahama islands.. This post is getting me pumped up for some snorkeling and local seafood cuisine. Is there a favorite cay for diving?
Marsh Harbour is going to be the best place for diving. First, you can rent anything you need here and get a tour guide to take you out for dives. If you want to dive the Abacos, then head here. Yes, the Abaco Cays are beautiful and really just a great beach destination. Thank you for visiting Abacos Travel!
I could only imagine ever being able to go to the Bahamas. I spent a lot of time surfing growing up and would love to surf there but mostly take a boat out and just enjoy the scenery. You’re post really gives a visitor a look at what to expect. Well written and love the video. Well done and maybe I’ll go someday!
I hope the information on Abacos Travel nudged you a little 🙂 It really is a great beach destination. And yes, you would enjoy surfing here. Thank you so much for reading Abacos Travel!
What a beautiful travel destination. But does it still look the same after Hurricane Irma and now Hurricane Maria about to do the same? Will these be travel destinations for this year? Hopefully yes as they will need the tourist dollars to start the rebuild!
They were not hit by Irma. I don’t know about Maria. A lot of the destinations that were hit, plan on having everything (tourist wise) rebuilt before the tourist season. And yes, I think that visiting is a way of showing our support to these countries….along with the added benefit of great beaches, wonderful weather and just a having a great beach vacation! Thanks for visiting Brad!
Thank you for the detailed information regarding Abacos. I love the fact that you mentioned about hurricane season and information about it to ease travelers like myself from the impulsive cancellation. I didn’t realize that there are so many different ways to get there.
From the pictures, the beach looks very serene and calm. I am wondering if there would be any surf for surfing at any particular location? Do you have any recommendations for any interesting location for scuba diving or snorkeling as well?
Yes, there is surfing every where in the Abacos. For diving and snorkeling, you want to definitely go to Mermaid Reef off of Great Abaco, as well as Sand Cay Reef which is between Man O War Cay and Sandy Cay. Of course there is diving and snorkeling any where really, but these two reefs should not be missed.
I am lucky I am going for a holiday tomorrow otherwise I would just read and read your page. I love traveling and places like you have described are on my bucket list, I feel like my list has just grown bigger. Thanks for all the details. They are the best. Great photos as well!!
Glad you enjoyed and can add more wonderful beach destinations to your bucket list. Mine is quite long as well 🙂
Hi there
Many thanks for the informative and detailed post. I would suggest that this place is just an awesome experience to visit and going by the images, there is so much to do and see.
Its just blue turquiose seas and white sand from one end of the island to the next.
This destination has everything going for it and is definitely one for the bucket list.
I noticed that National Geographic gave part of this island a mention, so that is great advertisisng and confirms its potential as a tourist destination.
Thanks again and best wishes
Cheers Phil Browne
You are welcome Phil! Yes, it does deserve attention and the Abacos are beautiful and yes, a beach destination that deserves to be on your bucket list. Let me know if you need any other information.
Hi Matty,
Beautiful island “Great Abaco” located in the Bahamas, a place I would say heavenly, to meet and enjoy with family.
I also love that you give us the possibility to practice sports fishing and to arrive in my own boat. I would like to ask you some queries about prices and what is the best time of the year to visit it can be? Thank you so much!
The Abacos has a wonderful climate year round, so there really is no bad time to visit. You can enjoy yourself and the lovely weather any time of year really. What would you like prices on? I can help you price anything out, just shoot me an email and I will be glad to provide it for you.
WOW! It’s gorgeous! This post is packed with detailed information. I’m so glad I got to read this. I dream of traveling and this will be on my destination list. I see myself living there actually. The video was an excellent touch. My husband has a little experience diving and I can’t wait to learn. Have you been here?
I have not been to the Abacos. It is on my bucket list though, and hoping to make it there next summer. It is gorgeous for sure. Thanks for reading Candice.
OMG this site is beautiful! Abacos on my way! Been a long time and am planning to fly to the Abacos and see a long time friend in surprise … looking at these amazing beaches in Abacos makes me wanna have to pack now -my friend told me then that this may not that too far from the great barrier … ok, lemme check my travel schedule for November 2017 …
Well, thank you for visiting. If you need any help with your plans, or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!