Cruising The Abacos
An Adventure In Paradise
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"Boating here (in The Abacos) couldn't be any easier ... reading the water is an art easily learned. Plus, the reefs allow for snorkeling, diving and wading, which together make up some of the best marine-life adventures in the world." (Page 85 - Power and Motoryacht - December 1998) To read an excellent and informative article (as published in the islands magazine "Abaco Life") about cruising and chartering in the Abaco islands, please click here. |
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Extending for approximately 130 miles from Walker's Cay to the tiny settlement of Hole In The Wall, The Abaco Islands are surrounded by iridescent ribbons of shimmering cobalt, emerald and turquoise water that many
experienced yachtsmen consider unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Our islands offer a safer and more enjoyable cruising experience than any other Bahamian island group as a result of the Sea of Abaco's protected waters, the relative abundance of modern marine & marina facilities, the diversity of "things to do" ashore, and the genuinely friendly residents.
In short, The Abacos are a sailing, cruising and fishing paradise with over 1,000 square miles of relatively undeveloped islands, settlements and deserted beaches [80K file - but worth it!] to explore. Reliable island cruising guides estimate the number of safe (and picturesque) "island anchorages" to be in excess of 60.
One of the world's most extensive reef systems
The Abacos' extensive reef system (4th largest in the world - about 85 miles long in the Abaco segment) and the myriad offshore caysform a natural barrier against the Atlantic Ocean's swells and "rages" and create the Sea of Abaco, one of the safest and most rewarding cruising grounds in all of the world. Ranging from 1.5 miles to over 5 miles in width, and approximately 100 miles in overall length from Little Harbour north to Walkers, this protected body of water maintains a relatively shallow depth (an average of 10-20 feet) throughout its length, thereby making for calm, safe cruising on waters among the clearest and most colorful in the world.
The Abacos' "Cruising Network"
The Abacos also have an informally organized local VHF channel specifically designed to help yachtsmen who are not totally familiar with The Abacos' waters. Since many local and cruising yachtsmen standby on 68, it's a convenient source of "local knowledge" or help in an emergency. Additionally, at 8:15 AM, the Abacos' most accurate local weather and sea conditions forecast is available. Medical and rescue help (through Bahamas Air Sea Rescue) stands by on VHF 83 out of Treasure Cay.
According to the Experts
According to the internationally noted cruising authority, Julius Wilensky ("Cruising Guide To The Abacos") ..."I've explored the Biminis, the Exumas, the Berry Islands ... and the Abacos wins hands down for variety and interest ashore; excellent harbors; interesting and hospitable settlements and excellent beaches.
(The Abacos waters) are among the world's clearest and most colorful, (and) Abaco fishing equals that of Bimini, which is among the best anywhere."
While most of the Abacos' smaller and more remote cays are still uninhabited, others such as Green Turtle, Man 'O War, Guana and Elbow (Hope Town) Cays have quaint settlements which date back to the American Revolution. Modern full-service marinas are available in some cays and settlements, and a full service boat yard (Abaco Yacht Services - lift capacity up to 50 tons) is centrally located in Green Turtle Cay.
As further enhancement to The Abacos' "cruising experience", the seemingly endless and just about always deserted selection of "postcard" beaches strewn throughout our islands are without equal in The Bahamas or elsewhere in The Caribbean - and these long stretches of salt-white sand are as picturesque and unspoiled as any in the world.
