Abacos Islands Attractions
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This curved boomerang-shaped cluster of Islands and cays, known as the Abacos Islands, forms the northeast corner of the Bahamas and has a cumulative area of 650sq.mi/1680sq.km. The cluster is dominated by Great Abaco and Little Abaco Islands. A series of cays extend to the Northwest ending at Walker's Cay. Other Cays include Elbow, Great Guana, Treasure, Green Turtle, Gorda, Man o' War and Pelican.The islands boast ultra-modern marinas at Marsh Harbor and Hope Town for the many sailing enthusiasts who visit.The Abacos were settled in the 17th century by the British and in the late 18th century by Americans loyal to the British crown. The islands still support some farming. Early boat building and fishing industries have disappeared.There are four small airports: MHN (Marsh Harbour), TCB (Treasure Cay), SPC (Spanish Cay off the coast of Little Abaco) and XW (Walker's Cay on this northwest island).
Hope Town & Lighthouse, Elbow Cay, Bahamas
Hope Town is located on Elbow Cay across the sheltered bay from March Harbour. Hope Town is best noted for its lighthouse (1838) with its red and white stripes. Hope Town also boasts good marina facilities. A ferry runs regularly between Marsh Harbour and Hope Town. The Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is at the ferry docks. The other houses in town are painted in brilliant colors.
Wyannie Malone Historical Museum
Wyannie Malone Historical Museum is at the ferry docks in a white clapboard house with green trim. Exhibits include ship models, historical maps and other island artifacts. The museum has been an on going work in progress as it expands and upgrades.
Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco, Bahamas
The main settlement of the Abacos is Marsh Harbour where the principal tourist site is Cottman's Castle. This town is the third largest in the Bahamas. Its port is protected by a series of encircling Cays with good marina facilities.Visitors will find accommodation options as well as restaurants and shops here. Marsh Harbour is also a popular area for chartering a boat.
Pelican Cays National Land and Sea Park
South of Marsh Harbour, Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park covers 220 acres / 900 hectares. The main attraction of the park is underwater, with caves, coral reefs and other marine life. On land the park is also home to birds and plants.
Eight Mile Bay
Eight Mile Bay is 15 mi / 25 km south of Marsh Harbour and is famed for its beach. The Bay is bounded by the settlements of Cherokee Sound and Crossing Rocks.
Hole in the Wall
A small lighthouse is found at the southern tip of Great Abaco at Hole in the Wall. Some nearby underwater caves are used by scuba divers. On the western branch of the southern road is a small pretty settlement of Sandy Point.
Great Abaco - Abaco National Park
Abaco National Park is a relatively recent park that was created in 1994. Covering over 20,000 acres the park includes pine forest and the Great Abaco water table. This area is an important wildlife habitat, particularly for the endangered Bahama Parrot, as well as many other birds and animals.
New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas
Green Turtle Cay is a hilly resort island which was once home to a large number of turtles. Its main village, New Plymouth has a New England flavor and features Albert Lowe's Museum. Although this is a small community it has all the amenities to service tourists, including restaurants, shops, a bank, and more.
Black Sound Cay National Reserve
Black Sound Cay National Reserve is located off Green Turtle Cay covering 2ac/0.81ha of mangrove vegetation. Established in 1988, the small park protects waterfowl and migratory bird habitats, as well as an important waterfront ecosystem.
Albert Lowe Museum
The Albert Lowe Museum recounts the history of the outer islands. The museum is located in a historic home.
Tilloo Cay National Reserve
Tilloo Cay National Park is an 11 acre area along the Atlantic Ocean with shoreline that provides important habitat for sea birds.
Abacos Islands Pictures
