Abaco Islands, - Bahamas
Charter Sailing Abaco Islands: A Paradise for Boating and Sailing Enthusiasts
The Abacos, a stunning chain of islands in the Bahamas, are a dream destination for boating, fishing, and sailing lovers. Spanning 120 miles and divided into North, Central, and South Abaco, this region is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. But the Abacos offer more than just the allure of the sea. The charm of colonial towns, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture make it a place where both land and sea lovers can find adventure and relaxation. For sailing enthusiasts, however, the true magic of the Abacos can only be fully experienced on the water.
“The Abacos are not just a place, but a feeling—where the winds whisper freedom, the waters tell stories, and every sunrise invites you to start anew.”
Discovering the Abacos by Sail: Charter Sailing Abaco Islands
One of the best ways to explore the Abacos is through charter sailing around the beautiful islands. With calm, trade winds and calm seas, the Abacos offer some of the best sailing conditions in the Caribbean. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just looking to enjoy a leisurely day on the water, chartering with Island Hoppers allows you to explore the hidden gems of the Abaco islands first hand. From remote, uninhabited cays to secluded beaches that can only be accessed by boat, sailing gives you a level of freedom that can’t be matched by other forms of exploration.
By chartering a sailboat with Island Hoppers, your crew will take you from from island to island, stopping to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs, enjoy pristine, deserted beaches, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. There’s something magical about navigating the waters of the Abacos, with their ever-changing hues of turquoise and deep blue. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure charter sailing the Abaco Islands offers an unforgettable way to connect with the natural beauty of the region.
While sailing is certainly the highlight of the Abacos, the islands offer much more for visitors to discover. From charming welcoming communities such as like Hope Town and Marsh Harbour, the Abacos cater to a wide range of interests. The historic towns, with their colorful houses and cobblestone streets, provide an authentic taste of island life, while local restaurants serve up fresh Bahamian cuisine. The Abacos’ laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals ensure that visitors feel right at home. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are championship golf courses with stunning ocean views and countless opportunities for hiking, biking, or simply exploring the natural beauty of the islands. But to truly experience everything the Abacos has to offer, it’s important to venture beyond just one island—something that’s made much easier by chartering a sailboat.
Why Charter Sailing Abaco Islands?
Choosing Island Hoppers Sailing Adventures for charter sailing Abaco Islands is the best way to see the Bahamas in all their glory. The region is a haven for sailors, with protected harbors, gentle trade winds, and crystal-clear waters. Even if you’re new to sailing, a chartered boat comes with a professional crew who can guide you to the best spots, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. You’ll be able to visit secluded islands, snorkel in pristine reefs, and unwind on beaches that feel like your own private paradise. The ability to chart your own course, exploring at your own pace, is one of the greatest advantages of charter sailing in the Abacos. From bustling towns to untouched wilderness of remote cays, you can experience the diversity of this incredible region without the limitations of traditional travel.
An Unforgettable Sailing Adventure in the Abacos
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply looking for a relaxing cruise, Charter Sailing Abaco Islands offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the beauty of this tropical paradise. Sailing between the islands allows you to experience everything the Abacos have to offer, from peaceful, undeveloped islands to vibrant, historic communities. The Abacos’ unique combination of calm seas, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality make it an unforgettable destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the Bahamas from the water.
For those who seek more than just a typical beach vacation, charter sailing in the Abacos is an invitation to create memories that will last a lifetime.
In summary, the Abacos are a haven for sailors, and Charter Sailing Abaco Islands provides the perfect way to explore this breathtaking region. Whether you’re drawn to the crystal-clear waters, the rich local culture, or the chance to discover secluded beaches, there’s no better way to experience the Abacos than by setting sail on your own private charter.
Sample Itinerary: Charter Sailing Abaco Ilsands
Below is a sample itenerary prepared by First Mate Anne, who as a child through young adulthood had extended visits to this area sailing with her family.It is truly an “insiders” take on the Abacos, but is always open to variation depending on weather and the preferences of the passengers.
DAY ONE
Fly into Marsh Harbour (MHH), go through customs, and catch a taxi from airport to Conch Inn Marina. Taxis normally run about $25 for two customers. We’ll get our gear loaded on the boat, as we will be sleeping on board at the dock tonight. We’ll meet our fellow passengers over a cocktail on the boat, and decide where to go and eat and catch some authentic Caribbean music. Snappas is dockside and usually has live band, the Jib Room across the harbour also has live band, Mangoes is fancier w/ live band. The next morning we will set sail on our Island Hoppers sailing holiday!
DAY TWO
In the morning, Captain Glen and First Mate Anne will get provisions for sail at a local Supermarket. After all the groceries are stowed, we’ll receive a yacht and chart briefing with the charter company. We’ll motor out of the marina and then hoist our sails heading for Great Guana Cay and anchor or moor in Fisher’s Bay. We’ll decide if we want to have drinks and dinner on board prepared by Captain Glen and First Mate Anne, or take the dinghy to shore and go to Grabbers to watch the sunset, which usually has a live band on Saturdays. Head back to the boat for a night cap on the aft deck, or retire in the comfort of the air conditioned cabin.
DAY THREE
You’ll wake in your cabin to the soothing sounds of the water gently lapping against the hull. The crew will prepare breakfast on board while we discuss the day – Maybe explore some of the most beautiful beaches in the Abacos. If you feel adventuresome, take the medium swim to the reef for crystal clear snorkeling. experience. Later, you’ll enjoy Nipper’s very lively scene with music and beachside pool. They are famous for their Sunday BBQ – with conch, fish and pork options, return to the boat for lunch. If we are finished on Guana by 1:30 PM (not likely!) we could hop up to Green Turtle Cay for the night. Going to Green Turtle Cay is dependent on weather conditions through Whale Cay passage. If there is a northerly wind, we will probably skip Green Turtle Cay, and stay another night at Guana Cay.
DAY FOUR
There are lots of options from which to choose! If we stayed in Guana Cay yesterday, we can take favorable winds to Green Turtle Cay. The very walkable (or you can rent bikes or golf carts) Village of New Plymouth features lots of historic charm, good restaurants, and bars with music. Enjoy a cold Goombay Smash (the national drink) at Miss Emily’s. The beaches here are also breathtaking. Side excursion to No Name Cay where you can experience the nationally cherished swimming pigs and another beach. Another option is side sail to Manjack Cay to explore mangroves to see stingrays and sea turtles. Perhaps enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or decide to eat on board tonight.
DAY FIVE
In the morning after breakfast, we’ll hoist sails and head south, weather permitting. Man-o-War Cay is a charming and friendly, albeit dry (no alchohol sold here) island. Its known worldwide for its boat building history, namely from shipwrecked sailor turned boat-builder Willard Albury senior. Their sail shop, still in operation by Albury’s sons, has locally made canvas bags. Possible Fowl Cay or Mermaid Reef snorkel stop. Fowl Cay requires a dinghy ride to the reef which is ocean side of the island chain. Mermaid Reef is a community protected reef within the Sea of Abaco (sometimes balled Abaco Sound), which is a 62 mile saltwater lagoon separating Great Abaco from the chain of Cays. We’ll anchor or catch a mooring ball here for the night and have a leisurely dinner and cocktails on board.
DAY SIX
Taking our time to rise and eat in the morning (as usual), we’ll set sail to Elbow Cay, anchoring outside harbour or moor inside the beautiful bay surrounded by the picturesque Hope Town, with its historic and ever vigilant lighthouse. There is excellent snorkeling from the ocean-side beach. Vernon’s Grocery is the stop for its truly amazing fresh baked bread and other goodies. But there are plenty of other restaurants, shops, and bars to visit in Hope Town, and if beach combing is your thing, Tahiti Beach is a must visit. Isolated at the Southern tip of Elbow Cay, it is only accessible by foot, bike, or boat. Its the perfect spot for swimming or collecting shells or sand dollars, especially at low tide. There are many excellent restaurants in Hope Town with friendly service and authentic Caribbean cuisine and music.
DAY SEVEN
Rise and breakfast in the beautiful bay of Hope Town. We are in Elbow Cay for another day, so there is plenty of time to take in what you didnt get to yesterday. Maybe take a tour of the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, which is the last human operated lighthouse in the world. It offers fabulous 360 views of the Abacos from the top. There is also an option to take a quick side sail to Tilloo Cay to find sand dollars snorkel at Pelican Cay. Again, the variety of fresh seafood. local fare, great shopping, and numerous music venues are easily discovered in Hope Town. The Ebb Tide Gift Shop sells local artists work. If you are up for scuba diving a little farther off shore, Hope Town is a great place to find a charter. Whether we eat on board or on shore, we’ll spend the night again in Elbow Cay.
DAY EIGHT
We dont have a very long sail today for our return to Marsh Harbour, so we can take our time waking and getting underway. We’ll stay in Marsh Harbour for the night, with perhaps a stop at Mermaid Reef for lunch and/or snorkeling if the wind is favorable and it suits the passengers and crew. As you relax on the boat in the evening over a cocktail or in a local restaurant, you’ll reminisce about all the great times you had and plan for your next trip back. You’ll dream of beautiful water, people, beaches, and food, rising the next day to breakfast and a shuttle to the airport for the flight back.
