Abaco is an island archipelago situated in the Northeast Bahamas, 180 miles from Florida. Mainland Abaco, consisting of the islands Great Abaco and Little Abaco (joined by bridge), is a 120-mile long boomerang-shaped landmass of 650 square miles. Great Abaco, the third largest island in the Bahamas, is home to Marsh Harbour, the third largest city in the Bahamas. This growing commercial center is where fine dining, boutique shopping, medical and banking facilities, and arts and crafts are found in abundance.

Known as the "sailing capital of the world", Abaco distinguishes itself from other Bahamian islands by its enchanting, colorful New England-style seafaring villages, originally established by loyalists after the War of Independence. A scattering of luxury homes, inns and marinas co-exist alongside traditional settlements, and two national parks protect thousands of acres of shallow reefs, mangroves and forest.





An air of relaxed sophistication permeates the island, where the peacefulness of "Old Bahamas" is increasingly appreciated, even as new developments increase in numbers. Tourists are able to embrace the relaxed culture and feel like locals, regardless of their background.

The world's third largest barrier reef system and hundreds of primarily unpopulated offshore cays combine to create the renowned Sea of Abaco. These remarkable waters, along with breathtaking beaches and an ideal climate, make Abaco a preferred location for those seeking sea, sun and sand.

Abaco’s population is approximately 14,000 permanent residents and the annual average temperature is 75 degrees. The primary activities preferred by tourists are boating, fishing, beaching, diving, golfing, dining, and sightseeing, with an overall satisfaction rating of 88%.

Abaco has the rare distinction of offering two international airports within 25 miles of one another. These, along with the Marsh Harbour marina, form the main ports of entry to Abaco. Currently flights arrive from either Florida (30 minutes – 1 hour) or Nassau (40 minutes). A private plane terminal, Odyssey Air, also exists alongside the Marsh Harbour Airport. Roads, sewage and electricity are to modern standards throughout the island and the government is prepared and committed to ensuring that future development is continually matched by the island’s increasing capacities.





Notable attractions of the island include:

• Boating and sailing. The island boasts more marina slips than hotel rooms and caters to the yachtsman’s lifestyle.
  
  
• Beautiful, wide, soft-powdered sand beaches, some of which have been rated the most stunning in the Caribbean.
  
  
• The Sea of Abaco. 130 miles of aquamarine waters with hundreds of primarily unpopulated offshore cays and abundant marine life, including dolphins.
  
  
• The world’s third largest barrier reef system, ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.
  
  
• Fishing. Abaco is known to have some of the best fishing in the Bahamas, with multiple tournaments held throughout the year. Bonefish, Blue Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, Kingfish, Dolphin, Sailfish and Grouper are just some of the most common catches.
  
  
• 3 Championship Golf Courses. The Ritz-Carlton Abaco Club’s course was rated the best in all of the Bahamas by Golfweek magazine for the last 5 years consecutively.
  
  
• The Abaco Cays. A string of small, offshore islands accessible by regular ferry service from Great Abaco. Home to enchanting New England-style seafaring villages with a tropical twist, such as the famed Hope Town on Elbow Cay. Unique architecture, rich history and friendly people.
  
  
• Marsh Harbour. A charming, growing commercial center with a signature marina, boutique shopping, fine dining and pubs, medical and banking facilities, and arts and crafts.
  
  
• Whale Watching and Cave Exploration at the historic Hole in the Wall lighthouse.
  
  
• Abaco National Park. A 20,000-acre park reserve in southern Abaco, encompassing the nesting area and habitat of the Abaco Parrot. Ideal for hiking.
  
  
• Pelican Cay National Park, an underwater and land preserve where wildlife abounds.
  
  
• Abaco Barbs wild horses preserve, where direct descendents of horses from the time of Christopher Columbus have roamed free for over 500 years.
  
  
• Surfing at Guana Cay & Elbow Cay. Abaco offers some of the most consistent and powerful surf in the Bahamas, with high quality reefbreaks and beachbreaks to choose from.
  
  
• Blue Hole Snorkeling & Diving. Explore freshwater caves that reach depths of 300 ft, internationally renowned and featured in publications such as the National Geographic for the scientific marvels preserved within them, dating back 4000 years.