Powerboat Abacos, Bahamas

Overview

The Bahamas are famous for their laid-back, friendly people and the exquisite cruising amid isolated cays fringed with coral reefs that draw snorkelers and scuba divers from around the world. The premier big-game fishing is second to none, especially offshore from the billfish capital of the Bahamas at Chub Cay, which is located in the Berry Islands just north of Andros Island. Add quaint towns, full-service marinas, waterfront restaurants, and pristine white-sand beaches to the mix and collectively all of these attractions are truly the essence of a Bahamas powerboat charter.

The Moorings Power in the Bahamas operates out of Marsh Harbour, in the Abacos just 150 miles due east of Florida. From here, a Bahamas powerboat charter can include the Sea of Abaco, the Berry Islands, the Exumas and famous Georgetown, Eleuthera, Cat Island, Rum Cay, and Long Island, to name a few of the key destinations. The close proximity of the Bahamas to the United States means making airline connections from major U.S. airports is easy and convenient, and that less time will be spent getting to the yacht.

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Cruising in Abacos

A Bahamas powerboat charter promises an easygoing time aboard a luxury Powercat that cruises at a fuel-efficient 14 to 16 mph and draws very little water, assuring stress-free navigation in the shallow Sea of Abaco. Powercats handle offshore runs exceptionally well, opening up the entire Bahamas as a potential cruising ground. In the usually calm Sea of Abaco, navigation is mostly line-of-sight. Tides can be as much as three feet during a full or new moon, so taking the tidal range into account when anchoring is advised. This portion of the Bahamas is ideal for the novice powerboater and families with young children. Daily high temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) in January to 95°F (35°C) in August. Daytime temperatures from December through February may dip as low as 60°F (15°C).

Abacos Highlights

A Bahamas powerboat charter includes many fun activities. Of course, the obvious ones are related to the water and the pleasure of driving a luxury power yacht in an idyllic setting. Expect fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving sites with superb visibility and a varied mix of difficulty levels to accommodate beginners and advanced divers. Count on breathtaking white-sand beaches, where swimming isn’t just splashing around, but an experience to remember. Saltwater anglers can pursue bonefishing off their Powercat in any season or arrange an offshore excursion to go after white and blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, or sailfish when in season. Watersports fans will find ample opportunities at the laid-back resorts. The cuisine in the Bahamas is excellent. Most destinations have restaurants and bars, and a number offer intriguing shops with locally made handicrafts. In short, a Bahamas charter has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Green Turtle Cay – New Plymouth

Situated in one of the most popular cruising grounds in the Bahamas, just north of Marsh Harbour, scenic Green Turtle Cay is a must-see during a Bahamas sailing vacation. The cay has numerous secluded anchorages, snug harbors in Black and White sounds, eclectic shops, restaurants, and hotels, as well as intriguing historic sites. Check out the Albert Lowe Museum featuring art and photography about the history of the town of New Plymouth. By the time the American Revolution ended in 1783, many loyalists from the former British colony had relocated to the Bahamas. Some chose to live on Green Turtle Cay. A bronze sculpture at the fascinating Memorial Sculpture Garden pays homage to Green Turtle Cay’s British settlers. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the exhibits at the Captain Roland Roberts House Environmental Center, where the ecology of the reefs is explored.

View Green Turtle Cay – New Plymouth highlight

Elbow Cay – Hope Town

In addition to its fine anchorage at White Sound (not to be confused with the one at Green Turtle Cay), Elbow Cay is home to Hope Town, noteworthy for its amenities for sailors but also for the distinctive red-and-white striped Elbow Reef Lighthouse that has been a landmark in the Abacos for generations. Local residents have worked hard to preserve the lighthouse, which first went into operation in 1863. It’s one of only a handful left in the world that burns pressurized kerosene, requiring constant attention from the keeper. It stands 89 feet above sea level and has 101 steps to the top. Climb the lighthouse and admire an unforgettable view of the Sea of Abaco.

View Elbow Cay – Hope Town highlight

Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park

A rich and varied diversity of bird, fish, and plant species inhabit the 2,100-acre preserve at the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, about 20 nautical miles south of Marsh Harbour. The centerpiece of the preserve is Sandy Cay and the Pelicans, north of Lanyard Cay. Coral reefs and undersea caves make these waters among the best in the Bahamas for snorkeling and scuba diving, especially about halfway up the east shore of Sandy Cay, where the underwater scenery is about as good as it gets. Pristine beaches are inviting for beach combing, swimming, and sunbathing.

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Little Harbour

The secluded, well-protected anchorage at Little Harbour on Great Abaco Island is an attractive spot to drop the hook or pick up a mooring, and relax in the cockpit to admire the sunset. A pleasant walk east across the narrow spit to the abandoned lighthouse provides spectacular views of the broad Atlantic, as waves roll in and break on the beach. A reef nearby offers good snorkeling, and on the west side of the harbor are caves. To the northwest is the crescent-shaped and wide Bight of Old Robinson; its intriguing creeks snake inland. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of a visit to Little Harbour is the story behind it. Founded as an art colony about 60 years ago, the arts still flourish amid the impressive beauty in a place completely off the electrical grid. Visit Pete’s Pub and Gallery to savor island cuisine and appreciate the artwork on display.

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