7 Day Abacos Highlights SAIL Itinerary – Option 1
Day 1
Great Guana Cay
Even though Great Guana Cay is without moorings, it is one of the largest anchorages in the Exumas. Well-protected and easy to approach, Great Guana Cay offers a genuine “Out Islands” experience. The locals at Black Point Settlement will make you feel right at home in their quaint little town. Immerse yourself in the friendly island culture, feast on traditional Bahamian cuisine, and admire the handwoven palm leave baskets made by the settlement women. You can even order homemade bread from Lorraine’s Café and pick it up the next morning.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr 12 mins Sailing time
- 11 Nautical miles
Mooring
Anchor, dinghy dock, mooring
Things to do
Hiking, Dining, Biking, Beachcombing, Provisioning
Facilities
Grocery ,Ice, Restaurants, Trash service, Laundry, Dinghy dock, Bike rental, Internet
Day 2
Manjack Cay
Let the ocean waves brushing the white sand beaches on this uninhabited island lull you into a relaxing state while you explore. This cay has plenty of activities to keep you busy for the day starting with snorkeling the nearby reefs which can be reached by a short dinghy ride. Explore the mangroves while you are here and take in the marine life as fish and turtles surround you. You can even witness sharks and stingrays on the northernmost cove of the Cay.
The day’s sailing
- 3 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
- 17 Nautical miles
Mooring
There are no mooring balls here, but it is a safe place to anchor on the west side of the Cay.
Things to do
Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, seeing the stingrays and sharks
Facilities
There are no facilities for yachts here.
Manjack Cay
Let the ocean waves brushing the white sand beaches on this uninhabited island lull you into a relaxing state while you explore. This cay has plenty of activities to keep you busy for the day starting with snorkeling the nearby reefs. These are some of the healthiest reefs in the area and they are bursting with marine life. There are also two well-known hiking trails on this cay that are marked with signs. Explore the mangroves while you are here and take in the wildlife as fish and turtles surround you.
Day 3
Green Turtle Cay
North of Marsh Harbour, embraced by a jade-green sea, lies the picturesque Green Turtle Cay. Here, natural beauty and modern charm converge in the inviting harbors of Black and White Sounds, the delectable offerings of local restaurants, and the captivating stories of significant sites. It’s the perfect stop for the halfway point of your Abacos yacht charter itinerary.
Like many areas in The Bahamas, Green Turtle Cay became a new home for former British colonists after the American Revolution ended. These long-gone, but not forgotten, British settlers are commemorated with a bronze sculpture that stands in the Memorial Sculpture Garden.
The day’s sailing
1 Hr Sailing time
5 Nautical miles
Mooring
There are moorings available in White Sound, as well as marina facilities – Green Turtle Club and Bluff House marina. Anchorages exist off of New Plymouth and outside of White Sound and Cocoa bay. Holding is poor in Black Sound, but there are mooring buoys and a marina available.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available.
Things to do
- The Green Turtle Club in White Sound is highly recommended.
- Dive into a unique learning experience to understand the ecology of the Bahamas’ reefs with exhibits at Captain Roland Roberts House Environment Center.
- Those with a predilection for history may find themselves strolling through the Albert Lowe Museum’s art and photography exhibits about New Plymouth.
Spotlight On…
New Plymouth
New Plymouth, the quaint village on Green Turtle Cay, is the epitome of Bahamian charm with its narrow streets, white picket fences, and brightly painted buildings. First settled in 1783, at the end of the American Revolution, it grew into the second largest city in the Bahamas by the 1800s.
Now it’s known for its shops, restaurants, and historic sites popular among boaters, making New Plymouth yachting a delight. The main harbour is White Sound, with plenty of mooring options available to make your yacht charter hassle-free.
Facilities
Dockage, fuel, water, ice, showers, provisions, and are available. Rent golf carts or bicycles, visit museums.
Day 4
Hope Town
Elbow Cay has much to offer cruisers, including historic Hope Town, White Sound, and Tahiti Beach. Snorkelling, scuba diving, shopping, and fine dining are all popular pastimes. Yachting in Tahiti Beach waters is a highlight of cruising to Elbow Cay, this spot offers a great anchorage and access to a tidal sand bar and beach. Many guests also enjoy exploring Elbow Cay by land via Golf Carts.
The day’s sailing
- 5 Hr 24 mins Sailing time
- 27 Nautical miles
Mooring
Moorings in Hope Town are available and marina slips can be reserved in advance of your arrival. Mooring balls in Hope Town are first come- first served. No anchorage is available in Hope Town Harbor, but due West of the Lighthouse between Elbow Cay and Pirate Cays. Marina dockage will be available at White Sound, and there’s an anchorage off Tahiti Beach.
Dinghy dockage: Dinghy dockage is available in Hope Town.
Things to do
The Wyannie Malone Museum is named for Hope Town’s founder, Wyannie Malone, who fled her home in South Carolina because of the American Revolution. She began the settlement of Hope Town with fellow refugees in 1785. The museum is a fascinating homage to this turbulent time in British and American history, which helped give the Bahamas part of its unique character. Naturally, a climb to the top of Elbow Reef Lighthouse is a must; the views are extraordinarily beautiful. There are a number of eclectic shops and some restaurants, including Cap’n Jacks. At White Sound, you’ll find the modern Firefly Resort and Abaco Inn.
Facilities
Dockage is available in Hope Town and White Sound. Fuel, water, ice, provisions, Internet access, and golf cart rentals are available in Hope town.
Day 5
Little Harbor
Enjoy a relaxing sail across the bay to Ruskin’s Resort & Club at Little Harbor—a Caribbean-style island resort featuring its own private beach, a full-service marina, and an array of recreational activities. Go swimming in one of the three heated pools, cast your line off the 250-foot fishing pier, and come sunset, chill out Adirondack-style around a private fire pit. With several waterfront restaurants located on site, you can choose the menu that appeals to you most while taking in breathtaking views of Tampa Bay. You can even rent wave runners to satisfy your adrenaline-rush craving or go on a guided jet ski tour.
Highlight:
If you head a bit northwest of Little Harbor Marina, you can visit Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center at Apollo Beach during the winter months—a protected marine reserve with a boardwalk, 50-foot observation tower, trails, and a butterfly garden. You can also enjoy a superior lunch or dinner dining experience at Circles—Tampa’s most storied, iconic, and award-winning waterfront restaurant with reserved slips for patrons.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr 36 mins Sailing time
- 13 Nautical miles
Mooring
Little Harbor Marina
Things to do
Dining, Swimming, Fishing, Watersports Rentals, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Horseshoe, Shuffleboard, Tennis, Playground
Facilities
Fire Pits, Spa, Shuttle Service, Wi-Fi, Restaurants, Bait & Tackle Shop, South Shore Watersports, Water, Ice, Fuel Dock, Laundry Facilities, Grill Area, Pump Out, Restrooms, Showers, Swimming Pools, Fitness Center, ATM
Day 6
Lynyard Cay
This long skinny cay is a perfect place to drop anchor safe from the ocean waves of the Atlantic and east winds. This quiet and remote spot is ideal for a long walk on the beach or a relaxing sunbathing session.
The day’s sailing
- 36 mins Sailing time
- 3 Nautical miles
Mooring
No mooring balls are here but it is a safe place to anchor on the west side of the island.
Things to do
Due to the cay being undeveloped, this is one of the perfect places to spend some time in solitude and enjoy stargazing.
Facilities
There are no facilities on this cay for yachts.
Day 7
Man-O-War Cay
Man-O-War Cay is a quiet community of roughly 200 residents, many of whom earn a living in the boatbuilding trade, which dates back about a century. The original settlers, who first came to the cay in 1820, farmed the land, but they eventually gave it up in favour of crafting vessels from wood, such as the famous Abaco dinghy. In keeping with tradition, no alcohol is sold anywhere, but cruisers are welcome to enjoy sundowners aboard their yachts. Exploring the village on foot is a delight, taking you into some unique shops or to one of the casual restaurants for conch fritters. The white-sand beaches on the Atlantic side are stunning, making Man-O-War Cay yachting an unforgettable experience.
The day’s sailing
- 2 Hr 48 mins Sailing time
- 14 Nautical miles
Mooring
Mooring balls are available in Man-O-War Harbour, while the marina remains inoperable. No anchorage is allowed in the harbour.
Dinghy dockage: NO
Things to do
Renowned sailing canvas shop and the Albury brothers boat building factory.
Facilities
There are no facilities on this cay for yachts.
Step Aboard Here
Start your experience with The Moorings on land and sign up to receive e-mails from us about yachts, offers and destinations.
By clicking 'Sign up' you confirm that you have read and understood our Privacy Policy and consent to our use of your information.