A short, 1-hour flight from multiple Florida airports, the Sea of Abaco in the Bahamas is a paradise that’s just around the corner. These protected cruising grounds enjoy mostly gentle trade wind breezes no matter what weather the Atlantic is cooking up on the outside. Short distances and mellow sails between anchorages make the Abacos an often-repeated charter by those in the know.
The Abacos may feel a world away, but they’re only a short hop from just about anywhere on the East Coast so your escape is closer than you think. Billowing sails dot the Sea of Abaco where trade winds dance across sheltered waters that hide walls of coral and schools of tropical fish. Charming colonial towns offer up a colorful history and romantic restaurants serve mouth-watering dishes of fresh local seafood. This escape is close but feels a world away.
NauticEd Bareboat Charter Master | SLC, IPC, ICC | ASA 103/US Sailing Basic Coastal Cruising or above
Sailing Experience
Level 2 at least 10 days or 200 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht
When it comes to your vacation, only the best will do. Speak with a Vacation Planner to begin your journey towards your next exceptional charter escape.
According to Bahamas expert and The Moorings’ Senior Marketing Manager, Ian Pedersen:
“For those looking to branch out and try something new during their next charter experience, The Bahamas is the ideal laid-back destination. The Abacos in particular is an off-the-beaten-path, best-kept-secret location ideal for charterers, with plenty of incredible stops packed into a manageable cruising area.
“This region requires short sails each day, line of sight navigation, and offers plenty of safe, sandy-bottom anchorages and mooring balls, making it a very user-friendly experience. There is also a great variety of things to do, from exploring quaint Bahamian towns, snorkeling vibrant reefs, finding calm, remote beaches or enjoying one of the many bustling beach bars, each day offers a new adventure, all within easy reach.
“It is important to remember that The Bahamas experiences a more substantial tidal range (3-4 feet) compared to other destinations such as the British Virgin Islands (about 1 foot), which, when coupled with the abundant shallow waters and sand banks, requires very careful navigation. But those willing to embrace the challenge are rewarded with the incomparably clear, blue, and vibrant waters of one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”
Discover the best kept secrets of the Abacos with our carefully-crafted Abacos sailing itineraries Just a few hours from your office, Elbow Cay beckons with a long stretch of pink and white sand where you can set up a lawn chair in six inches of warm water and spend the afternoon not thinking about work. Or tuck into a bowl of cold conch salad and a frosty Kalik beer after visiting the red and white striped lighthouse in Hope Town that dates back to 1863 and can be seen 23 miles away.
Embark on a breathtaking journey through the idyllic Abacos, a group of islands in the Bahamas known for their crystal-clear waters, unspoiled beaches, and charming small towns. Starting and ending at The Moorings Base in Marsh Harbour, this 7-day power yacht adventure takes you through some of the most beautiful and serene spots the Abacos have to offer. With vibrant marine life, scenic anchorages, and opportunities to explore local culture, this charter promises an unforgettable experience on the water.
Set sail on a flexible 4-night yacht charter through the breathtaking Abacos, a chain of idyllic islands in the northern Bahamas celebrated for their calm turquoise waters, peaceful anchorages, and colorful seaside settlements. Starting and ending at our base in Marsh Harbour, this itinerary is the perfect island escape for those short on time but big on adventure, offering a rich blend of local charm, beachside fun, and tranquil cruising.
Set sail on a flexible 5-night yacht charter through the stunning Abacos, a serene chain of islands in the northern Bahamas known for their turquoise waters, quiet anchorages, and charming island towns. Beginning and ending at our base in Marsh Harbour, this short-stay escape blends adventure, relaxation, and authentic Bahamian culture—perfect for a quick island getaway.
When you book an Abacos yacht charter with The Moorings, you have the freedom to choose every detail, including your charter and yacht types.
If you’re an adventure-seeker or experienced sailor, take the helm and sail yourself around the breathtaking Abaco islands on a bareboat yacht charter. For those newer to sailing, or wanting to blend exploration with relaxation, hire a skipper for all or part of your trip. Anyone looking for the ultimate luxury of an all-inclusive experience, book a crewed yacht charter and be joined by professional skippers and chefs.
A sailing yacht charter with the option of a Moorings skipper is an excellent choice if you want someone to guide you around your destination. Please allow one extra cabin for a skipper.
Explore Abacos on our Fleet of Award-Winning Yachts
You can also choose which of our world-class yachts you want to sail around the Abacos on. Will you explore majestic Green Turtle Cay aboard one of our spacious, modern catamarans? For a classic yet elevated experience, set sail through the stunning, crystalline waters on a monohull. If you want a truly remarkable yacht charter, embrace the speed, style and sophistication of a power yacht.
The Moorings is honored to receive recognition for its fleet and vacation planning services. Awards include TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards 2025, 2024 and 2023, and The British Yachting Awards 2023.
Abacos Yacht Charter FAQs
Where is the best place to sail in The Abacos?
The best places to sail in The Abacos include Hope Town, Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay.
Set sail in the Abacos and you’ll find calm waters, steady trade winds, and postcard-perfect island towns around every corner. Whether chartering a yacht with friends or having a romantic escape, the Abacos offer the ideal combination of fun and relaxation.
Hope Town & Elbow Cay
Ease into island life as you drop anchor near Elbow Cay. Picture yourself gliding into Hope Town’s picturesque harbor, where colorful clapboard houses and the iconic candy-striped lighthouse welcome you ashore. Wander along quiet, sandy lanes scented with sea air, or climb the lighthouse for sweeping views of aquamarine waters stretching to the horizon. Swim in the shallows at Tahiti Beach, snorkel among tropical fish, or simply soak up the peaceful charm of this unforgettable cay.
Green Turtle Cay
Only a short sail away, Green Turtle Cay is a cultural and charter haven for sailors. Step back in time and discover New Plymouth, a picturesque settlement filled with Bahamian heritage, friendly locals and relaxed waterfront venues. After a day of snorkelling coral reefs or watching sea turtles, dock at Bluff House Marina or the Green Turtle Club and enjoy an informal evening of delicious island cuisine and cocktails.
What are the best things to do in The Abacos?
In The Abacos, every day begins with a sea breeze and ends with a sunset worth toasting. When you charter a yacht with The Moorings, your journey is yours to shape, whether you follow your own course or take inspiration from one of our thoughtfully crafted Abacos sailing itineraries. Depart from Marsh Harbour or Hope Town, and you’ll soon find yourself slipping into the gentle rhythm of island life, where each stop brings something new to discover.
Relaxing
Whether you’re uncovering the treasures of The Abacos by Sailing yacht or Power yacht, feel your cares melt away as you discover calm anchorages and unspoiled beaches that feel a world away. Unwind on the silky sands of Treasure Cay Beach, wade through the turquoise shallows of Tahiti Beach, or drop anchor off Manjack Cay, where nature takes center stage and the only sounds are wind, water, and birdsong.
Exploring
The Abacos are a sailor’s playground, where island hopping is easy and adventure is always close at hand. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs alive with color, paddle through peaceful mangrove creeks, or hike trails framed by swaying palms and sun-dappled forest. Stroll the peaceful streets of Man-O-War Cay, snorkel from the reefs at Fowl Cay, or drop anchor near Great Guana Cay for a beach lunch and a true taste of the island spirit during your 7 Day Abacos Sail Charter.
History and culture
Tucked within the charm of each cay is a story waiting to be told. From colonial roots to Bahamian tradition, The Abacos blend history with heart. Step inside the Albert Lowe Museum for a glimpse into the past, wander through the sculpture garden in New Plymouth, or watch the lightkeepers at the historic Hope Town Lighthouse carry on a tradition that has stood for generations.
The Abacos may feel far from the everyday, but with The Moorings, your escape has never been closer.
When is the best time of year to visit The Abacos?
The best time to visit Abacos is between December and April.
With warm breezes and turquoise waters all year-round, the Abacos are always ready to welcome you. But if you’re dreaming of steady winds, clear skies, and cool, comfortable sailing conditions, December through April is the sweet spot. During these winter months, gentle trade winds fill your sails while temperatures dip just enough to make evenings crisp and cozy.
It’s the perfect season to discover the charter of every day. Explore local markets in the morning, spend your afternoon snorkeling in crystalline waters, and swap stories over grilled seafood as the stars come out. Summer brings hot days and the occasional passing shower, but also a quieter cruising ground and a space to explore The Abacos at your own pace. Whether you’re charting for the first time or returning for another slice of heaven, sailing around these beautiful islands leaves a lasting impression filled with freedom, natural beauty and the joy of island time in any season.
What are the sailing conditions in The Abacos like?
Line-of-sight navigation makes sailing in the Sea of Abaco easy while challenging shallow waters build confident captains who quickly move from novice to expert. Trade winds sweep across the Sea of Abaco, creating conditions that are as reliable as they are inviting. Expect balmy weather in the summer months and cool temperatures in the 60s from December to February which makes for a great winter escape.
Prevailing wind and sea conditions to keep in mind when sailing in the Abacos include:
Easterly trade winds: consistent and reliable year-round
Northwesterly winds in winter: stronger gusts, especially from December to February
Minimal swell: thanks to shallow waters and natural protection
Clear visibility: perfect for spotting reefs and navigating sandbars
Sheltered anchorages: found throughout the island chain, ideal for overnight stays
Whether you’re planning a crisp winter getaway or a slower-paced summer escape, The Abacos deliver calm seas, short hops between cays, and the kind of sailing that keeps charter guests coming back year after year.
How much does a yacht charter in The Abacos cost?
Design your dream sailing escape in The Abacos with The Moorings, where you choose the route, the rhythm, and the experience.
Any extras you add, such as provisioning, Wi-Fi, water toys, or travel protection
Whether you’re planning a relaxed couple’s getaway or a tropical adventure with friends and family, every detail is up to you including the price. Start building your personalized quote today and take the first step toward your Bahamian escape.
How much are the mooring fees in The Abacos?
Depending on where you’re sailing, average mooring fees in the Abacos Islands typically range from $20–$30 per night in popular areas like Hope Town, Man-O-War, and Little Harbour.
As you explore the Sea of Abaco and stop off at charming harbors, remote anchorages, and vibrant island communities, you may wish to moor up and enjoy everything these destinations have to offer. Mooring fees in the Abacos can vary depending on:
Where in the Abacos you’re stopping
Which harbor or settlement you moor in
The size and type of your yacht
The time of year you’re visiting
The number of nights you stay
Whether amenities like water and electricity are included
In many quieter areas, anchoring is free, offering even more flexibility as you chart your course. Chartering with The Moorings? Mooring rates and arrangements may vary slightly, so we recommend checking with your Vacation Planner or visiting our Abacos useful information page.
How long does it take to sail The Abacos?
A one to two-week sailing vacation in The Abacos offers the perfect balance of tropical adventure and laid-back island time.
Ultimately, how long you explore the Sea of Abaco is completely up to you. Set your own course and discover the charm of each cay in your own time. Whether you follow one of our curated 7-day Abacos itineraries or extend your escape to explore farther afield, every day on the water brings something new.
If you’re after a high-energy island-hopping experience packed with snorkeling, beach bars, and local culture, a one-week charter may be just right. Prefer a slower rhythm with more time to unwind in secluded anchorages and soak up the sun?
A longer getaway gives you the space to disconnect, explore farther, and really take it all in—one cay at a time.
This is our second time traveling with The Moorings, and our expectations were met and further exceeded. We enjoyed the location, the offerings on the yacht, and the chef and captain went above and beyond to make our experience special.
