Abaco

The Gulf Stream and trade winds help maintain a temperature range of 68-86°F during the day,and 62-70°F during the night, all year round. Seawater temperature ranges from 73°F in February to 82°F in August.

The Abacos are a string of Bahamian islands located approximately 175 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida. The "mainland" is Great Abaco, third largest island in the Bahamas, with a curve of cays just a few miles offshore creating the protected Sea of Abaco, perfect for sailing or day trip power boating.

Historically different from other areas in the Bahamas, the population of the Abacos descended from Loyalists during the War of Independence from the United States. These blonde-haired, blue-eyed Abaconians have given up wrecking and rum running, but still work at traditional occupations -- farming, fishing, and boat building. Small guest houses and family-run hotels, as well as private home rentals, allow for a more personal experience. Tourists can embrace the relaxed culture and feel like locals.

Great Abaco is the largest island in the Abacos. Marsh Harbour is the principal city, the third largest in the Bahamas. It has the largest protected deep water harbour in Abaco, and an international airport serviced by major US and Bahamian carriers. Naturally, it has many shops, restaurants, marinas, and accommodations.

From Marsh Harbour you can travel easily by ferry or rental boat to the outlying cays, or by automobile to Treasure Cay (not really a separate cay, but located north of Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco!), Cooperstown, Cherokee Sound, or Sandy Point.

The mild climate of Abaco makes it superb for outdoor activities of all kinds. The turquoise waters of the Sea of Abaco invite you to jump in! Swimming, snorkeling and diving are popular sports in the warm Carribean waters. Live coral and beautiful tropical fish are abundant, and dolphins swim nearby. On the Atlantic side, a barrier reef protects miles of sandy beaches. Occasional breaks in the reef create spectacular locations for surfing!

The Abacos are a sailing paradise - with 120 miles of islands and cays to explore, you can spend a lifetime discovering beautiful, private beaches and small villages with friendly people. You can also rent a power boat for island-hopping or fishing. Bonefish are plentiful on the flats, tuna, wahoo, dolphin, sails and marlin a short distance out, and there's terrific reef fishing. Try your hand at lobster in season, too! If you prefer to just watch the fish, visit Sandy Cay and Pelican Cay National Park underwater preserves.

Seagull Deep Sea Fishing Charters - Fish with legendary Abaco guide, Robert Lowe. Half-day and full-day charters from Elbow Cay, Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War Cay and Guana Cay. Our specialty is trolling for tuna, dolphin, wahoo, bill fish (which are released), but we also go reef fishing.

Abaco Dive Adventures - A full service SCUBA Center specializing in Adventure Diving. We cater to all levels of divers. We also offer all levels of instruction from beginning "resort" SCUBA Courses through Instructor Trainer Certifications. Our diving is spectacular! We love to dive and love seeing others enjoy it. As of 1 January 2004 we will be located at Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour.

Abaco Outback - Guided kayaking tours, birding excursions, and nature hikes designed for all ages and ability levels!

Explore tropical forest shorelines and mangrove creeks from our stable & easy-to-use, sea kayaks.

Snorkel over beautiful coral reef alive with tropical fish, brightly colored corals and giant sea stars!

Walk through native pine forests to a hidden blue hole with bottomless clear water surrounded by centuries-old stalagtite and stalagmite formations.

Visit the native Bahama Parrot and other West-indian specialty birds who inhabit our forests and shorelines with a certified birding tour guide.

Dive Guana - Half and full day snorkel and dive trips leaving from Guana Cay with visits to Hope Town and Man-O-War Cay. Full service dive shop, PADI certified instructors - lessons and certifications available!