Discover the Abacos with our seven-day bareboat itinerary

Just a short hop on the Florida coast and you will find the sub-tropical temperatures of the Bahamas and the spectacular Abaco island chain. Explore the cays and islands which stretch across the Sea of Abaco for 120 miles. Relax in all-inclusive luxury with a by the cabin cruise, attended by your own personal crew, or design your own itinerary with a bareboat charter.

Bahamas 7 day itinerary

Day 1: Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War Cay

Day 2: Man-O-War Cay to Great Guana Cay

Day 3: Great Guana Cay to Green Turtle Cay

Day 4: Green Turtle Cay to Treasure Cay

Day 5: Treasure Cay to Elbow Cay, Hope Town

Day 6: Hope Town to Little Harbor

Day 7: Little Harbor to Elbow Cay and Marsh Harbor

Abaco island chain itinerary highlights

Sail between uninhabited cays, enjoy glittering waters with high visibility, colorful coral and miles of sandy beaches. Stroll the harbor towns, slip into the easy-going Caribbean lifestyle and visit the bars, restaurants and luxury resorts. Ask for the local fish fry and try the catch of the day, conch fritters and Bahamanian souse.

Man-O-War Cay has been famous for its boatbuilding tradition since the 1880s and you can see Albury Brothers Boatyard building Abaco dinghies at the waterfront.The island still has a traditional feel and its small, tight knit community will give you a warm welcome.

Stop off at Great Guana Cay for Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill, a colorful multi-level bar and restaurant that hosts hog roasts on Sundays and pirate parties throughout the year. If you want isolation, head for the nearby seven-mile beach on its windward side where you can beachcomb, swim and snorkel.

Head up the steps of the impressive red and white striped lighthouse at Hope Town, Elbow Cay, for fantastic views. Swim at Tahiti Beach or Mermaid Reef, where you might spot a variety of friendly colorful fish, lobsters and rays.

Treasure Cay Beach is the one beach you mustn’t miss off your itinerary. Enjoy true turquoise waters, a long stretch of brilliant, white sand and mangroves to explore. Try a local conch salad or eat at one of the nearby bars and restaurants. You might even be able to spot dolphins.

Weather and sailing conditions in the Abacos

The trade winds almost continually blow throughout the Bahamas giving the islands a warm and balmy climate that varies little all-year round. Between September and May, temperatures average 21°C-24°C while the rest of the year is between 27ºC-29ºC with higher humidity. Night temperatures are around 5ºC cooler, while sea temperatures range between 23ºC and 29ºC.

Planning tips for your charter

• Charter a catamaran as the draft is perfect for the shallow waters in the Bahamas and means you can step off the boat onto the beach
• Don’t miss prime anchorages by taking a good cruising guide on board, like Steve Dodge’s
• Keep an eye on your chart plotter as the shallow waters have shoaling reefs and unexpected coral flats
• Remember to bring a light jacket for after dark as the temperature can drop a little at night. For more advice on packing for your charter, read our blog
• Don’t forget your insect spray, as you will need to fend off mosquitoes after sunset and in the early morning

Flying from the UK to the Bahamas

Abacos from Marsh Harbour, direct flights BA from Heathrow to Nassau with same day onward connections with Bahamasair, or you can fly from Florida.
Transfer time from the airport to the base is approx. 10 mins, cost approx. USD8pp one way.

To book your next holiday in the Bahamas, talk to our experienced team on 01227 479 900 or contact us. You can also request a quote.