The Abaco Islands are a 120-mile series of islands and reefs on the northeastern tip of the Bahamas, due east of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There are multiple ways to reach your destination, but there is only one major airport, Leonard Thompson International Airport, and most travelers from the United States and other countries head to the main hub in the town of Marsh Harbor on Great Abaco Island. I will fly to the airport. He is one of the three main islands of the chain and is considered the safest island in the Bahamas.
The archipelago is made up of the northern, central and southern Abaco regions, and most of the islands are accessible by ferry or private charter, as some islands have small airports. One of the most beautiful ways to get to Abacos is by ferry from Nassau on the island of New Hen Providence, southwest of the Abaco chain. The picturesque ride takes less than two hours and allows tourists to admire the region’s crystal clear turquoise waters.
Most flights depart from the southeastern United States
In addition to a robust ferry network between Nassau and many of the Bahamas islands, Bahama Air operates three daily flights between Nassau and Great Abaco’s Leonard Thompson International Airport, but those wishing to bypass Nassau entirely Visitors have many options from the United States.
Service to Great Abaco is provided by major airlines from several southeastern cities, making it the quickest and easiest way to reach the chain of islands.
According to the flight schedule, Miami and Fort Lauderdale are served by American Airlines and Bahamas Airlines. From Atlanta, Delta and Frontier Airlines. For example, Charlotte, North Carolina is served by American Airlines.
Travelers starting routes in the Midwest and West should connect in one of the eastern cities. From the northeast, JetBlue, United and Delta all offer direct flights to Great Abaco or to Nassau. In Nassau, travelers can connect to Great Abaco with Bahama Air.
Charter services and private planes for the wealthy are also options. Charter flights can be arranged through several local airlines, including Tropic Ocean Airways, which offers private seaplane flights from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.
Travelers who want to reach Abakos in a unique way can take the Mail Boat Ferry from Nassau. They get an up close look at how the locals live and work during a trip that takes about 12 hours.
The MV Legacy Mail boat sails every Tuesday from Nassau to Abaco’s famous Bahamian village of Hope Town, Marsh Harbour, Turtle Cay and Green Turtle Cay. The Bahamas’ best kept secret.
Here are some tips for finding cheap flights to the Bahamas.
- Book early.
- Mid-week trip.
- Consider a cheaper destination and complete the final leg by ferry.
- Book an afternoon flight. They are usually less in demand than morning flights.
- Use carry-on bags and pack lightly to avoid checked baggage fees.
In Abaco, mostly luxury resorts
Great Abaco’s hotels and resorts are not for the budget traveler. This is because very few accommodations cost less than $200 per night. (Airbnb-style rooms can be found cheaper.
Sandpiper Inn
- cost: $$$
- address: Schooner Bay Village, South Abaco
- Reasons to stay here: Decks with water views, beach cabanas, kayaks, water sports
Abaco Beach Resort and Marina
- cost: $$$
- address: Bay Street, Great Abaco
- Reasons to stay here: 40 acres of beachfront prime Marsh Harbor property. Water activities, family friendly, waterfront rooms.
Abaco Club at Winding Bay
- cost: $$$$
- address: Cherokee, Great Abaco
- Reasons to stay here: Beachfront Cottage Rental, Private Deck, Spa, Multiple Bedrooms, Over 2 Miles of Private Beach
Try These Must-Do Activities at Abakos
Snorkeling and scuba diving are among the most popular activities in Abakos. His two national parks in the archipelago are perfect for both purposes and both are free to enter.
Foul Cays National Park is a 1,346-acre destination with rich coral reefs, seagrass and shoreline habitat. Located on the barrier island of Great Abaco, between Scotland Cay and Man O’ War Cay, accessible only by boat.
It features three main dive sites and many snorkel spots along the island’s reefs.
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park covers over 2,000 acres of land and sea just south of Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco. Snorkelers and divers can explore his four cays: Channel Rock, Golding Cay, Sandy Cay and Sandy Cay Reef.
These areas are known to have undersea caves and extensive coral reefs. The park is accessible by boat.
Water sports enthusiasts who want to snorkel, dive or swim with stingrays should head to Manjack Cay. Dive operators say the stingrays are friendly and will accept food from humans.
And experts say anyone exploring about 50 feet offshore from Guana Cay, about eight miles south of Marsh Harbour, is likely to see dolphins.
