Abacos
From CruisersWiki
ABACOS CRUISING GUIDE
An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to the Abaco Islands.
| Abaco Group | |
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 Flag | |
| Capital: | Marsh Harbour |
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| Language: | English |
| Currency: | $US |
| Great Abaco has a string of pearls or cays to the east which buffer it from the Atlantic Ocean and create the "Sea of Abaco". | |
Background
The Abaco Islands lie in the northern Bahamas and comprise the main islands of Great Abaco and Little Abaco, together with the smaller Wood Cay, Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Castaway Cay, Man-o-War Cay, Stranger's Cay, Umbrella Cay, Great Stirrup Cay, Walker's Cay, Moore's Island, and Sandy Point.
Comment: Great Abaco is to the east of Grand Bahama Island. Cruisers coming from Florida will be pointing for the western tip of Grand Bahama Island (West End) and then crossing the Little Bahama Banks to Abaco.
Once there.. you can see that Great Abaco has a string of pearls or cays to the east which buffer it from the Atlantic Ocean and create the "Sea of Abaco", a protected cruising ground between the Cays and the US "mainland". Here you will find beaches and water that look like this only about 24 hours cruising time from Florida! (By member Camaradarie)
Climate & Weather
Submit the climate details and general, seasonal weather conditions.
Sources of weather forecasting here.
Charts
Submit details of the charts required for safe navigation of the area.
Any navigation notes here.
Local Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
- The Abacos has an informally organized local VHF channel specifically designed to help yachtsmen who are not totally familiar with The Abacos' waters. Since many local and cruising yachtsmen standby on VHF 68, a convenient source of "local knowledge" or help in an emergency. Additionally, at 8:15 AM, the Abacos' most accurate local weather and sea conditions forecast is available. Medical and rescue help (through Bahamas Air Sea Rescue) stands by on VHF 83 out of Treasure Cay.
The Network begins its day at 8:15 each morning and continues for just over an hour. Weather reports are given, cruiser news and information is exchanged, newcomers and returnees welcomed to the area and those departing for stays elsewhere are bid a fond farewell. Advertisements for restaurants, bars and community events are announced free of charge and there is a special segment called the "open mike" which invites comments and advice from anyone in the area who can tune in to VHF 68.
Arrival/Departure procedures
Submit any details about advance notification of arrival, etc.
Immigration, Visas & Customs
See Bahamas
Health & Security
Submit any health warnings/information and any security details here.
Ports & Popular Stops
Main Ports
Popular Stops
Islands in the group
- Walkers Cay
- Manjack Cay
- Green Turtle Cay
- Treasure Cay
- Great Guana Cay
- Man O War Cay
- Elbow Cay (Hope Town)
- Lubbers Quarters Cay
- Cherokee Sound
- Gorda Cay
- Mores Island
- The Marls
- Little Abaco Islands
Popular Circuits & Passages
List popular circuits & passages from here.
Cruiser's Friends
Submit details/contacts of cruiser's "friends" that can be contacted in advance or on arrival - who can offer information and assistance to our cruising "family".
References & Publications
- The Cruising Guide to Abaco, Bahamas: 2008 by Steve Dodge
- The Abaco Guide: A Cruising Guide to the Northern Bahamas Including Grand Bahama, the Bight of Abaco, and the Abacos by Stephen J. Pavlidis
Links to CruiserLog Forum discussions
Links to discussions on the CruiserLog Forum
External Links
- The Abacos: A Mariner's Guide This page includes an interactive map of the southern Abacos. Click on an island to see images of it or just view the entire gallery. Photo captions tell more about each island. All photos are copyright by the web page author.
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
- I've cruised the Abacos 4 times with my own boat from Florida and twice on 2-week charters. What keeps me coming back is the diversity. Almost every night one can choose either a quaint town or an anchorage on an unpopulated island. Becoming proficient in using tide tables and comfortable with shallow water are the keys to enjoying many out of the way places.
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