Abacos Islands Itinerary
If the Exumas are about wild nature, remote anchorages, and open passages, the Abacos Islands are about history, beach bars, and close-knit cruising. This route is protected by the Sea of Abaco—no long crossings, no exposed anchorages—making it ideal for first-time charterers, families, and anyone who prefers shorter, stress-free legs.
You’ll cover just around 80 nautical miles over 8 days, with plenty of time for exploring towns like Hope Town and Green Turtle, or relaxing off Man O’War and Great Guana. Ideal for catamarans and motor yachts.
Daily Snapshot: Distances & Must‑Do Highlights
Day 2: Treasure Cay → Green Turtle Cay — Historic village, art and snorkeling
Day 3: Green Turtle Cay → Manjack Cay — Mangrove creeks, turtle spotting, secluded anchorage
Day 4: Manjack Cay → Great Guana Cay — Nipper’s Beach Bar, reef snorkeling, beach time
Day 5: Great Guana Cay → Man O’War Cay — Boatbuilding heritage, quiet harbor, local crafts
Day 6: Man O’War Cay → Hope Town — Iconic lighthouse, town cafés, Tahiti Beach
Day 7: Hope Town → Little Harbour — Artistic enclave, paddleboarding, peaceful nature
Day 8: Little Harbour → Marsh Harbour — Smooth return, wrap-up onboard
Marsh Harbor to Treasure Cay
DISTANCE: 15 nautical miles
DURATION: 1-2 hours
After boarding in Marsh Harbour, you’ll cruise north 2-3 hours to Treasure Cay, home to one of National Geographic’s top-ranked beaches—three miles of soft white sand and calm turquoise water.
Spend the afternoon paddleboarding in calm water or lounging onshore. Your crew can arrange a beach picnic or set up cocktails on the aft deck. Those interested in fishing will appreciate world-class bonefishing on the flats and opportunities for deep-sea catches like marlin, tuna, and barracuda just offshore.
Treasure Cay to Manjack Cay
DISTANCE: 5 nautical miles
DURATION: 20-40 minutes
Today is about seclusion and nature. A short cruise takes you to Manjack Cay, a quiet anchorage known for its mangrove creeks, turtle sightings, and remote beaches. It’s one of those “secret spots” that doesn’t make the brochures, but guests love it for that reason.
The crew will set anchor in the sheltered bay, and from there you can paddleboard the creeks, snorkel the reef edge, or just enjoy the peaceful setting. Often, you’ll have the anchorage entirely to yourself.
Manjack Cay to Green Turtle Cay
DISTANCE: 8 nautical miles
DURATION: 30 minutes – 1 hour
Today’s cruise takes you northeast to Green Turtle Cay, arriving in time to explore the historic village of New Plymouth. Your yacht will moor near White Sound or Black Sound, depending on weather and tide, with tender access to shore.
Walk through the pastel cottages and narrow lanes, visit the Albert Lowe Museum, or relax at a nearby beach. Green Turtle is one of the few places where local culture and colonial history still thrive side by side—expect great photo ops and warm, authentic encounters.
Green Turtle Cay to Great Guana Cay
DISTANCE: 13 nautical miles
DURATION: 1-2 hours
A short hop brings you to Great Guana Cay, known for its colorful beach bars and expansive reef just offshore. You will anchor in Fisher’s Bay and take the tender ashore to experience the island’s easygoing vibe.
Highlights include snorkeling the outer reef or grabbing lunch (or a rum punch) at Nipper’s Beach Bar, perched on the bluff above the beach. Your crew can arrange sunset drinks on board or a barefoot dinner onshore, depending on your mood.
Great Guana Cay to Man O’War Cay
DISTANCE: 8 nautical miles
DURATION: 30 minutes – 1 hour
On day 4, you will cruise east to Man O’War Cay, a quiet, traditional settlement famous for its boatbuilding heritage. The yacht will tie up or anchor near the harbor entrance, with tender runs to the town dock.
Stroll through the village to visit canvas shops, wooden skiffs in production, and the local museum. This is a dry island, so expect a peaceful, reflective afternoon—and let the crew set up a private happy hour back aboard as the sun sets.
Man O’War Cay to Elbow Cay
DISTANCE: 6 nautical miles
DURATION: 20-40 minutes
A short cruise brings you to Hope Town, one of the most picturesque destinations in the Abacos. You’ll arrive to views of the red-and-white lighthouse, one of the last hand-cranked lights in the world. The yacht will be moored in the harbor, offering stunning views in all directions.
Go ashore to explore the town’s cafés, art galleries, and narrow flower-lined streets. Don’t miss climbing the lighthouse for panoramic views of the reef and islands. The crew can set up lunch on board or a local dining reservation, depending on your preferences.
Hope Town to Little Harbor
DISTANCE: 11 nautical miles
DURATION: 40 minutes – 1.5 hours
On day 7, your last full day of your Abacos yacht charter, you will cruise south to the quiet, artistic community of Little Harbour. Known for its foundry and sculpture gallery, this anchorage is peaceful and surrounded by nature. Your crew will guide you ashore for exploring or set you up for paddleboarding, beach walks, or a sunset swim.
This is a great place to wind down before the final day.
Little Harbor to Marsh Harbor
DISTANCE: 12 nautical miles
DURATION: 30 minutes – 1.5 hours
A short cruise returns you to Marsh Harbour for your final morning onboard. Enjoy breakfast, pack at your own pace, and let the crew assist with a smooth and easy disembarkation.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Bahamas Yacht Charter?
At DMA Yachting, we don’t just list boats—we manage your entire charter experience with precision. Many of our brokers are former crew or lifelong sailors who’ve worked and sailed in the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and beyond. We travel to the places we charter and attend numerous yearly yacht shows. That means we know the yachts, the crews, and the destinations firsthand.
We guide you from first contact to final docking, with no hand-offs and no scripted replies. You’ll get fast, honest advice, the right yacht options (including off-market listings), and full support throughout your trip. This is what we do—every day, for clients around the world.
