GETTING AROUND
On Great Abaco a taxi service is available; but to travel around the main islands you can also hire automobiles, motor scooters and bicycles. There are very few automobiles on the outer cays, here you can get around on golf carts and bicycles. Some of the cays may only be seen by foot. It is highly recommended to reserve rental transportation in advance.

Ferry Services
To travel between islands you can use the scheduled ferries or charter your own boat. You can always hire local guides to help you explore the outlying cays and find prime locations to visit.

WATER ACTIVITIES
Everything from snorkeling and diving to waterskiing is at your disposal. The calm, temperate water surrounding The Abaco Islands makes it easy to try something new or enjoy your favorite water activity.

These waters have been called the 'sailing capital of the world', making for one of the most popular cruising grounds for both pleasure and avid boaters alike. When boating these waters, land is always in sight and the cays are usually no more than 10 to 40 minutes apart, making island hopping a multitude of fun. A popular activity is renting a motor boat. On some of the cays, this is the only form of transportation. The boats are easy to operate and usually have an open hull, center console steering, outboard motor, and bimini top. There are several rental companies throughout the area, offering a variety of sizes to meet your personal needs. Since there is a limited number of boats available, it is always best to make your reservation ahead of time.

Diving/Snorkelling
The water is warm and the visibility good. The close proximity to the coast of the colorful underwater sea garden, coral reefs, and shipwrecks make this a great place for newcomers to learn and for the experienced to discover new delights. We recommend DIVE ABACO!

Fishing
The waters of Abaco provide a year round fisherman's paradise. Offshore fishing will reel in the 'Big Guys' such as marlin, sailfin, tuna, and more with peak seasons for each species. Local guides are knowledgeable and offer full and half day excursions, for groups and private charters. Their rates include bait, tackle, boat, and some also include lunch and drinks. For those looking to fish on their own, bait and tackle are sold in the area and rods are available for rent. we recommend Deep Sea Fishing from Truman Major at (242) 366-0101

Bone Fishing
Bonefishing, a popular form of fly-fishing, is a local favorite and a must for veterans and enthusiasts looking for fish that put up a great fight. Bonefishing takes place in the flats where guides slowly pole small flat-bottomed boats for anglers, or the truly dedicated quietly stalk these elusive fish by wading through knee-deep water. Don't try to eat these bottom skimmers - you'll quickly realize how they got their name.

Boating and sailing
The highlight of the season is Regatta Time in early July and yachting is the number one activity in Abaco, with the prime sailing between Spring to Fall. Yachtsmen come from around the world to compete in races or just enjoy the atmosphere of the barbecues and cocktail parties. With such a string of islands land is always in sight and travelling between islands takes between 10 to 40 minutes - ideal for island hopping.

For a more leisurely approach you can also charter boats to take you to the nearby cays, some of which are only accessible by boat, set amidst beautiful and lush vegetation.

BEACHES, TENNIS, GOLF & MORE

Beaches
Abaco's beaches offer you the chance to either get away from it all or to take part in a wide range of activities. Isolated stretches of beach can be found at Sandy Point on Great Abaco, Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, Guana Cay Beach at Great Guana Cay and at the far end of Ocean Beach. Sugar Loaf Cay, where there are no shops or restaurants has secluded beaches, nearby reefs and fishing grounds and is situated just five minutes boat ride from Marsh Harbour. Take along food and water on your beach trip and you'll enjoy a marvellous day of solitude and peace. But you will find many bars and restaurants near the coastline in most places so you can retreat for refreshments easily. However, remember that camping is not allowed on the beaches.

Many beaches have many beach side activities available - bars, restaurants, water-skiing, kayak hire, wind-surfing to name a few. One of the best beaches for this is the eastern end of Ocean Beach. Treasure Cay Beach has been rated as "one of the top ten beaches in the world" by the National Geographical.

Golf
Great Abaco is home to Treasure Cay which has The Bahamas "#1" golf course. Golf can be played all year round here, if rain interrupts play it will only be for a few minutes. Beautiful settings abound, framing tee boxes and fairways with picture-postcard backdrops for your best shot.

Tennis
Tennis is widely available in Marsh Harbour. If you are planning on playing during your stay be advised most courts are part of resorts but can be booked. A wide range of surfaces are available and many are night lit.

Things to do and see
The Abaco islands have a wide range of gift shops, art galleries, well-stocked grocery, liquor stores, and restaurants. Marsh Harbour, on Great Abaco, has the largest selection of goods and services. It also provides the base from which to visit the range of attractions Abaco has to offer. When out shopping look out for local specialities such as gold jewellery, prints, woodcarvings, straw basket and ceramics. At Joe's Studio on Man-o-War Cay you can see local handicrafts being made. The restaurants on Abaco are diverse both in food and style. Some serve gourmet menu's while others are more laid back with a 'mom and pop' atmosphere.

On Elbow Cay you can visit the candy striped lighthouse - climb the 101 steps to the top and take in the fabulous views. In Hope Town explore the Wyannie Malone Museum which contains a fantastic collection of artefacts and heritage set in an 18th Century Loyalist house. More about the history of the islands and the settlers can be found on Green Turtle Cay at Albert Lowe Museum or on a walk through the Sculpture Garden in new Plymouth.

Abaco National Park
Located 35 miles south of Marsh harbour on the Great Abaco Highway, Abaco National Park comprises 2500 acres reserved to protect the Bahamian parrot. The Park features hardwood forests, nature trails and wild Atlantic coast scenery. Day trips can be arranged at travel agencies and resorts in Marsh Harbour. Outback.

Something different
Looking to venture off the beaten path? At Little Harbour on Great Abaco you will find Randolph and Pete Johnston's internationally renowned art colony. Pete, Randolph's son, creates life size bronzes, furniture and gold jewelry inspired by local motifs. As well as the foundry and gallery, Pete also has a pub and shop - all are open seasonally so call ahead to check opening hours.

Bicycling
Bicycles are available everywhere, and The Islands Of The Bahamas provide plenty of easy cycling terrain. But remember, traffic drives on the left. Bicycling is one of the most rewarding ways to explore the less travelled parts of the islands, but you can get pretty far away from civilization, so be sure to take plenty of water along for the ride. Detailed island street maps are available to help steer your journey.

NIGHTLIFE
Mangoes restaurant and bar is a good place to visit with a great atmosphere and a varied menu. It has Estin playing Bahamian music, sometimes accompanied by 'Browntip' playing the rake and scrape - the lively music encourages customers to really get into the swing of things.

EVENTS
The Bahamian year features many important festivals and holidays, reaching its summer peak with the boating Regatta and it winter high point with Junkanoo.

While during spring and summer countless fishing tournaments and regattas take place. Fireworks and parades highlight Independence Week, which culminates on July 10. Bahamian tourist centres provide lists of the many festivals, holidays and craft shows that occur year-round.

Public Holidays
Holidays that fall on Saturday or Sunday are generally observed on the preceding Friday or the following Monday.
• January 1 New Year's Day
• March/April Good Friday, Easter Monday
• First Friday in June Labour Day
• July 10 Independence Day
• First Monday in August Emancipation Day
• October 12 Discovery Day
• December 25 Christmas Day
• December 26 Boxing Day

The fishing tournaments for the "big guys" such as Billfish and Marlin are held in May and June. Watch the excitement when fishermen bring in the winning catch. Summer months bring lots of fun to ABACO. "Goombay Summer Festivals" are held in several locations throughout the Abaco Islands.During the limbo contest you could win a T-shirt or just come for fun and dance the night away.