Abaco Island
Greater Abaco is the second largest island in the Bahamas with the capital of Marsh Harbour, the third largest population center in the country and the main center of tourism on Abaco. Founded in 1784 by Loyalists, Marsh Harbour has long been a center for logging and shipbuilding. These days, tourism has replaced logging as the main source of income, and the town’s marinas are now lined with expensive yachts and surrounded by the luxurious homes of America’s wealthy.
.Marsh Harbor eventually became a very quiet place, with only a few excellent restaurants and cultural institutions to be found, and the rest of the resort life taking place in numerous resorts and hotels.
.The vast coastal shallows are teeming with fish, with marlin and sailfish being found here. Comfortable closed bays of the island has long been favored by yachtsmen, the sailing season lasts from spring to fall. On the island built a lot of modern marinas for yachts.
Location
At the northern end of the Bahamas sits the Abaco group of islands. If you look at these islands from above, you can see a boomerang. The main islands of Abaco are Big and Little Abaco, besides them the group includes 13 other smaller reefs called Abaco Cays. Some of these reefs are inhabited; Great Guana Cay, Elbow Cay, Walker’s Cay and Manowar Cay. It may be noted that the main islands of Abaco are surrounded by smaller islets like a necklace. The total length of all Abaco islands is 210 kilometers. Greater Abaco is the largest and yet the most beautiful island.
.Nature
It is always warm in the Abaco Islands, and the luxurious nature blends perfectly with the hot beaches. On the islands you can always feel like a real Robinson Crusoe, but, you will not be alone, from all sides in these paradisiacal places you will be surrounded by all the benefits of civilization. Nature lovers will be able to go fishing in one of the numerous bays located on the territory of the islands. The beautiful beaches of Abaco are inhabited by turtles. It is worth mentioning that hunters almost exterminated these animals, but thanks to the titanic efforts of nature protectors, today there is harmony in the nature of Abaco and the beaches are once again inhabited by a huge number of turtles. Abaco’s two islands, Big Abaco and Andros, have evergreen and deciduous tropical forests and coke palms along the coast. The island has its own airfield, seaport. There are hotels here as well. Stores that are located on the island, offer a huge variety of goods, here you can also buy all the equipment you will need for diving.
.History
The island’s history dates back to 1783, when the first settlers fleeing the American Revolution moved here. The settlers began shipbuilding and logging. Today, Grand Abaco is the sailing capital not only of the islands of the Bahamian archipelago, but of the entire world. Logging has been replaced by tourism. Greater Abaco’s largest city, Marsh Harbour, is the capital of all the islands. Marsh Harbour is the third largest city in the Bahamas. Modern Marsh Harbour is the capital of tourism. In the city try to stay and settle rich people, whose yachts and villas can be seen everywhere. The first settlements began to appear in 1784. The town is characterized by peace and tranquility. The local population of the island and the town itself is characterized by friendliness, they are friendly to visitors, so everywhere guests are welcomed with cheerful words and smiles. On the street you may be offered to taste local delicacies: baked crabs, anchovies, mussels and guppies.
.Attractions
The city is home to Seaview Castle, which is an architectural and historical landmark of the city. Seaview Castle is located on a hill, it stands out among all the other buildings in the city with its yellow colored walls. The residence was built by Evans Cottman in 1944. Evans Cottman, who was a physician described his own residence in his memoirs, in which he devoted several chapters to his residence on Abaco.
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Not far from Marsh Harbour is the village of Hope Town, which is the most visited place in the Bahamas. The village owes its popularity to the lighthouse, which is so named Hope Town. The lighthouse was erected in 1863 on the Elbow Reef. It is worth noting that the locals disapproved of the construction, as they believed that it would interfere with trade. The lighthouse is a historical monument, as it and another lighthouse today are the only lighthouses that are not automated, i.e. the light is generated by kerosene. The height of the lighthouse is 37 meters, so Hope Town can be classified as a fairly tall lighthouse. In order to get to the top of the lighthouse, you need to overcome 101 steps. But, overcoming this obstacle will reward you with an unforgettably beautiful view.
.Tourists
It is safe to say that the Great Abaco is a place where summer is eternal, there are no cold winters, and the traveler is never left with a feeling of joy and happiness.
.Season
The dry season, which lasts from October to May.
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Restaurants
Marsh Harbor’s restaurants are mostly centered on the town’s main street, Don McKay Boulevard. All of the restaurants are monotonous. And Great Guana Reef is home to the Neutiv Pork Roast, which is the city’s most famous restaurant.
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Sports
Abaco is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. Near each bay you can see an equipped yacht parking lot. Fishing and all known types of water sports are at the service of vacationers. The main center of sport fishing in the Bahamian archipelago is Valk Cay Reef, which is washed by the warm Gulf Stream.
.Shopping
The town of Marsh Harbour is home to duty-free stores, which are centered on the town’s main street, Don Mackay Boulevard.
.How to get there
Fly to either Nassau International Airport (NAS) or Grand Bahama-Freeport International Airport (FPO). Then fly to Abaco Island to Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH). Some international flights also fly to this airport.
Getting to Abaco Island can also be done by water. For example, the Bahamas Fast Ferry runs from the capital island of Nassau. It arrives at the port of Sandy Point in the south of Abaco Island.Smaller islands near Abaco Island can be reached by Alburys Ferry Service and Green Turtle Ferry.
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