Abaco Related Links: Getting There • Boating, Beaching & Diving • Food & Fun • Destination Suggestions • General Info • Maps
 When one hears of the Abacos in the Bahamas, one is told of the many wonders of the climate, the beauty, the water, the serenity, the fishing the water sports, charming villages, the laid back life style and the warm and friendly people. Yes, Abaco does have all these marvelous attributes and is second to nowhere in the world. However, most tropical island paradises, from the Caribbean to the Pacific have all of these things to one degree or another. Abaco is not just another pretty face in the crowd of holiday destinations. It is a very special and unique environment and lifestyle.
 Population:
The population of Abaco is roughly 14,000 permanent residents. In addition ther are approximately 2,000 homes owned by seasonal residents on Abaco and the Cays.
The Islands:
The Abaco Islands are Great Abaco and Little Abaco with a barrier reef and many small island or “Cays” on part of the east and north east sides. The main islands extend roughly 120 miles. When the northern cays are added, the archipelago extends a total of 165 miles. Abaco has a and area of 650 square miles, about half the size of the state of Rhode Island.
Climate:
The annual average temperature is 75 degrees. Temperatures in the summer seldom reach above the low 90's, in the winter seldom below the mid-fifties. The climate is tempered by the Gulfstream which runs up the Straits of Florida between the Bahamas and the southern U.S.. When it is very hot in Florida, it is generally 5-10 degrees cooler in Abaco. When it is very cold in Florida, it is generally 5-10 degrees warmer. Average rainfall is between 50 and 60 inches annually.
 The Sea of Abaco:
Between the Abaco mainland and the offshore Cays and barrier reef lies the Sea of Abaco. The area extends for 120 miles from Little Harbour in the south to Walker's Cay in the north and averages four to five miles in width. It is shallow with an average water depth of 10-12 feet. Throughout it's length there are literally hundreds of quiet and often deserted bays, beaches, coves, creeks and anchorages to visit, relax, play in and explore. There are a number of quaint settlements, each with it's own distinctive character. The prevailing southeasterly breeze generally blows at 10-12 knots for good and safe sailing. The geography is diverse enough to be interesting, exiting and even challenging at times fro the experienced yachtsman, yet, it is well protected so that the novice may enjoy it with safety. Yachtsmen with world-wide experience agree that nowhere on earth is there another water sports area like the Sea of Abaco.
Tournament Fishing
Hundreds of people from the U.S.A. leave their boats at Boat Harbour Marina for long periods, flying back to Abaco for weekends or longer many times a year for the thrill of big game fishing.
 The annual fun-filled Billfish Ball attracts repeat entrants year after year at Boat Harbour, and the catch has always challenged the records. Two of the Bahamas Billfish Tournaments are held at Boat Harbour, and in recent years have come up with the excitement of record and near record catches. Three of the five events that make up this tournament are located in Abaco. The prestigious Bertram-Hatteras Shootout Tournament is now held at the Resort each May.
Lifestyles - “The Mainland” - “The Cays”:
There are two separate and quite different area types offered in Abaco. There is “The Mainland”, that is the island of Abaco itself. Then ther are “The Cays”.
The main islands of Abaco consist of Great Abaco and Little Abaco Islands, joined by a short highway bridge. In the past ten years the Great Abaco Highway has been completed linking Crown Haven on the Northwestern tip of Little Abaco with Sandy Point on the southern coast of Great Abaco, a road distance of about 120 miles. This road has broadened travel throughout the island and is opening up many possible development areas which previously were relatively inaccessible.
Two major visitor-oriented areas are Marsh Harbour and Treasure.
 Marsh Harbour:
The major population center of Abaco is the Marsh Harbour area. It is the seat of Government for Abaco and the major center of economic activity. Marsh Harbour is the third largest town in the Bahamas with a population of roughly 6000 people. There is quite a variety of shops, stores and markets which can provide most amenities. There are several excellent restaurants, a number of hotels and a wide assortment of rental houses and cottages. The harbour and the east side have marinas and the port is a popular provisioning center for visiting yachtsment from around the world. The Port of Marsh Harbour is serviced by four commercial shipping lines, three of which run weekly service from West Palm Beach, Florida. Marsh Harbour International Airport is serviced daily from Nassau, Freeport, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando by Bahamasair, US Air, American, Continental and several small commuter airlines. There are three other townships incorporated into the Marsh Harbour area, they are Dundas Town, Murphy Town and Spring City.
Treasure Cay:
The second largest population center on the Abaco Mainland is the Treasure Cay area about 20 miles north of Marsh Harbour. It has a hotel and marina which is a great favorite with sports fishermen. Treasure Cay boasts an eighteen hole golf course and is fortunate to have a spectacular 3 mile crescent shaped beach that has been formally designated as among the ten finest in the world.
Abaco Related Links :
Getting There:
Planning a trip
Airline information
Marsh Harbour Airport
Continental Airlines
US Airways
Bahamas Air
Boating, Beaching & Diving:
Abaco Dive Adventures
Abaco in the Bahamas - Local Information
Abaco Bahamas Charters
Discover Treasure Cay
Food & Fun:
Pete's Pub & Gallery
Marsh Harbour Restaurants
Nippers Beach Bar & Grill
Mangoes Restaurant
Sapodilly's Island Bar and Lookout
Destination Suggestions:
Nassau Paradise Island
http://www.theabacoclub.com/new%20pages/news_OnCourse.html
http://www.go-abacos.com/theabs/hopetown.html
http://www.treasurecay.com/
General Info:
Abaco in the Bahamas - Local Information
Abaco Life
Escape To Paradise In The Bahamas
Maps:
caribbean.com
worldatlas.com
geographia.com
bahamas.com
bahamatravelnet.com
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