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The Abacos
Dubbed the sailing capital of the world, the Abacos island is comprised of Great and Little Abaco and a number of cays to included: Wood Cay, Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters Cay, Green Turtle Cay, Great Guana Cay, Castaway Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Stranger’s Cay, Umbrella Cay, Walker’s Cay, Little Grand Cay and Moore’s Island, can be found in the Northeastern part of the Bahamas. Located just 180 miles from South Florida this chain of islands stretches 100 miles from Great Abaco to Little Abaco Island, its capital Marsh Harbour; is most popular with sailors and yacht owners who sail to the island to take part in sailing competitions or vacation. Some have even made the island a home away from home.
Green Turtle Cay Named for its abundance of Green Turtles which call the surrounding waters home, the island population is approximately 450 living in the main settlement of New Plymouth. Founded in the 18th Century, its architecture remains virtually unchanged from that of the original homes with steep-pitched roofs depicting styles of its original New England Settlers., making them as unique as the Bahamas itself. Vehicular traffic is prohibited on the island, Golf Carts and Bicycles are the typical mode of transport.
The Cay is best known for its excellent beaches. You can also find several full-service hotel-resorts equipped boat marinas, a boat repair yard with haul-out slips. Green Turtle Cay is a stopover-point for southbound vessels during periods of rage seas in the Whale Cay Passage.
There is also a post office, several restaurants and bars, and a museum featuring the paintings of noted Bahamian painter Alton Lowe.
Great Guana Cay Has a population of about 150 living in a settlement which stretches along the length of the beach, located 8 miles off Marsh Harbour, the islet houses a five and a half mile long beach which is said to be one of the longest in The Bahamas and houses one of the best surviving coral reefs in the Bahamas. Kidd’s Cove named after the famous Pirate William Kidd is located on Great Guana Island. The tiny island has been continuously populated by Bahamian loyalists for over 200 years and today, the island boast of nearly 100% employment.
Castaway Cay Or “Disney Cay” as it is sometimes called, was bought by The Walt Disney Company, serves as an exclusive port of call for the Disney Cruise Line Ships, The Disney Wonder and The Disney Magic. Formerly known as Gorda Cay, the island was transformed to that of a castaway community with buildings made to look as if they had been improvised from a shipwreck. The facilities are maintained in true Disney style, where the shops accept guests' stateroom keys for payment and food service operated as an extension of the cruise package. A variety of activities are available to guests including bicycle hire, personal watercraft rentals, snorkeling, where snorkelers can see two submerged submarine-ride vehicles from the 20,000 Leagues under the sea submarine voyage which use to be housed at the Walt Disney Theme Park, parasailing and the Flying Dutchman Pirate Ship, featured in the Pirates Of The Caribbean Film Series on display. In addition to these attractions, are three beaches for guests, one for families, one for teens, and another exclusively for adults, called Serenity Bay. The cay has its own post office with special Bahamian Postage specific to Disney Cruise Line and a Castaway postmark.
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