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Great Abaco
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Island
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Great Abaco is the second-largest island in the Bahamas, positioned in the northern section of the archipelago. The island was primarily settled in 1783 by British Loyalists fleeing the United States following the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. Covering an area of approximately 1,681 square kilometers, it features Marsh Harbour as its principal commercial and administrative center. The landscape is defined by extensive Caribbean pine forests and a jagged coastline that historically fostered a significant boat-building industry. In September 2019, the island sustained catastrophic damage from Hurricane Dorian, necessitating one of the most extensive reconstruction efforts in Bahamian history. Great Abaco remains an essential site for biodiversity, specifically as a sanctuary for the endangered Abaco Parrot, which nests in limestone cavities in the south. The island's current economy is driven by maritime tourism, commercial fishing operations, and the export of citrus crops.
- Location: Bahamas
- Nearby: Spring City (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 22 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 23 |
| Rain mm | 44 | 39 | 47 | 57 | 99 | 115 | 104 | 106 | 146 | 102 | 59 | 39 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Reached primarily by regular domestic flights into the main island airport or by utilizing scheduled, reliable ferry services connecting directly from the capital and numerous surrounding cays.
Best season
The winter and early spring months offer very comfortable warmth and notably lower humidity, completely avoiding the peak, and sometimes risky, Atlantic hurricane season of late summer.
Terrain & paths
The diverse island features a striking mix of dense inland pine forests, sprawling flat mangroves along the muddy coasts, and miles of long, perfectly pristine white sandy beaches.
What to bring
Pack versatile, lightweight clothing suitable for both beach relaxation and easy forest trails, along with your own personal snorkeling gear to freely explore the spirited offshore barrier reefs.
Parking
Rental cars are a very common and practical choice here, and parking is widely available and typically entirely free near major town hubs, bustling marinas, and popular coastal access points.
Safety
When boating or swimming in the channels, always be highly mindful of suddenly strong tidal currents, and strictly heed all local official weather warnings during the unpredictable hurricane season.
Time needed
Most regular visitors typically spend anywhere from several days to a full week thoroughly exploring the main island's varied natural highlights and the deeply peaceful surrounding smaller cays.
Geography
Facts
- The island covers a total land area of 1,681 square kilometers.
- British Loyalists began settling the territory in 1783.
- Marsh Harbour is the third-largest city in the Bahamas.
- Hurricane Dorian caused unprecedented damage in September 2019.
- The Abaco Parrot is a unique subspecies found on the island.
- Boat building has been a primary traditional industry for centuries.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Great Abaco (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Great Abaco known for?
Known as the 'sailing capital of the Bahamas' and for its beautiful coral reefs.
How do you get to the island?
By plane to Marsh Harbour or by ferry from other islands.
Are there national parks there?
Yes, Abaco National Park protects vast pine forests and the rare Bahama Parrot.
What activities are popular?
Sailing, fishing, diving, and exploring historical lighthouses.
When is the best time to travel?
December to May, when the weather is dry and pleasantly warm.
Great Abaco: where is it located?
Great Abaco is located in Bahamas.
Great Abaco: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Great Abaco: why is it worth visiting?
Great Abaco is the second-largest island in the Bahamas, positioned in the northern section of the archipelago.
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Nearby cities
Murphy Town
A settlement on Great Abaco, bordering Dundas Town.
Little Harbour (Abaco)
A secluded artist colony and foundry on Great Abaco.
Spring City
A residential settlement near Marsh Harbour, Abaco.
Great Guana Cay
A narrow islet in the Abacos, known for its beaches.
Dundas Town
One of the largest settlements in Abaco, adjacent to Marsh Harbour.
Cherokee Sound
A historic settlement on Great Abaco.
Crossing Rocks
A small fishing community on Great Abaco.
Sandy Point
A settlement at the southern tip of Great Abaco Island.
Current
A small settlement in North Eleuthera.
Cooper's Town
The northernmost settlement in the Abacos.
The Bluff
A settlement on the island of Eleuthera.
Mount Pleasant
A small rural community on mainland Abaco.
History & landmarks
Hole-in-the-Wall Lighthouse
A remote lighthouse located at the southern tip of Great Abaco.
Saint Matthew's Anglican Church
The oldest surviving church building in the city of Nassau.
Baha Mar Resort
A massive hotel and casino complex dominating the Cable Beach skyline.
Compass Point Studios
A former famous recording studio in Nassau where many world stars recorded in the 1980s.
More places
Marsh Harbour Boat Yard
An important boat-building and repair center in the Abacos.
Man-O-War Cay Boatbuilders
A traditional boat-building district with a long craft heritage.
Great Abaco Pine Forests
Expansive stands of Caribbean Pine forming a crucial habitat for the endangered Bahama Parrot.
Fowl Cays National Park
A national park in the Abacos with thriving coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park
A 2,100-acre marine reserve in the Abacos known for its underwater caves and coral reefs.
🗺️
Tilloo Cay Reserve
A protected area in the Abacos that serves as an important nesting site for seabirds.
Hope Town Post Office
A historic building in Hope Town that served as the communications hub for the community for a long time.
Treasure Cay Marina
A tourism marina with provisioning and berthing facilities.