Abaco is not just another pretty face in the crowd of holiday destinations. It is a very special and unique environment and lifestyle.

The most northeasterly of the Bahama Islands, the Abacos consist of the main island of Great Abaco and the smaller Island of Little Abaco, which extend roughly north to south for a distance of 120 miles. Lying offshore on the northern reaches of these Islands are the cays covering a distance of about one hundred and twenty miles. On the ocean-side of the cays is the world's third largest barrier reef. The total land area of Abaco is 650 sq.mi.

The total population of Abaco is roughly 13,000 permanent residents. In addition there are approximately 2,000 homes owned by seasonal residents on Abaco and the Cays.

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 Cays" are a string of small islands running southeast to northwest for approximately 120 miles from Little Harbour in the south to Walker's Cay in the north. They are between four and six miles from the mainland. The protected body of water that is formed by these barrier islands is referred to as "The Sea of Abaco" and is known by yachtsmen to be probably the finest sailing and cruising ground in the world.

THE ABACO ISLANDS
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

The major population center 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 6,000 people. There are 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 yachtsmen from around the world. The Port of Marsh Harbour is serviced by three commercial shipping lines, two of which run weekly service from Florida, and "The Mail Boat" which runs weekly from Nassau. Marsh Harbour is 175 miles due east of Palm Beach, Florida - (1 hour, 15 minute flight), 100 miles north of Nassau (45 minute flight). By sea, Marsh Harbour is 200 miles from Palm Beach For the yachtsman, this is 20 hours running at 10 knots.

The second largest population center is the Treasure Cay area about twenty miles north of Marsh Harbour. It has a hotel and a large number of condominiums, townhouses and villas, as well as a marina which is a great favorite with sportsfishermen. Although there is no well-defined town, there are shops which sell necessities. Treasure Cay boasts an eighteen-hole golf course, the only course in Abaco. The area is fortunate to have a spectacular two and a half mile crescent shaped beach which has been formally designated as among the ten finest in the world.

The major population of the Cays is centered in the twenty-mile stretch between Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay. On these cays are four small towns, known as "settlements" - Hope Town on Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. Hope Town, Man-O-War and Guana Cay are all within five to eight miles of Marsh Harbour and form what is called "The Hub of Abaco". Green Turtle Cay is farther afield but within six miles of Treasure Cay. There is good, regular passenger ferry service between the cay settlements and the Abaco mainland.

The Settlements are charming, quaint places, each with a character all its own, and totally different from each of the others. An octogenarian retiree was recently heard to remark that a settlement reminded him of a New England fishing village when he was a boy. For the most part the settlements are kept spotlessly neat and clean, it is quite obvious that the residents take great pride in their homes and communities.

The quality of life in Abaco is unique. Unfortunately our world is becoming increasingly dangerous - crime and strife seem to be everywhere. In Abaco, due to its population and relative size, there is very little crime. Here one can feel a real and very great sense of security. The pace is easy and "laid back" - the people are warm and friendly. The proximity to Florida and the United States mainland is such that it is relatively easy and inexpensive to both travel and obtain goods which are not available locally. The juxtaposition of the Abaco mainland, the Cays and the barrier reef form the Sea of Abaco. This area provides a marvelous, safe and well protected environment to pursue the many water related activities that Abaco has to offer, making it a haven for experienced and novice yachtsmen alike - there are literally hundreds of quiet and often deserted bays, coves, creeks and anchorages to visit, relax or play in and explore. Abaco is truly unique.