2. ABACO TRAVEL GUIDE
Travel Tips and Information 2016
Table of Contents
1. Must Do…………………………………………………………….3
2. Cay Hopping ………………………………………………….…...5
3. Must Eat…………………………………………………………….7
4. Best Nightlife……………………—……………………………….9
5. Restaurant Guide…………………………………………………11
6. Nightlife Guide ……………………………………………………15
7. Things to Do Guide……………………………………………….17
8. Shopping Guide…………………………………………………..20
9. Hotel Guide………………………………………………………..21
10.Transportation……………………………………………………22
Page 1
Would you like copies of this city guide or guides for different
destinations for your FBO or Flight Department?
If so check out www.knifeedgeaviation.org.
3. Please note that the information in this guide may no longer be
accurate due to the ever changing travel environment.
Establishments may close, times and prices may change. Please
call the establishments that you plan to go to so that you can get
accurate and up to date information.
4. Must Do
Visitors should not miss the chance to view some of the most magnificent
and vibrant ocean reefs in the world while traveling in the Bahamas.
Travelers should definitely book a day trip to go snorkeling or scuba
diving to explore these beautiful reefs. Instead of booking a tour,
tourists can even rent a boat to explore the ocean themselves. In some
locations like Ocean Beach in Green Turtle Cay, visitors will find the reef a
short swim from the beach. No boat required. Great locations for snorkel-
ing and scuba diving include Fowl Cay National Park, No Name Cay, Peli-
can Cay Land and Sea Park and Whale Cay.
One of the best places in the world to go bonefishing is in the Abacos. For
visitors who are not experts in bonefishing, hiring a guide is a great idea.
Another must do activity is to rent a boat which are very reasonably priced
here and go cay hopping. Explore places like Green Turtle Cay, Great
Guana Cay. Elbow Cay, Lubber Quarters Cay, Man a War Cay or one of
the many uninhabited cays nearby the main island. On Sunday’s,
vacationers should find their way over to Great Guana Cay for Nippon’s
Bar and Grill’s weekly pig roast that are held in the afternoon every
week.
There are many great beaches in the Abacos that need to be discovered
as well. Each island has many beaches that can lead to fun in the sun.
Some beaches are great for sunbathing and swimming while others are
great for snorkeling with reefs just off the shore. One beach not to be
missed is Treasure Beach which has been voted one of the best beaches
in the world many times over.
Treasure Beach
This awe-inspiring beach has been
named one of the best beaches in
the world by numerous
publications and surveys.
Here you will find clear blue water
and pristine sandy beaches that is
outstanding for sunbathing and
swimming.
Treasure Beach is located in
Treasure Cay on Great Abacos
Island and is about a 45 minute
drive north of Marsh Harbour.
There is even an airport in
Treasure Cay visitors staying in
Treasure Cay, can fly to Treasure
Cay Airport for a short cab ride
to your hotel.
There are two wonderful hotels in
Treasure Cay. These are Treasure
Cay Marina and Golf Resort and
the Bahama Beach Club.
There is a beach bar called Coco
Beach Bar and Grill for travelers
in need of some refreshments
while soaking in the rays.
Visitors will find amazing
restaurants as well including Café
La Florence, Treasure Sands
Club and Touch of Class
Restaurant and Bar.
Great Reefs for Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
Page 3
5. Green Turtle
Cay
One island to either stay
at or explore is Green
Turtle Cay. Visitors
should rent a golf cart
here for transportation.
The easiest way to the
island is by the ferry that
leaves out of Treasure
Cay.
The main town is New
Plymouth and is where
many of the island’s
restaurants and quaint
gift shops are found. The
first stop in New Plym-
outh should be Mrs.
Emily’s for a Original
Goombay Smash. Other
places for food include
2 Shorty’s Takeaway,
Harvey’s and
Pineapples to name just
a few options.
After exploring New
Plymouth, head out on
your golf cart and check
out some of the beaches
on the island. First is
Gillian’s Beach which is
a long beach that is great
for sunbathing and
swimming with calmer
waters. Another beach
that is great for
sunbathing and
swimming is Coco Bay
Beach which is near
Green Turtle Club.
Ocean Beach on the
Atlantic side normally has
bigger waves and more
debris on the beaches but
there is a reef just off the
beach that is great for
snorkeling.
Green Turtle Cay
Vacationers can also explore nature as well. On the south side of Great Abaco
Island is Abaco National Park where visitors can wander around and explore
nature in this 500 acre park. Birding is a great option with many different types of
birds located here as well as other types of wildlife. The most notable is the Baha-
ma Parrot. Visitors can even get a guided nature tour through Lucayan Nature
Tours .
In addition to Abaco National Park, Great Abaco Island have many blue holes
which are deep water holes that include underwater caverns. These are great for
scuba diving but you may want to check out their blue waters and maybe even do
a little snorkeling as well. The two main ones are Treasure Cay Blue Hole and
Sawmill Sink Blue Hole.
Other options for fun include renting a paddle board, kayak or even a wind surfer
to explore the shores around the various islands. It is a great way to check out
nature, learn more about the island and get some exercise as well.
For visitors wanting to learn more about the islands, head over to Man-O-Way
Cay where the main industry of this cay is boat building or head over to
Hope Town on Elbow Cay and check out the Wyannie Malone Museum to learn
about the islands heritage, pirates and rum runners. They also have information
about ship building and local wrecks in the area as well.
Page 4
6. Cay Hopping
The must thing you must do is rent a boat and go cay hopping. This is one of the
best ways to explore all of the islands and what each has to offer . Visitors will find
everything from watersports, diving, snorkeling, delicious restaurants, lively beach
bars, nature, shopping and sightseeing.
First vacationers can snorkel or dive at some of the most beautiful reefs in the
world. The first stop should be Pelican Cay Land and Sea Park which is a wonder-
ful place to dive with a great reef. This area is located 8 miles north of the
Cherokee Sound. Divers will find many caves to explore in addition to the reefs
plus many different types wild life in the area. The best reef in the area is Sandy
Cay Reef located near Sandy Cay.
After Pelican Cay, head to Fowl Cay National Park located between Scotland and
Man-a-War Cay. This area is also a very popular with divers, boaters and
snorkelers. This area contains another beautiful reef so it should not be missed.
There are also good snorkeling and diving locations near No Name Cay and
Whale Cay.
Spend some time exploring many of the cays that are uninhabited as well. Pack
your coolers with lunch and drinks, grab the beach toys and floats, and find a nice
secluded beach to have a delicious picnic and some fun.
Renting a boat will give visitors the chance to explore all of the cays nearby which
have so much to offer including great restaurants, bars, beaches and shopping.
Definitely check out Green Turtle Cay, Elbow Cay where the town of Hope Town
is located, Great Guana Cay or Man-O-War Cay.
Besides Hope Town, there are some nice beaches on Elbow Cay including White
Sound Beach, Tahiti Beach and Garbanzo Beach. Tahiti Beach is a small beach
that is great for sun and fun as well as the other beaches.
Another stop should be Great Guana Cay where the famous beach bar Nippers is
located.
Man-O-War Cay is a dry island with no alcohol. The main industry is boat
building. This cay is still worth a stop to explore this quaint and quiet cay.
Hope Town
During cay hopping, a great place
to stop is Hope Town on Elbow
Cay. Here you will find some
wonderful restaurants and
shopping.
For dining options, head over to
the Harbour’s Edge for some
tasty food and drinks. Just
remember they are not open on
Tuesdays.
First start out with one of their
signature cocktails called Over the
Edge. Just do not have to many or
you may be over the edge. Then
try some of their conch entrees or
other seafood options for lunch.
For visitors staying on the island,
they also have many different
events on certain days of the week
like Pizza Night on Sundays.
After a good meal, head across
the street to Hope Town Canvas to
get some amazing deals on can-
vas bags.
Another shopping stop should be
Epps Tide for clothes and gifts
for a night out or for those that
may have been left at home.
Cay Hopping to Green Turtle Cay
Page 5
7.
8. Must Eat
Marsh Harbour has some delightful restaurants although some can be a little
pricey. The first stop on any culinary tour is Curly Tails which is located in the
Conch Inn and serves traditional Bahamian food. Next give the Jib Room a try
which is nice restaurant with a waterfront view. A couple of other options include
Snappas and Wallys.
In Treasure Cay head to Café La Florence for breakfast and try one of there
cinnamon rolls. They also serve great Bahamian lunches but get there early
before they sell out and visitors can even order dinners to go which can be picked
up and brought back to the rental house or hotel. Looking for a nice meal with
some great wine? If so head to Treasure Sands Club for dinner. Another
outstanding option for dinner is Touch of Class which serves great Bahamian food
and seafood plus they will pick up hungry vacationers from the Treasure Cay
Marina.
Pete’s Pub which is located down a dirt road in Little Harbour is a little out
of the way but well worth the trip. This is a beach bar and grill in a quaint cove
and is a popular destination.
In Green Turtle Cay, there are many options for eating. One place to go for lunch
is 2 Shorty’s Takeaway and indulge in some delicious cracked conch and
other seafood favorites. Another great place for lunch or dinner is Pineapple’s Bar
and Grill. They have some of the best conch fritters around. Also it is a great
place to watch the sunset. For visitors staying on the island, try the Breakfast
Sandwich at Plymouth Rock Liquors although you will have to wait until 9 AM
when they open.
Also do not forget Habours Edge in Hope Town or Nippers in Great Guana Cay for
some good food and fun.
Conch
Fritters
Conch fritters are bread, batter
and conch which are formed into a
ball and then deep fried for
delicious culinary delights.
Some of the best conch fritters and
found at Pineapples Bar and Grill.
These are full of conch with just a
little bit of kick.
Enjoy them with a cold beer while
sitting by the pool overlooking the
bay.
Conch Fritters
Fish Sandwich at Pineapples Bar and Grill in Green Turtle Cay
Page 7
9.
10. Best Nightlife
For visitors that go island hopping, then one stop should be Green Turtle
Cay. In the little town of Plymouth Rock, at the south end of the island, is
a place called Mrs. Emily’s where the Goombay Smash was created.
This cocktail is fournd throughout the Bahamas but although often
duplicated, the original recipe is top secret and definitely more delicious
than the copy cats.
For vacationers that plan to explore the island of Green Turtle Cay, a trip
to the Green Turtle Club and their Dollar Bar for a Tipsy Turtle is well
worth the trip. Enjoy this sweet and delicious cocktail with friends while
relaxing in the ambiance of this quaint bar with dollar bills pasted all over
the walls. Pineapples Bar and Grill is also a good place to grab a drink
and relax by the pool. This is a great place for sunsets as well. It can get
pretty busy here though at times.
For those that make a stop in Hope Town, head to Harbour’s Edge for
their signature cocktail called Over the Edge.
Another must go to beach bar is Nippers on Great Guana Cay. They have
2 pools and are located right on the beach. They have live music on some
nights and do not miss their pig roast on Sunday afternoons.
Tipsy Turtle
One of the most common drinks
that is found in the Abacos is the
Goombay Smash. However
another signature drink that is
sweet and delicious like the
Goombay Smashe is the Tispy
Turtle found at the Dollar Bar in
Green Turtle Cay.
Tipsy Turtle
Dollar Bar at Green Turtle Club on Green Turtle Cay
Page 9
11.
12. Restaurant Guide
Abacos has some very delicious local dishes that will indulge your taste
buds. Of course visitors will find the Bahamian standards of Conch Frit-
ters, cracked conch, conch salad, grouper fingers but they should also try
some of the other local delicacies as well.
One local favorite is Chicken Souse. This dish is basically a Bahamian
Chicken Soup. For those that like it spicy a common addition is a dash of
hot sauce. It is normally served with grits or a Johnny cake. Try this dish
at Harbour’s Edge in Hope Town on Sunday Mornings.
Another Bahamian dish to try are Johnny Cakes. Johnny cakes are
actually more of a bread than a cake. They are usually served warm with
butter or jelly. They go very well with Chicken Souse.
Peas n Rice is a very popular Bahamian side dish. This dish is made
with Pigeon Peas and rice along with some spices. It is served alongside
any main dish.
Lobster which is nothing like Maine Lobster although maybe just as
popular especially in the Caribbean and Florida. There are many ways to
enjoy this delicacy when it is in season. It can be fried or grilled. It can be
used on sandwiches, in salads or soups. It can even be used in breakfast
dishes in addition to lunch and dinner. Definitely a dish to try if it is in
season.
Restaurant
2 Shorty’s Takeaway is a great
place to get lunch in Green Turtle
Cay. The Cracked Conch is very
delicious and is probably the dish
to get.
However there are many other
delicious items as well to eat .
Conch fritters are cheap and
delish. You can also get a
Bahamian side of Peas and Rice
which is also very tasty.
In addition to seafood, they have
basic take out food as well. So if
you are craving a piece of pizza, a
burger, chicken sandwich or even
a steak sandwich then you can
take care of that craving at 2
Shorty’s
Cracked Conch at 2 Shorty’s Green
Turtle
Conch Burger at Pineapples Green Turtle Cay
Page 11
13. Curly Tails Restaurant
Conch Inn
242-367-4444
The Jib Room -
Johnny Cake Ln
+1 242-367-2700
Show Boo's Conch Salad Stand
Bay St
Between Conch Inn and Harbour
Snappa's Restaurant
Bay St
+1 242-367-2278
Wally's
Bay St
+1 242-367-2074
Restaurant Listings
Caribbean
Marsh Harbor
Treasure Cay
Caribbean
Bahama Beach Club
Treasure Cay Drive
+1 242-365-8500
Touch of Class
S.C.Bootle Hwy
Treasure Sands Club
North Shore
+1 242-365-9385
Great Abaco
Little Harbor
Caribbean
Pete’s Pub
Little Harbor
Green Turtle Cay
Asian
Laure's Kitchen Asian Food
4 Crown St
New Plymouth
Page 12
14. Green Turtle Cay
2 Shorty’s Takeaway
Crown St
(242) 365-4342
Ballyhoo’s Bar and Grill
Bluffhouse
242-365-4247
Green Turtle Club and Marina
North End of White Sound
1 242-365-4271
Harvey’s
Bay Street
McIntosh’s
Main St
242-365-4625
Pineapples Bar and Grill
Brooklyn Road
242-365-4226
The Wrecking Tree
Bay Street
242-365-4263
Caribbean
Hopetown
Abaco Inn
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
+1 242-366-0133
The Boat House
Sea Spray Resort and Marina
White Sound
(242) 366-0065
Harbour’s Edge
Front Street
+1 242-366-0087
Closed Tuesdays
Hope Town Coffee House
Lovers Lane and Front Street
242-366-0760
Hope Town Inn and Marina
Restaurant and Bar
+1 242-366-0003
On Da Beach
Off Old White Sound Road
Near Turtle Hill Vacation Villas
Pappa Nasty’s BBQ
White Sound
+1 242-359-6991
Page 13
15.
16. Nightlife Guide
Although not really a party destination, there are many different bars around the island. Many of these bars
are beach bars right on the beach for your beach drinking pleasure. Visitors will also find some great bar
food at many of these establishments as well. In addition to the traditional Goombay Smashes, many of
these establishments have their own signature drinks as well. Most of the bars are beach bars but some
have live music at night.
Also please be responsible and do not drink and drive or drink and boat. Always use a designated
driver.
Mrs. Emily’s
Page 15
17. Coco Beach Bar and Grill
Treasure Cay Resort and Marina
(242) 365-8470
Tipsy Seagull
Treasure Cay Resort and Marina
(242) 365-8470
Nightlife Listings
Bars/Pubs
Great Abaco Island
Treasure Cay
Other Cays
Great Guana Cay
Grabbers
Near Front Street
+1 242-365-5133
Kidd’s Cove Seafood Bar and Grill
Front Street
+1 242-475-3701
Nippers
+1 242-365-5111
Green Turtle Cay
Mrs Emily's Blue Bee Bar
Victoria St.
New Plymouth
Sundowner's
Charles St.
(242) 365-4060
Tranquil Turtle
Beach Bar at the Bluffhouse
242-365-4247
Hope Town
Capt N Jacks
Off Queen's Hwy Near Russell's
Lane
Garbonzo Reef Bar and The Helm
Sea Spray Resort and Marina
White Sound
Wine Down and Sip Sip
Queen's Hwy
+1 242-366-0399
Page 16
Lubbock Quarter Cay
Cracker's
# 16 Lubbers Quarters Cay
+1 242-577-3139
18. Things to Do Guide
Here is a list of many of the different things to do while traveling in the Abacos including may beautiful
beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, fishing, water sports and more. There is also some great shop-
ping on the islands as well.
Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
Page 17
Attractions
Marsh Harbour
Blue Wave Boat Rental
Bay St
+1 242-367-3910
Dive Abaco
Snorkeling/Diving
(800) 247-5338
19. Treasure Cay
Boat Rentals
Treasure Cay Marina and Resort -
Treasure Cay Road
(800) 327-1584
Golf
Treasure Cay Marina and Resort -
Treasure Cay Road
(800) 327-1584
Kayak or Paddle Boards
Treasure Cay Marina and Resort -
Treasure Cay Road
(800) 327-1584
Museums
Wyannie Malone Museum
Queen's Hwy
Hope Town
+1 242-366-0293
Hummingbird Art Centre
Hope Town
242-554-9627
Parks
Abaco National Park
South End of Great Abaco Island
+1 242-393-1317
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park
Snorkeling/Diving
Eight Miles North of Cherokee Sound
Tilloo Cay National Reserve
Tilly Cay
Tours
Brendal’s Dive Center
Snorkeling and Diving
Green Turtle Cay
+1 242-365-4411
Froggie's Out Island Adventures
Snorkeling and Diving
Hopetown
242-366-0431
Lucayan Nature Tours
Great Abaco
(242) 367-2749
Page 18
Hope Town
Froggies Out Island Adventures
Scuba and Snorkeling
242-366-0431
Email: divefroggiesabaco@hotmail.com
Hope Town Light House
Only accessible by boat
A Salt Weapons Charters
Fishing
(242) 366-0245
20. Beaches
On Great Abaco Island
Treasure Cay Beach - Sunrise - One of the best beaches in the world -
Sandy Point Beach - Shelling - South End of Great Abaco Island -
Windward Point - End of Treasure Cay
Other Cays
Elbow Cay - Off of East 0f Marsh Harbor - Island where Hopetown is Located - White Sound Beach - Garbanzo Beach and
Tahiti Beach
Fiddle Cay - Shelling and Starfish - Several Beaches - On July 3rd - Largest Beach Party is Here - Just North of Green
Turtle Cay
Fowl Cay National Park - Snorkeling - In between Scotland Cay and Man a War Cay
Green Turtle Cay - Pristine Beaches and Snorkeling
Great Guana Cay -
Man O War Cay - Off the East side of the main island
Manjack Cay - North of Green Turtle Cay
No Name Cay - Snorkeling - Just South of Green Turtle Cay
Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park - Snorkeling and Diving - Underwater Caves and Reefs - Just South of Marsh Harbour -
Shell Island - Man made - Lots of shells and hermit crabs - Just to west of Great Guana Cay -
Whale Cay - Snorkeling - Off the east side of Treasure Cay
Page 19
Shopping
Clothes
Hope Town
Eddys Tide
Boutique/Gifts
+1 242-366-0088
Harbours Edge Canvas Shop
Front Street
+1 242-366-0087
Firefly Boutique
Firefly Resort
+1 242-366-0145
21. Food and Grocery
Marsh Harbour
Maxwell's
Stratton Dr,
+1 242-367-7283
Green Turtle Cay
Sid’s Food Store
Parliament St.
New Plymouth
Lowes Food Store
Parliament St.
New Plymouth
Hope Town
Vernon's Grocery
Page 20
Gift Shops
Hope Town
Da Crazy Crab
+1 242-366-0537
Iggy Biggy's
242-366-0354
Light House Marina
+1 242-366-0154
Sun Dried T's
Surf Shop
1 242-366-0616
Marsh Harbour
Iggy Biggy's
242-367-3596
22. Hotel Guide
Pool at Green Turtle Club
Green Turtle Cay
Treasure Cay
Bahama Beach Club Resort
100 Treasure Cay Road
Normans Castle
+1 242-365-8500
Treasure Cay Beach
Marina & Golf Resort
Treasure Cay Road
(800) 327-1584
Green Turtle Cay
Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina
(242)365-4247
U.S.A. Toll-Free (954)284-7341
Green Turtle Club
+1 242-365-4271
Hope Town
Abaco Inn
+1 242-366-0133
(800) 468-8799
Firefly Sunset Resort
1 242-366-0145
Hope Town Harbour Lodge
Queen Street
+1-242-366-0095
Hope Town Inn and Marina
+1 242-366-0003
office@hopetownmarina.com
Sea Spray Resort and Marina
White Sound, Elbow Cay
242) 366-0065 or (717) 200-1359
(US) Email: info@seasprayresort.com
Page 21
24. Page 21
Ferry Service
Green Turtle Cay Ferry—Leaves from Treasure Cay—Serves Green Turtle Cay and Treasure Cay
Albury's Ferry Service - Serves—Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War Cay, Hope Town, Great Guana Cay, and Scotland Cay
Travel Supplies
Do not forget to pack your travel supplies to ensure the perfect vacation.
Foldable Cooler
This type of cooler is perfect to pack for your trip. It folds down
to a small size so it will not take up a lot of room in your
suitcase.
Unpack it and then add some cold drinks to quench your thirst
will exploring the island or hanging out at the beach or maybe
add some sandwiches as well for the perfect picnic. Fits great
on the back of the golf cart so you lunch is easy to transport.
Get it here—http://amzn.to/29RH97x
Underwater Camera
If you plan on snorkeling or scuba diving, do not forget your
underwater camera to capture all those underwater memories.
This camera takes amazing photos and videos and is very easy
to use.
Cheap underwater cameras will only give you a limited amount
of shots due to using film. This camera is a digital camera so
you can take as many pictures as you want.
Get yours right here— http://amzn.to/2a7jNw6
Beach Blanket
One must have item is a beach blanket whether it is for the
beach or maybe a picnic at the park. A beach blank will help to
keep the sand and dirt away and will add comfort to your outing.
Beach blankets are very compact when folded so it will not take
up very much room in your suitcase and is very versatile with
many different potential functions while traveling
Get yours here—http://amzn.to/29RREDo
Note: By purchasing through these links, our company will make a commission from the sale.
26. Other Resources
Get more great travel tips at http://www.placestogoonholiday.org
Would you like a copy of this publication for your aircraft, flight
department or FBO? Get it now at www.knifeedgeaviation.org
Bringing You The World!
Page 23