From world-class boating, beaching and water sports to historic museums, colourful festivals and fascinating sites of interest, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Abaco.
BOATING AND WATER SPORTS
The waters around Abaco are some of the most beautiful in the Bahamas – maybe in the world, so it’s not surprising that it’s a popular destination for sailors and cruisers. Regardless of your boating experience or skill level, there’s much fun to be had on or near the water.
Here are some links to get you started:
BEACHES
Down the eastern coast of Abaco and along the shores of the Abaco Cays stretch miles of gorgeous beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls, beach combing, snorkeling or sunbathing. Whether you prefer wild and windswept or sandy and serene, you’ll find the beach of your dreams here. And more often than not, you’ll have it all to yourself.
TOURS, ATTRACTIONS & SITES OF INTEREST
From sunset tours to wildlife adventures, to museums and the iconic and historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse, there’s plenty to see, do and explore in Abaco. A handful of venues offer live music events – keep an eye out for posted announcements to find out who’s playing, where and when.
ANNUAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
Though Hurricane Dorian and Covid-19 have caused the cancellation and postponement of many Abaco events, here’s a list of some of the usual annual events.
New Year’s Junkanoo – As it has done for more than a century, Green Turtle Cay rings in the New Year with a colourful and cacophonous Junkanoo parade that winds through New Plymouth to the ancient rhythms of whistles, cowbells and goatskin drums.
Art for the Parks is a weekend festival in Marsh Harbour, which benefits Abaco’s six national parks, and showcases the creations and crafts of dozens of Bahamian artists and artisans.
Love Rush Weekend – An entire weekend of Junkanoo in Marsh Harbour, featuring junior and senior Junkanoo competitions. Love Rush 2020 was cancelled due to the effects of Hurricane Dorian, but we hope these colourful and lively weekends will resume in years to come.
Songwriters in Paradise (SIP) Hope Town – a week-long festival in mid-February, featuring world-class songwriters performing at a number of different venues.
Bahamas Cancer Society (Abaco Branch) Art Show – an annual show featuring Bahamian artists and a silent auction, benefitting the Abaco branch of the Bahamas Cancer Society.
Friends of the Environment Reef Ball – An evening’s worth of fun and fundraising, in recognition of those who protect and sustain our local environment.
Island Roots Heritage Festival – Commemorating the shared island roots between Abaco and Key West, this weekend-long event, which takes place the first weekend in May on Green Turtle Cay, allows Abaconians to reconnect with family from the U.S., Canada and beyond and introduces visitors to Abaco’s music, art, culture and cuisine.
Sandy Point Homecoming and Conchfest – During the first weekend in June, Sandy Point’s Development Association sponsors this event which showcases traditional cultural activities, including music, cuisine, games and a church service.
Sojer Day – Every second year, Man-O-War residents celebrate their boat-building heritage with Sojer Day, which features musical performances, local cuisine, exhibits of historic artifacts and a activities for the entire family.
Regatta Time in Abaco – A week-long event with daily races and award ceremonies held at Marsh Harbour, Treasure Cay and the Abaco cays.
Cheeseburger in Paradise – This “beach party with a purpose” is held on Fiddle Cay each July, with proceeds benefitting a variety of Green Turtle Cay community organizations, as well as the Amy Roberts Primary School. The 2021 event has been scheduled for July 8, 2021. Follow their Facebook page for latest updates.
Guy Fawkes Night – Green Turtle Cay celebrates its British heritage with a variety of fun fall activities, culminating in the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies.
Big Hill Box Cart Derby – This November event showcases carts designed and created by local residents and businesses, competing in junior and senior divisions.
Green Turtle Cay Festival of Lights – From Thanksgiving to New Years, the settlement of New Plymouth is alight with vivid holiday displays on homes, lamp posts, docks and public spaces. A schedule of events includes a family fun night, a golf cart parade and Santa’s arrival.
Abaco Christmas Festival – Kicking off the holiday season on the first Saturday in December, this Marsh Harbour event features an arts & crafts bazaar, food court, musical performances and a Junkanoo parade.
Hope Town’s Christmas Village transforms Taylor Park into a winter wonderland. Events during this weekend-long festival include tree lighting ceremonies, a Christmas market, ice skating under the stars, Christmas Junkanoo and an appearance by Santa.