Abacos & Grand Bahama

The Abacos and Grand Bahama form a northern Bahamas cruising area with protected waters in the Sea of Abaco and shallow routes across the Little Bahama Bank. Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay, and Freeport act as main service centers for visiting yachts.

The iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town is a well-known landmark, with views over the harbor and ocean from the top. The surrounding area offers sandy beaches and a small town center ashore.

The mangrove lagoon in Nunjack Cay can be navigated by dinghy at high tide, with frequent turtle and other wildlife sightings.

Pete’s Pub & Gallery in Little Harbor is a well-known stop for visiting crews, combining a laid-back beach bar with an on-site art gallery. Original metal and wood sculptures are displayed alongside paintings, souvenirs, and clothing.

This area consists largely of shallow water. Ocean cuts can develop steep seas when wind opposes current, particularly in strong trades during an outbound tide.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Great Sale Cay (West Side)	5.0 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Great Sale Cay provides good holding in sand with effective protection from east winds. Visitors enjoy the remote setting and its small beaches, perfect for dinghy trips and sunset fires.
	Lynyard Cay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Lynyard Cay is characterized by favorable conditions with excellent protection from easterlies. Reviews recommend finding sandy patches for optimal anchor holding and highlight the beautiful, often empty beach nearby as a key feature.
	Nunjack Cay North Bay	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring here provides strong holding even during storms, making it a reliable stop. Many enjoy activities such as feeding rays and sharks, snorkeling, and exploring nearby beaches. It's favored for its protective qualities, though it's less sheltered from north or northwest winds.
	Hope Town Lighthouse	4.8 ★	Review summary: Sheltered from east winds, this anchorage provides easy access to Hope Town Harbour with good holding conditions. Despite the beauty and convenience, visitors should anticipate some roll from motor boats.
	Boat Harbour Anchorage	4.8 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Boat Harbour Anchorage provides good holding in clean sand, particularly in regions around the marina. Many visitors find it a reliable refuge from shifting winds overnight. Ferry wakes are a noted issue; however, they follow a schedule which minimizes disturbance.
	Great Sale Cay	4.7 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Great Sale Cay is common, with positive feedback on the shelter provided, especially from northern winds. The anchorage offers ample room for numerous boats and reliable holding. It's particularly favored for staging trips to other areas in the Abacos.
	Ginn sur Mer	4.6 ★	Review summary: Anchoring at Ginn Sur Mer offers excellent holding in a calm, protected setting suitable for multiple boats. Wind protection is commendable, although no-see-ums can be problematic when winds are light. Nautical entrance must be carefully navigated to avoid shallow reefs near the channel.
	Treasure Cay Anchorage	4.6 ★	Review summary: Treasure Cay Anchorage offers reliable anchoring with good holding conditions, even during strong winds. There are multiple mooring options available; some may have maintenance issues. Visitors enjoy easy access to the shore, while being wary of potential concrete block hazards when anchoring.
	Nunjack Cay Anchorage	4.6 ★	Review summary: Accessing Nunjack Cay Anchorage provides great shelter from east to northwest winds with good holding on a sandy bottom. Visitors often enjoy exploring the surrounding mangroves via dinghy, encountering turtles and a variety of marine life frequently seen in the tranquil surroundings.
	Fox Town	4.5 ★	Review summary: Anchoring in Fox Town offers good protection from southerly winds. Visitors appreciate the ease of access to shore and find local amenities like grocery stores to be welcoming. The anchorage provides reliable holding, making it a favorable choice for comfortable stays.

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Marinas

	Conch Inn and Marina	5.0 ★	Review summary: Conch Inn and Marina in Marsh Harbour is frequently noted for its modern and well-maintained docks, providing a safe and convenient hub for cruisers. The attentive staff, including Dockmaster Eric, enhance the experience by ensuring smooth operations and assisting with various needs.
	Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort	5.0 ★	Review summary: Approaching Ocean Reef Yacht Club & Resort is manageable even with deeper drafts, although the entrance channel is tight. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained pools and the on-site restaurant. It is a secure location, providing rental cars and convenient access to provisions.
	Donny‘s Marina & Mooring	5.0 ★	Review summary: Visitors experience good protection from strong winds when staying on moorings at Donny's Marina. Donny is known for his hospitality and provides clean facilities. The marina offers convenient access to local services with a manageable walk into town.
	Xquisite Catamaran Center	5.0 ★	Review summary: Staying at Xquisite Catamaran Center offers visitors the advantage of comprehensive services, including customs check-in on arrival. The marina features floating docks. Additionally, the channel may require navigation during high tide due to shallow depths.
	Grand Bahama Yacht Club	4.8 ★	Review summary: Staying at Grand Bahama Yacht Club is characterized by friendly service and well-maintained facilities. The marina offers fixed concrete docks and competitive pricing. Many visitors highlight the helpful staff and the pleasant atmosphere, which includes a restaurant, bar, and pool area.

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Moorings

	Green Turtle Cay Moorings	5.0 ★	Review summary: Mooring balls at Green Turtle Cay are available at $25 to $30 per night, depending on the service provider. Facilities include easy access to Green Turtle Club Resort, a coffee shop, and excellent restaurants. Visitors can enjoy feeding stingrays and turtles on Coco Bay.
	Eastern Harbor Mooring Field	4.8 ★	Review summary: Eastern Harbor Mooring Field offers well-maintained moorings with dual-pendant systems for easy docking. It is located in a quiet, residential area, fully protected from weather. Many visitors noted seeing sea turtles in the clear waters and appreciated the proximity to local amenities.
	Hope Town Mooring Buoys	4.1 ★	Review summary: Hope Town Mooring Buoys provide a well-protected harbor with easy access, making it an attractive destination for mariners. Several Reviews highlight the availability of multiple services ashore. Visitors often encounter a busy harbor environment with various watercraft passing through.

Boatyards and services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on feedback from the noforeignland community:

Chandlers

No image	Lighthouse Marina Shop	5.0 ★	Review summary: Lighthouse Marina Shop offers mechanical services, including outboard motor repairs. A mechanic diagnosed and fixed a dinghy motor issue, charging only for the replacement part. No further experiential or additional data is available from the reviews.
	National Marine	4.3 ★	Review summary: National Marine, a chandler, provides outboard motor options including spares and accessories, as well as boat, fishing, and snorkeling supplies. Availability of products such as Mercury outboards and fishing lures is noted. Visitors find the staff helpful and the pricing reasonable.

This table summarizes first-hand reviews from sailors who have checked in to this part of Bahamas.

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