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"A great High Adventure program! Professionally conducted, outstanding instruction in sailing, and FUN! Our Scouts had an unforgettable week, and they want to go again. Planning and scheduling was easy, we customized our own program, and the staff was terrific in their support both during our planning and throughout our stay!" Earl Richardson, Committee member, Troop 610, Valrico, Fl.
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Our Sailing Area Discover the sights and sounds of the Caribbean and its natural and cultural beauty by sailing around the Sea Of Abaco with Sail School Bahamas! At the same time as learning to sail, you will have the chance to visit some of the most memorable and picturesque islands in the Northern Bahamas. The entire sailing area lies within the protection of the third largest reef in the Northern Hemisphere where some of the best Scuba Diving in the world can be experienced and where the range and diversity of aquatic life is simply spectacular. Behind the reef lies a chain of barrier islands (also known as 'cays'), each with its own stunning white beaches, swaying palm trees and unique charm. The majority of cays are uninhabited so there are plenty of remote and deserted areas to explore. However, there are also numerous settlements in the area that are well worth visiting during your trip. You can plan you itinerary with your Captain each day and as long as weather and tides permit, you can fit most of the following locations into your journey throughout the Sea of Abaco!
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Marsh Harbour, Great Abaco Island Marsh Harbour is the main settlement in the Abacos and it is located centrally on the eastern side of Great Abaco Island. This is where the main airport is situated and where your sailing adventure program will begin and end. |
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Being
the third largest town in the Bahamas after Nassau and Freeport, Marsh
Harbour is the liveliest settlement in the Abacos and definitely the boating
capital of the Northern Bahamas. There are several marinas in Marsh Harbour
and many sailors visit each year as it is a great place to reprovision,
get repairs done and relax in a friendly and protected anchorage. Throughout
the year there are numerous sailing regattas, Sport Fishing competitions
and local Heritage celebrations to enjoy including the famous Junkanoo
Festivals held throughout the summer months. There are many good restaurants
with a variety of menus to choose from but we highly recommend sampling
the excellent local seafood while you are here! If you have time to spare
before your return flight, Marsh Harbour is great for finding last minute
gifts, local crafts and souvenirs.
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Hope Town Hope Town on Elbow Cay is home to the famous candy striped lighthouse and is one of the most picturesque settlements in the Bahamas.
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The first inhabitants of Hope Town were British Loyalists who fled North America after the Revolution in the 1700's and even today there are only 300 permanent residents. There are no cars allowed in the town center making it a peaceful and safe place to wander round the quaint shops and historic homes. The Wyannie Malone Museum located in the center of town is definitely worth a visit and is a great source of local information and history. |
There is so much to do on Elbow Cay that you will probably want to return here year after year. One of the most popular activities is climbing the Elbow Cay Reef Lighthouse for a unique and spectacular view of the Sea of Abaco and the Atlantic Ocean. There are two beautiful beaches lying to the North and East of the settlement offering great beachcombing and superb snorkeling and for the more adventurous, you can arrange bicycle hire and explore the island in grand style. If you prefer you may just want to stroll along the sandy beaches and spend some time relaxing by the pool at the Hope Town Harbour Lodge. Hope Town is also a renowned surfing area throughout the winter and summer seasons.
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Man-O-War Cay Man-O-War Cay is a very peaceful and self-contained little island where the only acceptable means of transportation is by Golf Cart! A magnificent white, sandy beach lies on the Atlantic side of the island where you can swim, snorkel and beachcomb to your heart's content. There are several small restaurants and gift shops including the famous Albury Sail Shop where you can see a wide variety of canvas products being made.
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Man-O-War Cay (named after the bird) is renowned for shipbuilding. One of the most popular places to visit is Joe's Studio where you can see scale models of traditional wooden Bahamian sailing dinghies being built. Along the shoreline you will see that some boats are still handmade (without plans) in a tradition that has been passed down through the centuries. Wander about this friendly village and witness people busy at work - visitors can be spotted a mile off and locals are usually keen to stop and chat! |
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Great Guana Cay Great Guana Cay is the longest of the Abaco Cays and is famous for its stunning ocean beaches and the colorful reef that extends the entire length of the island. This is one of the most popular destinations for our crews and with the awesome barrier reef just offshore, this island offers unparalleled Scuba Diving and snorkeling opportunities.
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In recent years Guana has become an increasingly popular tourist spot. Visitors usually head straight for the world famous Nippers Beach Bar and Grill where breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and beach below come at no extra charge. This is a perfect place for you to swim, snorkel, picnic, relax and take in the beauty of the island. |
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Many crews choose to anchor or take a mooring in the protected Fisher's Bay before going ashore to explore the island. Fisher's Bay is home to a number of magnificent Eagle rays and Green Turtles so it is well worth snorkeling in the bay as you will always see something interesting.
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Green Turtle Cay Lying approximately 18nm north of Marsh Harbour, Green Turtle Cay is another charming small island and well worth a visit if time and weather permit.
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Founded in the late 1700s, the historical and colorful town of New Plymouth is the only settlement on the island. There is a strong community spirit here and locals are extremely proud of their loyalist heritage and African roots. As with most of the cays, there are regular cultural festivities and events taking place throughout the spring and summer seasons. Make your visit to Green Turtle more memorable by hiking one of the nature trails across the island to visit the stunning Atlantic side - you won't be disappointed. |
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Spectacular views, a museum and art gallery and the Bronze Sculpture Garden, make it a destination to rival any. There are several different anchorages to choose from so it's up to you to decide where you would like to watch the sunset!
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Treasure Cay The focal point of Treasure Cay is its breathtaking 3.5-mile, crescent shaped beach of powdery white sand - it simply has to be seen to be believed. The Treasure Cay beach has been classed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by National Geographic!
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Treasure Cay is home to the second largest airport on Great Abaco Island and is a major hub for Sport Fishing. It started as a hotel and marina development some years ago and has grown into a first class vacation resort with many facilities and activities within easy reach. Treasure Cay is also home to the Wild Horses of Abaco. These rare wild horses have been DNA tested and were found to be related to Spanish Barbary ponies or Paso Finos and were probably shipwrecked here sometime after Christopher Columbus discovered the New World. Only 8 of these beautiful horses remain today, they roam free in a specially built preserve just outside Treasure Cay settlement. Tours may be arranged in advance specifically for your group. |
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The anchorage at Treasure Cay offers excellent protection for sailboats in all weather conditions and is a safe place to spend the night if the weather is unsettled. The Treasure Cay Marina has a nice swimming pool as well as many other facilities, including hot showers!
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Lubbers Quarters and Tahiti Beach Tahiti Beach, at the south end of Elbow Cay, is a favorite local spot and is perfect for picnics, swimming and snorkeling. Swimmers can wade out a good distance from the beach on an extensive sand bar and play water games or just relax in the shallow, warm waters. Snorkeling around the rocks is a great activity, there’s always plenty to see, however, the less energetic of you can choose to relax under a palm tree and catch some shade.
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Lubbers
Quarters lies directly opposite Tahiti Beach and provides a great anchorage
in nearly all weather conditions. There is some interesting shoreline
to explore on Lubbers Quarters, especially at low tide but water shoes
are definitely required. Keep your eyes open for the elusive and endangered
Abaco Parrot, which can be seen at various locations throughout South
Abaco.
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Fowl Cay Preserve and Sandy Cay For snorkeling in the Abacos, these two destinations are simply unbeatable!
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Fowl Cay Preserve is a national underwater sea-park and lies just north of Man-O-War Cay. Your Captain will navigate the short passage through the reef to the main snorkeling area within the sea-park where you will snorkel around several enormous coral heads. There is such a mesmerizing abundance of aquatic life that you will have to drag yourself back onboard when your snorkeling time is up. Sandy Cay lies within the Pelican Cays sea-park and is yet another unique snorkeling site. Your Captain will be able to provide a tantalizing description of the wall where the reef drops off and if you are lucky enough to fit this visit in, he or she will accompany you to this awesome location. The reef is teeming with marine life and is considered one of the best locations in the Abacos to spot the magnificent Eagle ray! |
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The Sailing Area This is a map showing our sailing area, for an interactive satellite view click the link below. http://www.abacomapbahamas.com/gmaps/abaco-gmap-fullsize.htm |
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