The Abaco Islands are a lot more upscale and built up from the other Bahama Islands we have been to. Such a huge variety in styles of homes. It seems to be a playground for the US, the reappearance of charter boats and lots of motor boats of various sizes buzzing about.
Abaco was settled by British loyalists who came from America during the Revolution in the late 1700’s. A number of the Cays have museums and parks that explain the history.
There are marinas on most of the cays. We moored in the bay of a couple to take advantage of the Internet and use of their swimming pools and for protection from heavy winds. Great for all that but…..you can hear everyone talking so yes they can hear us too!
At Hope Town we climbed to the top of the lighthouse to see the views out to the neighboring Cays. It was built in 1864 to steer ships clear of the reefs in the area. The lighthouse is one of the last manual lighthouses in the world with the keeper having to wind up the weights every 2 hours so it can be seen at night.
Most of the Cays have restaurants and bars that communicate their daily specials on a cruisers VHF radio net; so of course had to socialize. Love some of their names eg. Nippers, Grabbers, Tranquil Turtle.
The water was an amazing colour and there were great beaches and reefs all about for snorkeling. Even came across a golf course that reminded us of our golfing days and friends waiting to start the golf season in Calgary.
Heading to the northern Abaco Islands, which are a little more isolated and then its over to the USA.