Abaco inn, Bahamas

This feels like paradise on earth! The white sand and clear water and accommodations were such a vibe It's what draws our family and so many back year after year.

The water between the Great Guana Cay harbor and the Fish Cays produces some of the Bahamas’ most exquisite shades of turquoise, ultramarine, cerulean, and azure.

The rooms at our accommodations had gorgeous views and the local food was excellent. I recommend taking the boat out and watching the sunset or relaxing with the kids from your porch area. Abaco, the second largest island in The Bahamas, is best known as a yachtsman's paradise. Abaco and its cays are scattered over 130 square miles of aquamarine water. Its two major islands, Great and Little Abaco, have a myriad of small cays flanking the mainland

The best time to visit the Abaco Islands is from mid-November to early-May during the winter dry season. The Abaco Islands is considered a year-round destination. For hot weather, visit the Abaco Islands from late-March to late-May, and from mid-October to early-December. The prices for trips and lodging vary and are often stated on websites for youth plan accordingly. Be prepared to pay more for high season.

In the Abacos Islands Bahamas you’ll feel content in this uncrowded environment, yet with the accommodations and services you desire. You are never lacking in entertainment or relaxation. It's the best of both worlds.

Sea kayaking in pristine protected areas offers a rewarding sense of adventure without the typical stressful rapid waters.

Conventional activities like golf, tennis, and beach volleyball are also available. Of course doing nothing at all is a highly rated activity here!

How to get around? Ferries, dinghies, small wooden sailboats, one-speed bicycles, and off-road golf-carts are often required modes of transport.

Things to plan to take for your trip.

Lot's of sunscreen, the water activities are supreme here and you won't want to miss them be sure to take hats and sunglasses and plenty of dry snacks and granola bars for kids if you plan to spend hours out on the boat.

I'm a bag fan of the refillable ice packs found on amazon that can be filled and frozen when you reach your destination and taken for day trips to keep your picnic cold.

Kids beach shoes and a waterproof camera for the swim with the pigs attraction if you plan too participate.

Things to do when there:

The most photographed pig beach belongs to the Exumas; however, Big Major Cay—a day trip from Nassau—offers a white beach where oversized piggies paddle out to boaters, hungry for handouts. The difference between Big Major Cay and No Name Cay is that the latter sees smaller crowds, making for longer interactions with the animals.

Abaco has also taken big steps to protect their wealth of blue water. Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park—sister park to the neighboring Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park—stretches 2,100 acres. Find its four cays and innumerable coral reefs south of Marsh Harbor.

You can snorkel one of the largest barrier reefs in the western hemisphere.

It’s a popular snorkel day trip not just for the elkhorn corals, but for the encounters with green and hawksbill turtles as well as eagle rays—a highlight of any underwater outing.

Southern Abaco is especially famous for deep water fishing, regularly offering up marlin, sailfish, dorado, wahoo, and tuna. The island chain is so dependable when it comes to big fish that it hosts the Bahamas Billfish Challenge every year, along with Walker’s Cay Blue Marlin Invitational Fishing Tournament.

The shallow, marshy flats of Great Abaco have become well-known amongst the outdoor sportsman community for top-notch bonefishing. There are definitely a number of big game trophy catches, including—billfish, marlin, sailfish, tuna, and wahoo—The Bahamas attract's rod-and-reel enthusiasts to the deeper waters beyond the drop-off.

Explore the magical mangroves of the Abaco Islands. Red Mangrove forests abound in the Abacos, and they play the role of nursery to coral reefs and other marine habitats.

the most sought-after weekly events in the Abacos? The legendary Sunday Pig Roast parties at Nipper’s. Take a dip in the pool, jam out to live music, and cut loose, Bahamian style.

Discover the Bahamian settlements of Elbow Cay, Great Guana Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and Man-O-War Cay. Unique 18th-century settlements painted in Bahamian hues abound in the Abaco Islands.

An Abacos vacation is not complete without a visit to Elbow Cay’s Hope Town. Climb 101-steps to the top of the candy-stripe painted lighthouse to take in unspoiled panoramic views of the “out island” Bahamas. Easily the region’s most recognizable landmark, Elbow Reef Lighthouse stands 89-feet tall and has guided boats to harbor since 1863.

There are also a number of quaint shops and delicious restaurants to enjoy during your time in Hope Town, including a local gem ice cream shop; my kids favorite called the Sugar Shack. From the vibrant-colored walls to the variety of tempting sweets, the Sugar Shack is such a fun a treat for your eyes and your taste buds. Plus who can resist ice cream when on island time.

The best part about being here is that you feel transported back in time to when life was slower and enjoyed. Locals are friendly and quick to share stories of their island lifestyle and history. Le me know if you have been or when you plan to go!