Grand Bahama and Abaco Islands

Less than 100-kilometres from Florida, Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands provide a breathtakingly beautiful and wonderfully convenient vacation destination. And, combining one of the country’s main islands, Grand Bahama, with the quieter, more romantic Abacos ‘Out Islands’, this northwestern corner of the Bahamas delivers plenty of choice that will satisfy every visitor. You’ll find a typically colourful culture here filled with rhythmic rake ‘n’ scrape music, Junkanoo, and a rich diversity of traditions and beliefs drawn from native, European, and West African influences. And, in true Caribbean form, the local people are some of the most welcoming you’ll ever meet, and are guaranteed to make your trip memorable.

While several tourist hotspots can be found, the region also boasts large uninhabited swathes of sand, forest and nature preserves, as well as sweeping emerald-green seas. These natural riches have long drawn visitors to Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos - providing the ultimate mix of relaxation and soft adventure. On land, visitors will find everything from charming colonial towns and countless local festivities to renowned championship golf courses. But, those who prefer the taste of saltwater will get to discover the true delights of this fishing, sailing, and scuba diving paradise.

As the closest islands in the Bahamas to the US, getting to Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos couldn’t be easier. The city of Freeport on Grand Bahama Island is connected to Miami via daily flights offered by American Airlines. Plus, both Bahamasair and Silver Airways provide daily flights from Fort Lauderdale. Visitors can also find direct flights to Great Abaco’s Marsh Harbour Airport from Miami, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and other cities. For visitors coming from elsewhere in the US, or overseas, a change-over at either Miami or Nassau will likely be required. A round-trip fast ferry service operates between Port Everglades and Freeport, and private vessels are also welcomed.

Once you arrive at your destination, there are various options for getting around, or hopping between, the islands. Flamingo Air offers several daily flights from Freeport on Grand Bahama to Marsh Harbour on Abaco, and a car-ferry service also connects these two cities. Bahamasair and Western Air Bahamas fly from Freeport to Nassau.

To get around within the islands themselves, local transport such as buses operate from 7am until around sunset, and are a great way of seeing the local way of life. Taxis can be found at hotels and other tourist areas, while private scooters and cars can be rented from the airport. Bicycles are another popular way to get around town, and many hotels will offer bicycle rental services.

With an enticing mix of boutique hotels and luxury resorts, as well as gorgeous beaches and championship golf courses, Grand Bahama is one of the country’s most popular vacation destinations. Whether you’re seeking a secluded guesthouse getaway or a lavish, all-inclusive resort, Grand Bahama Island has the ideal accommodation for you. And, with some of the friendliest local people in the world, you can guarantee exceptional customer service and personalised attention no matter where you choose to stay.

Grand Bahama Island is an adventurer’s utopia, with everything from dolphin watching and eco-adventures, to jeep safaris and bike tours. Not to mention water sports such as kayaking, scuba diving, parasailing, windsurfing, and jet skiing. Those after a touch of cultural stimulation will also find ample entertainment, with the spectacular botanical garden known as the Garden of the Groves, prevalent rake ‘n’ scrape music, and vibrant Junkanoo festivals complete with colourful costumes, street parades, and dancing. Every June, the annual Grand Bahama Sailing Regatta is also held here, attracting a large number of visitors to the island.

Life in the Abacos Islands is distinctly slower-paced, with nature-based pastimes taking centre stage. The largest island in the chain, Great Abaco, is home to free-roaming horses and boars, as well as the namesake Abaco parrot. Protected by small barrier islands, the Sea of Abaco is a haven for sailors, snorkellers, and anglers alike, and offers plenty of seclusion and solitude with charming villages and romantic scenery.

As the northernmost region of the Bahamas, Grand Bahama Island and the Abacos benefit from a temperate year-round climate. There are some fluctuations in the weather, but thankfully, these generally have little effect on scuba diving. The dry season runs from November through April, offering less rain but slightly cooler weather. January and February are the coldest months, seeing average temperatures of around 20°C or more on land, and lows of about 25°C in the water.

During the rainy season, from May through October, average temperatures rise to around 30°C on land, and in the water. Thanks to the limestone composition of these islands, the rains cause little in the way of run-off, helping to maintain crystal-clear visibility throughout the year. The official hurricane season runs from June through November, although August generally has the highest chance of storms.

There are also some seasonal considerations if you’re interested in seeing certain species here. Hammerheads make appearances from December to April, while March to June is the best time for spotting oceanic whitetips, and tiger sharks are most prevalent between May and July. Grouper spawn around the full moon between January and February, with May offering another period of coral and reef fish spawning. In late October and early November, it is also possible to witness the curious and captivating migration of spiny lobsters as they leave their homes and march single file into deeper, more settled water.