Join Kiskeedee for a fabulous week in the Abaco islands of the Bahamas. Discover these island gems – – a true paradise for sailors and snorkelers! We know the islands inside and out and will show you the amazing beaches, reefs, local settlements, bars and restaurants.
Our Abaco sailing charters are based out of Marsh Harbour, which is easily reached by air from several points in Florida such as Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando and West Palm Beach Florida.We will spend the week visiting the Abaco cays that surround Marsh Harbour, a cruising ground of over 30 miles. Sail the crystalline waters, laze on the sandy beaches (softest sand around!), snorkel the pristine reefs and visit the bustling settlements to shop, eat, walk and enjoy the sights. The itinerary is flexible– guided first by the weather and of course by your preferences. We try to visit a different island each day and spend the night in a quiet and protected anchorage.
The sailing trip begins and ends in Marsh Harbour on Great Abaco Cay in the Bahamas. Setting off from Marsh Harbour, we will spend the week sailing and exploring the string of island cays that make up the Abaco Islands. The Great Abaco barrier reef lies just off the coast of the islands, some parts easily reached from the beach. The brilliant-blue Sea of Abaco lies between the islands and offers miles of sailing and island exploring.
Learn More About the Abacos
Itinerary and Daily Activities
On Day 1, you board Kiskeedee, have your orientation and then, time and weather permitting, set off to find the first perfect anchorage for some swimming and snorkeling and eventually settle in for the night. The rest of the week will be guided by the weather and your preferences.
Most days begin by sailing to our chosen destination in the island chain. You can try your luck trolling for fish as we sail, take the helm and help with the sails or just sit back and relax in our comfortable deck chairs or on our cockpit cushions. You might spot some dolphins or a turtle in the crystal clear waters.
Snorkeling is the number one favorite activity. Abaco is known for its coral reefs. You’ll have a blast spotting sea turtles, rays and tropical fishes most any time you are in the water. Don’t forget to peek under the rocks to find the spiny lobsters! We have snorkeling equipment on board if you choose not to bring your own. The water in March and April is cool and you may want to bring or rent wet suits to comfortably spend more time in the water.
Our “car” for the week is our inflatable dinghy powered by an outboard motor. We will ferry you back and forth to explore the sandy beaches and visit the local settlements. We will spend each night at anchor and be back in port on the final night for departures the following morning.
Some Favorite Spots to Visit During Your Abaco Sailing Charter
- Fowl Cay National Marine Preserve
- Great Guana Cay for Beach Bars, Coral Reef and famous Nipper Beach Resort
- Hopetown with its 150-year old hand-cranked lighthouse, beautiful reefs and beaches and charming village
- Man O War Cay, known for boat building and its neatly laid out lanes abundant with flowers
- Sandy Cay National Preserve coral reef and uninhabited cays
- Treasure Cay with its crescent-shaped white sandy beach
- Little Harbour, known for its foundry for casting of bronzes and Pete’s Pub
- Tahiti Beach with a great sandbar
Life on Board
Kiskeedee is a 44-ft. Ketch (2-masted sailboat for you landlubbers!) We have 2 double cabins available for guests, each equipped with a double bed, sink and cabinets and a shared head with shower. The crew has its own separate cabin with head and shower. Cabins are equipped with quiet fans and port holes for ventilation. We do not have air-conditioning, but the Bahama night breezes keep things cool for sleeping.
The salon area is spacious and comfortable for indoor eating, playing games on the large table or relaxing in front of a video on a rainy day. The large cockpit is equipped with cushions and a sun awning and a barbecue grill. The cockpit is perfect for sailing as well as outdoor dining or even sleeping under the stars. You will love Kiskeedee’s deck space, comfortable deck chairs as well as our favorite seat at the bow where you can spot dolphins and wet your toes. Read more about the boat.
Dining on Board
This is a fully crewed yacht charter, which means that we will be stocking all of our food for the week and preparing and serving the meals. When planning your sailing charter we will ask you about your food preferences and restrictions, if any. Our delicious meals are prepared on-board with fresh ingredients. You will also have the opportunity to try out the local fare at any of the numerous island restaurants– we will tell you our favorites.
Practical Information
Getting to Marsh Harbour
You have a choice of direct flights to Marsh Harbour from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando. The main carriers for direct flights to Marsh Harbour are American Eagle (from Miami), Silver Airways (from Fort Lauderdale, Orlando or West Palm Beach) and Bahamasair (from West Palm Beach).
You can also fly to Nassau from many US cities and then connect to Marsh Harbour on Bahamasair. Please note that some Florida departures are in the morning, which would mean an overnight stay in Florida if you are connecting from another city.
You can always contact us for assistance in finding flights or we can refer you to a travel agent who has arranged group travel to the Abacos islands for over 15 years.
Weather in the Abacos
Follow this link for a chart showing average air and water temperatures in the Abacos by month.
Communications
Cell phone and data service is available throughout the islands so there will always be the ability to communicate when necessary (check your service provider about roaming or other charges while in the Bahamas). In addition, you can find WIFI hotspots on and near some of the islands.
Money
The Bahamian dollar is equivalent to the US dollar and both currencies are accepted interchangeably. But don’t go home with the Bahamian dollars because you won’t be able to change them once you are back in the USA.
Safety and Medical Considerations
Please let us know if you have any medical condition requiring medication and be sure that you bring an adequate supply. It will be difficult or impossible to obtain many medications once in the Abacos and on board the boat.
We emphasize safety precautions and try to minimize risk of injury on or off the boat. Please note that while there are medical clinics and personnel in the Abaco islands for treatment of minor problems and injuries, in the case of a major medical emergency, you would likely need to be transported by air back to the United States or to Nassau for treatment. You will be asked to sign a release from liability as well as an agreement to cover any medical expenses that you may incur.
Motion Sickness
The Sea of Abaco is protected from the ocean swells by a chain of islands and the barrier coral reef. Sea sickness is rare here because of the flat seas. We don’t recommend taking sea sickness medication or arriving with a sea sickness patch unless you are extremely prone to sea sickness. The medications and patches have side effects including drowsiness and it is shame to miss out on activities that you would otherwise enjoy. You may want to pack Bonine or other medications “just in case.”
What to Bring
Once you have booked your charter, we will send you a useful packing list and additional details about your Bahamas Sailing Charter.
