Set in the serene waters of the Abaco Islands in The Bahamas, Marsh Harbour is the perfect starting point for a sailing holiday charter to explore this stunning area.
The Abacos are a chain of islands in the Atlantic, in the northern Bahamas 180 miles off the coast of Florida. Stretching for 120 miles and 649 square miles wide, this island hopping paradise has many areas to explore.
These islands are renowned for their natural beauty, fabulous coral reefs and clear waters. Set sail on an unforgettable adventure which will transport you to a world of deserted beaches, vibrant reefs, and quaint mooring spots.
The Abacos are known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for snorkelling, diving, and swimming. The visibility is excellent, allowing for easy viewing of the vibrant marine life.
The Abacos are surrounded by a barrier reef which protects them from ocean swells. As a result, the waters in the region are relatively calm and ideal for sailing or boating, even for those who may be new to yachting.
The waters around Marsh Harbour are home to a diverse range of marine life, and excellent snorkelling and diving are always close by.
The Abacos offer breathtaking scenery, including secluded beaches, hidden coves, and mangrove marshes.
While destinations like Nassau can feel overrun with tourists and cruise ships, the Abacos remain relatively off the beaten track. You'll have a wide variety of uncrowded anchorages and sandbars practically all to yourself.
This idyllic island is a paradise for nature lovers. Don't miss the Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many bird species and native wildlife. And try sundownders at Nippers Beach Bar and Grill, a popular spot known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views.
Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Treasure Cay is a must-visit destination. With its powdery white sand and clear waters, this beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Known for its old-world charm and relaxed atmosphere, Green Turtle Cay is an excellent choice for a stop off. Explore the historic village of New Plymouth, visit the famous Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina, and enjoy snorkelling or diving in the surrounding coral reefs.
While your sailing holiday charter will likely start and end in Marsh Harbour, don't overlook it as a destination in itself. Explore the local marinas, sample fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling hub of the Abacos.
For a more secluded and off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Little Harbour. This tranquil spot is famous for its picturesque harbour, local art galleries, and Pete's Pub. Enjoy a cold drink, browse local artwork and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
Scotland Cay offers seclusion and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquillity. Enjoy the pristine beaches, snorkel, or simply relax and enjoy the solitude.
Just a short distance from Marsh Harbour, Lubbers Quarters Cay is a hidden gem with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Explore this quiet island on foot, rent a kayak or paddleboard, and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.
This protected reserve offers pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. It's a great place to spot marine life, including turtles and reef fish.
The high season in Marsh Harbour runs from December to April which is typically dry and sunny so expect more visitors around this time and and if you plan to book your sailing holiday charter around this time it’s worthwhile to book well in advance.
May to June is the shoulder season with less visitors but still warm temperatures and the low season is July to November when temperatures remain high but it is typically wetter.
Monthly weather for the area *
| Avg. High Temp | Avg. Low Temp | Avg. Daily Rain (mm) | Avg. Wind Direction | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JAN | 25.4°C (78°F) | 18.2°C (65°F) | 0.2mm |  SSE |
| FEB | 26.0°C (79°F) | 19.1°C (66°F) | 1.4mm | SE |
| MAR | 26.6°C (80°F) | 19.3°C (67°F) | 0.9mm | SSE |
| APR | 27.5°C (82°F) | 21.0°C (70°F) | 2.9mm | ESE |
| MAY | 28.6°C (83°F) | 21.8°C (71°F) | 3.2mm | ESE |
| JUN | 30.1°C (86°F) | 23.6°C (74°F) | 11.2mm | S |
| JUL | 31.8°C (89°F) | 25.2°C (77°F) | 1.2mm | SE |
| AUG | 32.7°C (91°F) | 25.8°C (79°F) | 6.0mm | ESE |
| SEP | 31.1°C (88°F) | 24.6°C (76°F) | 4.4mm | ESE |
| OCT | 29.4°C (85°F) | 23.8°C (75°F) | 0.3mm | SSE |
| NOV | 27.1°C (81°F) | 21.8°C (71°F) | 0.7mm | SE |
| DEC | 24.5°C (76°F) | 19.8°C (68°F) | 2.6mm | SE |
The Leonard M. Thompson Airport (MHH) in Marsh Harbour is the typical starting point for the Abaco Islands.
Visitors from the US have numerous options for direct flights, and UK and non-European visitors will typically fly to Miami or Florida to catch a connecting flight.
The main language in the Bahamas is English.
The local currency is the Bahamian dollar, but the US dollar is widely accepted as well.
Tipping 15 - 20% is standard in the Bahamas and, as always, is appreciated for good service.
You can't beat a monohull charter from Marsh Harbour on a sailing holiday for an authentic sailing experience and connection with the wind and water. Whether you're looking for a bareboat, skippered or fully crewed charter where you can sit back and relax, we've got all the bases covered.
Discover natural beauty in diverse cruising grounds, and soak up the local atmosphere in a wide variety of anchorages. We‘ll handpick a selection of yachts to suit your needs, so you can start planning a journey to remember.
A catamaran charter from Marsh Harbour on a sailing holiday is all about comfort, luxury and convenience, with their twin hulls making them extremely stable. Expansive open decks allow for spacious seating, socialising and sunbathing, while below deck each hull typically contains its own cabins, complete with ensuite bathroom.
This layout is particularly good for couples or families travelling together as it offers more personal space. Our catamarans are available as either bareboat or skippered charters, with a host or hostess if needed, or fully crewed.
A luxury yacht charter on a sailing holiday from Marsh Harbour is the epitome of opulence and comfort. Our boats have beautifully designed interiors and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a supremely relaxing and luxurious experience.
Customise your itinerary according to the destinations, activities, and experiences you desire; your crew will be on hand to ensure a fully tailored and unique trip. Whether you're looking for gourmet meals prepared by a private chef, wildlife spotting around remote islands, glamorous nightlife, or swimming in secluded coves, contact one of our experts today to create a unique and unforgettable trip.
A sailing holiday allows you to experience the sea, wind, and sky up close, not to mention the chance to spot dolphins or other marine life native to your cruising area.
Looking for a total break from your everyday routine? A sailing holiday provides a truly different experience. Being rocked gently by the sea while surrounded by stunning nature is guaranteed to lower your stress levels.
Your boat serves as both transportation and lodging, offering a total change from the everyday - and a fantastic way to explore a variety of locations.
Whether you're a first-time sailor or an old hand, your skipper will be happy to give tips on sailing techniques and nautical knowledge. Or feel free to sit back, relax and simply enjoy being on board.
On a sailing holiday you can reach tucked away coves, quiet beaches, and small islands which are inaccessible to land-based tourists.
The nature of sailing together means you tend to foster deeper connections with travel companions in a close, shared environment. Special memories are guaranteed.
The weather doesn’t always do what you want, but with a boat charter you can easily adjust your plans based on weather, preferences, or unexpected discoveries.
On a sailing holiday you have the freedom to plan your own itinerary and visit multiple destinations, with the journeys between them being part of the fun.
A bareboat sailing holiday with Pure Yachting gives you the freedom to create your own itinerary and explore Marsh Harbour and beyond at your own pace. Tailor your trip to match your preferences, and if you need advice or inspiration our charter experts will always be on hand to suggest areas to explore.
We select our sailing holiday fleet from trusted operators, chosen by us for the quality of their boats and the fact they offer a high level of service. To charter on a sailing holiday you'll typically need a qualification such as the RYA Day Skipper, the AS104 Bareboat Cruising, ICC certification or be able to demonstrate relevant experience.
With a professional skipper at the helm to confidently navigate around Marsh Harbour and beyond, you’re free to relax and enjoy every moment. The skipper's expertise ensures smooth sailing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings.
However, if you fancy getting more involved, our fully qualified skippers will be more than happy to show you the basics, or help you brush up your sailing skills.
On skippered sailing holiday, there's also the opportunity to add a host or hostess who can prepare meals and help with tasks such as childcare, concierge services and housekeeping.
A crewed sailing holiday from Marsh Harbour comes in many shapes and sizes, ranging from sleek superyachts to luxury catamarans, contemporary motor yachts to classic yachts and more, all with crews who are committed to ensuring your comfort, safety and enjoyment.
Each trip offers the opportunity to create a unique journey and our charter experts will guide you through choosing the perfect boat and customising the itinerary to your specification. Whatever your preferences, we take care of all the details, ensuring you and your party have a unique and unforgettable holiday.
Marsh Harbour is a popular charter destination, and therefore, booking your dream boat in advance (typically six months ahead) is best to secure your preferred dates in this perfect destination.
You can search for your dream sailing holiday via the link below, or if you want one of our charter experts to do the searching for you, click the link below to get them working on creating the perfect trip.
You won't be short of things on your sailing holiday charter, but our must-see destinations include Great Abaco Island and picturesque destinations like Sandy Point, Cross Harbour, and Little Harbour.
You can also visit the Abaco National Park on Great Abaco, an important conservation area for birds and wildlife, and the reef off the coast has some excellent diving.
Located east of Great Abaco Island, Elbow Cay is home to the picturesque settlement of Hope Town with its iconic red and white candy-striped lighthouse and excellent waterfront dining. Next is Green Turtle Cay, known for its colonial architecture, beautiful beaches, and vibrant New Plymouth settlement.
Lying just off the cay, the Catacombs coral garden offers snorkelers and divers an excellent variety of tropical fish, eagle rays, and turtles, all at an accessible 10 metres in depth. The next stop is Man-O-War Cay, famous for its boat-building heritage. You can still visit the boatyards and learn about traditional Bahamian boat craftsmanship, and the island's protected harbour is perfect for anchoring.
The private island of Sandy Cay is located just off Man-O-War Cay and has beautiful white sandy beaches surrounded by clear waters. It is an excellent spot for a beach picnic. If fishing is on your wish list, Great Gunana Cay is favoured by anglers from around the world as, not far offshore, the Sea of Abaco drops to 1500 metres in depth, making it a prized fishing ground.
Beyond its natural wonders, Marsh Harbour and the surrounding Abacos boast a rich cultural heritage that adds an extra layer to a yacht charter experience. Often overlooked, this area of the Bahamas always satisfies, and whether you're craving tranquillity on secluded beaches, cultural immersion, stand-out diving or island hopping adventures, Marsh Harbour is a fantastic place to start.
If you are doing a bareboat charter, you need to consider if you have the relevant sailing licences. If you are on a skippered or crewed charter, it's good to understand the weather conditions for the trip so you can bring the appropriate clothing and think about which locations you would like to visit so as you can let the skipper know.