Where to Cruise

Having spent 30 years cruising to fascinating places both near and far, I keep one destination at the top of my list: the Abaco Cays. Lying 135 miles east of Florida, the Abacos are as accessible as they are exotic. They can be civilized yet wild, offering quiet seclusion or a fun crowd. You can fish, dive, cruise, race, comb the beach, party until you drop or simply chill out. Above all, the visual splendor of ­azure-colored water and unspoiled beaches will have you coming back for more. Reaching the Abacos from Florida requires crossing the Gulf Stream, and one of the more popular routes is Palm Beach to West End on Grand Bahama Island, a distance of 55 nautical miles. Pick your weather window and avoid a north wind. You’ll need to check in with Bahamian customs and immigration at Old Bahama Bay, so go to bahamas.com/boating-enter-exit for the required documentation and fees. From West End, cross the shallow Little Bahama Bank to either Walkers Cay or Great Sale Cay, and from there island-hop along the northern Abacos, eventually reaching Great Abaco Island and its outlying cays.

The Abacos

Looking to lie back or let loose? You don’t have to choose when you’re in the Abacos. by George Sass, Sr.

Having spent 30 years cruising to fascinating places both near and far, I keep one destination at the top of my list: the Abaco Cays. Lying 135 miles east of Florida, the Abacos are as accessible as they are exotic. They can be civilized yet wild, offering quiet seclusion or a fun crowd. You can fish, dive, cruise, race, comb the beach, party until you drop or simply chill out. Above all, the visual splendor of ­azure-colored water and unspoiled beaches will have you coming back for more. Reaching the Abacos from Florida requires crossing the Gulf Stream, and one of the more popular routes is Palm Beach to West End on Grand Bahama Island, a distance of 55 nautical miles. Pick your weather window and avoid a north wind. You’ll need to check in with Bahamian customs and immigration at Old Bahama Bay, so go to bahamas.com/boating-enter-exit for the required documentation and fees. From West End, cross the shallow Little Bahama Bank to either Walkers Cay or Great Sale Cay, and from there island-hop along the northern Abacos, eventually reaching Great Abaco Island and its outlying cays.

The Abacos

Looking to lie back or let loose? You don’t have to choose when you’re in the Abacos. by George Sass, Sr.

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