Positioned three miles off the coast of Great Abaco, Green Turtle Cay measures three miles in length and half a mile in width. Named after the green sea turtles that historically inhabited the surrounding shallows, this small island relies on boats and ferries for all transportation since no airport exists on the land. Golf carts and bicycles offer the primary ways to move along the narrow roads lined with bright bougainvillea.
Planning an Abacos Islands yacht charter provides easy access to the quiet anchorages of White Sound and Black Sound on the island's western side. The deep, protected harbors make the cay a frequent stopover point, especially when rough water builds in the nearby Whale Cay Passage. Visitors can pull up to local docks and step directly onto quiet shores where golf carts hum past historic homes.
The primary settlement on the island is New Plymouth, an eighteenth-century village established by British Loyalists. The community maintains a strong connection to its past, with historic wooden architecture that sets it apart from other towns in the Bahamas. Walking through the quiet streets reveals a close-knit town of roughly 450 residents surrounded by calm, clear water.
New Plymouth features steep-pitched roofs and wooden clapboard construction reminiscent of traditional New England architecture. Exploring the settlement takes less than 15 minutes from edge to edge, making a walking tour simple and enjoyable. Local cultural sites include the Albert Lowe Museum, housed inside a restored Victorian home that displays historical photographs, ship models, and paintings by artist Alton Lowe.
Nearby, the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden displays 24 bronze busts depicting prominent Bahamians arranged around two central figures. After exploring the garden, visitors can stop at local eateries like Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar, the birthplace of the famous Goombay Smash cocktail, or the Wrecking Tree for fresh conch fritters. Small groceries, churches, and a post office round out the village amenities.
Including an afternoon stroll through New Plymouth during your Bahamas yacht charter offers an immersive look into regional history. The blend of colonial architecture and slow-paced island living provides an authentic window into how the Out Islands developed over two centuries.
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The Atlantic side of the cay features quiet white-sand stretches like Coco Bay and Ocean Beach. Shallow, clear waters border the sand, creating ideal conditions for swimming, paddleboarding, or relaxing near the tree line. With very little development along the shore, stopping here during a private yacht charter gives you peaceful, uncrowded beaches year-round.
Extensive coral reef systems lie just offshore, attracting divers and snorkelers from around the world. Local dive operators guide trips to nearby underwater caverns, swim-throughs, and wrecks filled with marine life. Shallow flats near the island also offer world-class bonefishing, where experienced guides take anglers into the mangroves to target trophy catches.
Full-service resorts like the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House offer well-equipped marinas along the protected bays. These facilities provide fuel, fresh water, electricity, and maintenance services alongside waterfront dining overlooking the docks. Guests can enjoy fresh local seafood while watching the evening boat traffic settle into their slips.
The quiet atmosphere of this northern cay provides a striking contrast to busier resort stops found on a standard Caribbean yacht charter route. The absence of large commercial centers preserves a traditional maritime lifestyle where local fishing and boatbuilding remain central to daily life.
Navigating the shallow sounds around the island requires basic attention to shifting tides and narrow channel entries. To choose the right boat for your party and plan an itinerary through these northern cays, consult an experienced yacht charter broker.
Speak to a yacht charter broker and start planning.
