Best Activities for Families in the Abacos: Kid-Friendly Adventures in the Bahamas
The Abacos in the Bahamas is a unique paradise for families seeking that ultimate sun-soaked vacation to cherish for years. This stunning island chain offers breathtaking scenery and a wide range of kid-friendly adventures, from snorkeling and fishing to kayaking and island exploration. Bucket-list-worthy experiences, like swimming with sea turtles or pigs, turn your Bahamas trip into one of your most treasured family memories.
With so much to see and do from sunrise to sunset, it won’t be difficult to get your kids off their phones and tablets. They’ll be too busy making real-life discoveries, they’ll practically forget about technology. Plus, the adventure itself is both educational and fun—introducing them to a world beyond what they are used to, including new sights, cultures, and flavors while encouraging them to embrace the outdoors.
Since many of the best activities in the Abacos are water-based (think snorkeling, swimming, and kayaking), the islands are best explored by boat. Land-based transportation options are limited, and some of the most breathtaking spots are only accessible by water. Without a boat, you’ll miss out on much of what makes this destination so special. That’s why we highly recommend an award-winning yacht charter with Navigare Yachting, giving your family the freedom to explore at your own pace and uncover hidden gems along the way.
Experience the Abacos on an Award-Winning Yacht Charter
On a yacht charter, you have the freedom to move effortlessly from island to island. With your yacht as your private floating hotel, you’ll wake up each morning to the gentle sound of waves against the hull, start the day with a refreshing swim, and enjoy a leisurely breakfast on deck before setting off on new adventures.
Our Bahamas fleet features a variety of spacious catamarans from the world’s top brands. They typically range from 40 to 52 feet, with 3 to 6 cabins that comfortably accommodate 6 to 12 guests. Not only does a yacht charter provide the most comfortable and convenient way to cruise the islands, but it also ensures a hotel-style experience for your entire family each night and the convenience of not having to worry about finding accommodation. Take the helm yourself or leave the sailing to a professional skipper; we have options to suit your needs.
Our Navigare Yachting base in Marsh Harbour has been recognized with the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award for multiple years, including in 2024. With over two decades of experience and a dedicated base staff and crew members committed to delivering top-tier service, we are devoted to providing unforgettable experiences for every guest. We encourage you to read testimonies from our previous guests on our Tripadvisor page.
Family-Friendly Activities in the Abacos, Bahamas
The Abacos offers a treasure trove of kid-friendly activities that will make your yacht charter a magical experience for all family members.
The list of activities below is far from exhaustive, but we hope you will find some inspiration for your next family adventure. And don’t forget—spring and summer 2025 will bring plenty of exciting events to the Abacos, from fishing tournaments to vibrant cultural festivals. Many of these events are perfectly suitable for families, so be sure to check the upcoming schedule and start planning your adventure!
Snorkel with Sea Turtles and Colorful Marine Life
One of the most unforgettable experiences for kids in the Abacos is snorkeling with sea turtles. There are many reefs perfect for snorkeling just off the shores of Green Turtle Cay or in Manjack Cay, two excellent locations to swim with sea turtles. These gentle creatures glide gracefully through the water, giving little snorkelers an up-close view of incredible marine life. All of our charter yachts come with snorkeling gear, without extra charge, and we think the kids will make good use of it.
The shallow, calm waters where sea turtles dwell are perfect snorkeling spots for beginners. With vibrant coral reefs nearby, kids can spot tropical fish, starfish, and even small sharks and stingrays.
If you can’t get enough of underwater excitement, take your family to Mermaid Reef near Marsh Harbour. This easily accessible snorkeling site is teeming with bright parrotfish, angelfish, and wrasse, making it an incredible natural aquarium that will have kids mesmerized.
Explore Deserted Cays and Hidden Islets
The Abacos consist of a couple of large islands (Little Abaco and Great Abaco) and dozens of islets and cays, most of which are uninhabited.
There’s something magical about stepping onto an uninhabited piece of land, and in the Abacos, you’ll find plenty of deserted cays waiting to be explored. These are secluded havens where kids can run barefoot along untouched shores, collect seashells, and build sandcastles in total peace.
Between Hope Town and Little Harbour is Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park, a fantastic stop for families exploring the uninhabited parts of the Abacos. This nature preserve spans 2,100 acres and is home to sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and vibrant marine life. Kids will love stepping ashore to explore the untouched wilderness. It’s the perfect spot for a family-friendly excursion to one of the most beautiful, untouched areas in the Bahamas.
Discover Mesmerizing Sandbars
Another must-visit is Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, famous for its incredibly beautiful sand framed by the shallow, turquoise waters and ever-changing sandbars. Here, kids can wade through ankle-deep waters, splash around safely, and hunt for shells and sand dollars—an ideal spot for a carefree afternoon of family fun.
The tidal water will reveal a stunning sandbar off the shores where the kids can play in the crystal clear water. For more sandbar inspiration, check out this blog post listing the top 5 sandbars in the Bahamas.
Meet the Famous Swimming Pigs
The swimming pigs are one of the most iconic attractions in the Bahamas. While Exuma is home to the most famous pigs, the Abacos have their own piggy paradise on No Name Cay, just south of Green Turtle Cay.
These adorable, friendly pigs love to swim out to greet visitors, and kids will love the experience of feeding them from the safety of a dinghy or right from the shore. It’s a unique, fun-filled activity that is perfect for photo ops and will have the whole family giggling with delight.
Paddle Through Mangrove Creeks
For a peaceful yet adventurous family outing, explore the mangrove creeks near Marsh Harbour by kayak or paddleboard. These winding waterways form natural tunnels of lush vegetation, creating an exciting experience that kids will love. Mangroves are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. As you paddle through the calm, shallow waters, keep an eye out for fish, lobster, and conch, as well as wading birds like herons and ospreys. You might even spot a sea turtle gliding by.
Paddleboarding and kayaking are fantastic family-friendly activities on their own and can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the Abacos. Apart from mangroves, consider exploring the creeks around Hope Town or the serene waterways near Treasure Cay. Small children can join the adventure by riding tandem in a kayak or sitting on a parent’s paddleboard, making it a fun way to slow down and connect with nature.
Paddleboards are available as optional add-ons on our yacht charters—just let our booking agents know, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Discover the Iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse
A family trip to the Abacos wouldn’t be complete without visiting the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse in Hope Town. This candy-striped lighthouse, built in 1863, is the last remaining kerosene-fueled lighthouse in the world, and a keeper still has to climb to the top every night to fill the burner, keeping the generations-long tradition alive.
Kids will love climbing the 101 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where breathtaking panoramic views of the Abacos await. It's a little workout, but the reward is well worth it!
Parents will appreciate the history behind this iconic landmark, while kids will love the adventure of exploring a real working lighthouse: a perfect combination of adventure and history.
Reel in the Catch of the Day
Known as the boating capital of the Bahamas, fishing is a favorite pastime in the Abacos, and even the youngest anglers can get in on the fun. Charter a family-friendly fishing trip to try your luck at catching snapper, grouper, or a feisty bonefish. Many local guides offer kid-friendly fishing experiences with easy-to-use rods and plenty of encouragement to make it a fun and rewarding adventure.
For a relaxed experience, drop a line off the back of your charter yacht. Nothing beats the excitement on a child’s face when they reel in their first fish! Make sure to speak with our charter agents if you intend to fish while on the yacht charter. They can guide you through the necessary requirements and make sure you have everything you need.
Relax at a Waterfront Restaurant
Wrap up your Bahamas trip with a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant right on the beach, where you can savor traditional Bahamian cuisine while taking in the ocean views. Sample the trademark Bahamian conch, caught right before your eyes and cooked to perfection. The kids can play on the beach and enjoy games while you wait for the food.
Grabbers in Great Guana Cay is a fantastic option, with its laid-back vibes, traditional food, and enough games and beach fun to keep the kids entertained. Besides Grabbers, there are plenty of waterfront restaurants to visit in the Bahamas: here is a list of some of the best.
Plan Your Family Adventure in the Abacos
With its calm waters, kid-friendly activities, and endless opportunities for adventure, the Abacos is the perfect place for a yacht charter that every family member will love.
When planning your Bahamas sailing itinerary, look no further than our own charter blog, offering the latest tips, information and plenty of inspiration to prepare for your family adventure.
To speak with one of our charter representatives, simply fill out the form in this blog post, and somebody will be in touch promptly to answer your questions and help you take the first step towards creating lasting family memories and discovering the magic of the Abacos.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner. Since 2001, over 400,000+ charter guests have set sail with Navigare - it’s safe to say that your yachting adventures will be in capable hands. With 12 exotic locations worldwide, the possibilities are endless! Whether you're an experienced sailor or a first-time adventurer, Navigare Yachting opens up a world of exploration, discovery, and sailing that comes with complete peace of mind.