Cruising the Abacos with A Bachelorette Party: A 7- Day Sailing Itinerary
When a friend asked if I would captain her bachelorette charter through the Abacos, I didn’t hesitate to say yes. While I’m not a licensed skipper, I have an extensive sailing background and had long dreamed of exploring the Bahamian islands. See resume and required sailing experience here.
None of the other women on board had prior sailing experience—aside from one friend, an avid boater who could confidently tie a cleat hitch. After a safety briefing and some hands-on instruction at the dock, everyone was eager to get involved. Throughout the week, they each learned to operate the dinghy, hoist and drop the sails, and secure a mooring ball. By the end of the trip, every woman on board was able to pick up and tie off a mooring completely on her own. Watching their skills and confidence grow day by day was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
As an all-women crew, we attracted plenty of friendly curiosity at the docks and local beach bars. My friends proudly introduced me as their captain—a gesture that made me incredibly proud and underscored the empowering spirit of the trip.
We had done our research ahead of time and planned to navigate primarily around high tide to avoid the many shallow risk areas in the Abacos. The team at the Navigare base confirmed that moving the yacht within two hours of high tide was best for safely entering and exiting protected harbors. Their guidance, along with their warm hospitality and seamless check-in process, set us up for a smooth and memorable adventure.
Planning for the trip
A short, affordable, and direct flight from Miami brought us to Marsh Harbour, where our adventure began. There are many direct flights to Marsh Harbor from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta. Navigare helped us pre-arrange an airport transfer, making our arrival smooth and stress-free. The best time to visit the Abacos is between November and April, when the weather is ideal and everything is open for guests. We went in late April, just on the shoulder season. Our main provisioning stop was at Maxwell’s Supermarket, a quick taxi ride from the Navigare base. We picked up our celebratory beverages at Jimmy’s Liquors.
This itinerary will give you a great starting point for planning your own Abacos adventure. You can also find recommended activities for a family trip here.
Day 1: Marsh Harbor to Hope Town
We set sail from the Navigare base at 4 PM, the sun casting a golden glow across the water as we charted a course for Elbow Cay. The timing was perfect—high tide guided us effortlessly into the peaceful harbor at Hope Town. After securing the boat, we took the dinghy to Cap’n Jack's and hiked up the hill to discover a breathtaking stretch of untouched white sand. There wasn’t another soul in sight. The ocean unfurled before us in every direction, vast and endless, wrapping us in a sense of wonder and connection. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to pause, and the beauty of the world pulled us even closer together.
When we returned to the dinghy, we had a few celebratory drinks at Cap’n Jack's, accompanied by their delicious conch fritters.
Provisioning: Vermin’s store and Harbour View Grocery
Day 2: Hope Town to Great Guana
The next morning, as we waited for the tide to rise, we set off on foot to the iconic Elbow Cay Lighthouse. Climbing to the top felt like stepping into a postcard—panoramic views stretched endlessly in every direction. Thanks to a convenient public dinghy dock, the lighthouse was easy to access and absolutely worth the effort. After soaking in the views, we returned to town for a little local shopping. We tied up at the post office dock and wandered through charming boutiques like Hope Town Canvas, Sun Dried Ts, and Da Crazy Crab—each one offering a glimpse of island life and handmade treasures.
Our next adventure took us to Fowl Cay, a snorkeler’s paradise known for its vibrant reefs and crystal-clear waters. We anchored on the calm Sea of Abaco side, then took the dinghy around to the ocean-facing shore. Conditions were ideal—flat water, clear skies—and we easily picked up a dinghy mooring. What we found below the surface was nothing short of magical: swaying sea fans, flourishing coral beds, and the silent rhythm of the underwater world dancing around us for a full hour of unforgettable exploration.
When it was time to move on, we sailed toward Great Guana Cay under smooth skies. We picked up a mooring ball near the Nippers dinghy dock in Settlement Harbour—managed by Dive Guana, who either meet you on the water or welcome you ashore to pay.
The rest of the day was pure celebration. At Nippers Beach Bar & Grill, we danced barefoot in the sand, sipped frozen Nippers, and soaked up the lively energy along the four-mile stretch of dazzling beach. As the sun dipped low, we headed to Grabbers Bed Bar & Grill for dinner, and capped the night with a surprise gift of fresh lobster at Kid’s Cove—a perfect ending to a day that already felt like a dream.
Provisioning: Grocery Store and Fog Tree Wine and Spirits (both located near the Nippers dingy dock)
Day 3: Great Guana to Green Turtle
Departing Great Guana, we charted our course through Whale Cay Passage en route to Green Turtle Cay. Along the way, we made an essential and heartwarming stop at No Name Cay—affectionately known as Pig Island. There’s something undeniably magical about seeing pigs wade out to greet you in crystal-clear Bahamian waters. As we approached the dinghy dock, the scent of fresh citrus and spice caught our attention—locals were selling homemade ceviche, and the temptation was impossible to resist. With bowls of ceviche in hand, we wandered over to meet the pigs. There were several adorable babies lounging in the shade, and as soon as we arrived, they trotted over like old friends, eager for attention and snacks.
With a few hours left before our high tide window to enter Green Turtle, we took the opportunity to freshen up. Showers, music, laughter, and makeup transformed the deck into a floating dressing room. By the time we pulled anchor and set sail again, we were fully dressed for the evening—dresses flowing, spirits high, and makeup flawless.
Pulling into any anchorage as an all-women crew always turns heads, but this time we caused a full-on stir. Picking up the mooring ball flawlessly on the first try felt like a power move—proof that we could command a yacht with grace and style. There’s something uniquely emboldening about showing up at the helm with confidence and lipstick.
We ended the day with an unforgettable dinner at the Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina—delicious food and a fiery sunset stretching across the sky as if it had been painted just for us.
Provisioning: Several small shops in New Plymouth
Day 4: Green Turtle to Great Guana
Since we woke to a peak low tide and had some time to spare before we could safely move the boat, we seized the opportunity to explore by land. Just down the road from the Green Turtle Club, we rented golf carts and cruised over to the colorful, historic town of New Plymouth. Painted in bright Caribbean hues and full of charm, the town felt like a step back in time—quiet, welcoming, and brimming with hidden treasures. We lingered over a relaxed island breakfast, wandered through small shops, and picked up a few provisions for the journey ahead. The morning was simple, but unforgettable—unhurried, with the scent of sea air mingling with fresh pastries and island spices.
Once the tide had risen and the window opened for us to safely move the boat, we made our way just around the corner to Nunjack Cay, where we set anchor in one of the most pristine and untouched slices of paradise. Beneath the surface, the waters were alive with gentle sea turtles, graceful rays, and nurse sharks gliding calmly among us. We swam and snorkeled side by side with them, surrounded by white sand and shimmering light—an experience that felt as surreal as it was serene.
After soaking in the magic of Nunjack, we set sail back through Whale Cay Passage and returned to Great Guana Cay for one final night. Of course, no visit would be complete without a farewell stop at Nippers—where frozen Nippers in hand, we toasted the day’s adventures and the memory of the wild beauty that had unfolded all around us. Back on board, we capped the evening with a grilled dinner under the stars and were surprised by a meteor shower. With the sky unpolluted by light, it was a true spectacle, the giant balls burned as they unsuccessfully attempted to enter the atmosphere. An incredible end to an equally incredible day.
Day 5: Great Guana to Little Harbor
We were able to leave Great Guana early, taking advantage of the deeper waters that made it a safe departure point without the usual shallow risks. With our sights set on Little Harbor, we began the long southbound sail, timing our arrival for peak high tide. The wind was light, which stretched our journey to nearly six hours, but it gave us the rare luxury of a slow sail, one that invited us to fully settle into island time. Music drifted from the speakers, and the deck became a place of effortless joy. The girls lounged with cocktails in hand, trading places between sunbathing, reading novels, whipping up snacks, and marveling at the infinite hues of electric blue water all around us. One of those sails where the journey itself becomes the memory.
As we finally rounded into Little Harbor, the rewards of the day’s voyage immediately revealed themselves. Tucked away and wonderfully wild, this harbor radiated off-the-grid charm and raw natural beauty. We stepped ashore and wandered to the remnants of an old lighthouse, exploring nearby caves and watching waves thunder against rock formations. The white sand beach stretched out before us like something from a dream—untouched, powerful, peaceful.
Dinner that evening at Pete’s Pub and Gallery was a celebration of the senses. With live music playing and the scent of grilled seafood filling the air, we savored fresh-caught fish that melted in our mouths. The open-air bar buzzed with life, and we found ourselves drawn into the rhythm of the place—laughing with new friends, browsing the colorful gift shop, and letting the night carry us. We ended the evening strolling the moonlit beach, hearts full, knowing we had discovered something truly special—an adventure no itinerary could have prepared us for.
Day 6: Little Harbor to Hope Town
After a magical night in Little Harbor, we charted our course northward and made a leisurely stop at Tahiti Cay—a stunning sandbar that vanishes with the tide. It was the perfect place to pause and let time stretch gently before us. With the sun warming our skin and the tide still low, we spent the day reveling in simple pleasures: swimming in crystalline shallows, collecting pieces of sea glass that sparkled like treasure, and preparing a relaxed lunch under the open sky.
Just when we thought the day couldn’t get any better, a vibrant floating bar named "The Thirsty Cuda" cruised into view and dropped anchor beside us. It was one of those serendipitous island moments. We ordered their signature Gombay Smashes—a sweet, rum-laced local favorite—and savored them while lounging on the soft, white sand, fully immersed in the carefree rhythm of the day.
As the tide rose, our window to move opened, and we set sail for Hope Town. A dramatic sky chased us in, and we managed to grab a mooring ball just ahead of a fast-moving storm. That night, safe and dry aboard our yacht, we cozied up and played card games, laughter echoing under the cabin lights. The kind of evening that reminded us how sweet it is to be in good company, in the right place, at exactly the right time.
Day 7: Hope town to Navigare base
The bittersweet feeling of return lingered in the air as we pointed the bow back toward the Navigare base. None of us were quite ready to say goodbye to the freedom and magic of life at sea. The wind was up that day—brisk and steady—so instead of heading straight in, we seized the chance for one last exhilarating sail. We spent the morning reaching back and forth across the Sea of Abaco, letting the wind fill our sails and our spirits one final time. With the sun glinting off the water and the boat slicing cleanly through the waves, it felt like a celebration—a final toast to a week we’d never forget.
There’s something extraordinary about the Abacos. It's a place where time slows down, merriment carries on the wind, and every island offers a new kind of adventure. It’s the perfect harmony between lively beach bar scenes and serene, unspoiled anchorages where the only sounds are waves on the hull and the occasional call of a distant seabird.
If you’re looking for the perfect excuse to get out on the water, consider planning your escape around one of the exciting 2025 regattas, events, or fishing tournaments. Whether you're sailing with friends, family, or a crew of adventurous women like ours, the Abacos promise a journey that’s as memorable as the destination.
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.