Oh dreamy Bahamas with its idyllic islands, postcard perfect beaches and swimming pool clear water. With over 700 islands and cays to choose from one may feel lost or overwhelmed with choosing where to visit while cruising . A lifetime could be spent island hopping  with still more to discover and marvel at. After four seasons cruising the Bahamas we have found a few hidden gems on some more known islands worth dropping anchor at. If you are new to cruising the Bahamas and are heading there for your first season or simply want to explore a new part of the Bahamas this is for you. The Abacos islands located in the Northern part of the Bahamas are a great starting point for many sailors with its close proximity to Florida, its safe anchorages and a diversity of activities and islands to visit. Here are our top 5 islands and why.

#1 Manjack Island

We’ve sailed here more than once and have never been disappointed by this astonishing island. The anchorage on the West side of Manjack Island has great holding and is very scenic. Closeby the “Art Trail” offers a nice way to stretch the legs and gaze at all sorts of colourful art added by other sailors. Add your own piece to the trail, it’s a great rainy day art project. The nearby mangroves offer a great vantage point for dozens of sea turtles. We’ve also spotted rays, sharks and a pig while exploring the waterways by dinghy. Avoid low tide as you will get stranded. Our favourite aspect of Manjack is the reef on the East side. If the weather allows with very calm seas there is an amazing 20-30 feet drop where the snorkeling will blow your mind with humongous parrot fish, tall columns of corals, caves and arches to swim through and more.

#2 Double-Breasted Cays

These cays are absolutely breathtaking. Make sure to go drive between all the rocky cays. There is a lot of sea life to enjoy right from your dinghy with the crystal clear water. We have also snorkelled between the cays finding lobsters and various fish. The water flowing from the Bank to the Atlantic Ocean creates these mini strong current brooks between all the cays which can be fun to play in with a paddle board. The sand bars at low tide are also a great area to go enjoy the beach, a drink and let the kids and adults play in the sand.

#3 Powell Island

The colours of the sun setting on the cliffs turning everything into bright orange won our hearts. You can walk the long beach on the West side and even have a nice little fire and cook-up. If you are up for a longer adventure make sure to pack your shoes, snacks and water and find the trail which leads to the East side. Along the way you will encounter different terrain and the flora of the Bahamas with some big land crabs. Once you finally emerge on the East side a stunning beach reveals itself with great beach combing and some rocky outcrops to walk to. There is even  some decent snorkelling which we reached by dinghy coming in from the anchorage on the other side.

#4 Hopetown

Hopetown is so different from the rest of the Bahamas. It has a more touristy feel to it which we tend to avoid. However, it also has a lot to offer starting with its very unique red and white lighthouse. A steep climb to the top rewards you with a spectacular view which shouldn’t be missed. My two year old daughter wanted to climb back up as soon as we made it back down but food was calling. There are many good restaurants and ice cream places, a playground and white sandy beaches. What really caught my eyes were the colours, the streets are surrounded by so many colourful flowers draping over as colourful houses. It was so stunning.

#5 Coral Gardens

Most snorkelling tends to be on the East side of the islands, exposed and open to the Atlantic side. Coral gardens, is one of the few spots on  the West side, which is more protected. Found within the Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park fishing is not allowed which is also maybe why most fish weren’t nervous. We saw the biggest loggerhead turtle, staghorn corals, fish of all species and beautiful corals. There are some mooring balls for your dinghy to tie up to.

These islands were some of our favourites to explore but there are so many more worth stopping for. The Abacos has everything to offer from the underwater world to land adventures. Talk with other sailors as you island hop the Abacos and you’ll be sure not to miss out on the highlights.

Anne Alexandra Fortin

Cory and Alex share their adventure with weekly videos on their YouTube channel “Wildly Intrepid Sailing” and share stories on their website www.wildlyintrepid.com . Their dream is to travel the world and to live without any regrets.