Sailing: The Best Way To Experience The Abaco Islands
The Abacos are made up of over 120 cays and islands scattered across calm, shallow waters so what better way to experience as many islands as you can than by sailboat? Traveling in the Abaco Islands by boat gives you direct access to hidden beaches, uninhabited islands, and gorgeous reefs you simply can’t reach by land or air. Dive right off the boat into some of the world’s best reefs, explore historic lighthouses by taking your dinghy to shore, and experience top-notch sailing conditions in naturally sheltered waters that block unpredictable ocean swells. No rigid schedules or crowded ferries—just you, your crew, and the freedom to sail on island time!
Day 1-3: Northern Abaco
- Marsh Harbour: Arrive at Marsh Harbour airport, transfer to the marina, and explore the local restaurants and bars.
- Great Guana Cay: Sail north to Great Guana Cay and explore Fishers Bay, a great spot for a beach day and relaxation.
- Man-O-War Cay: Visit Man-O-War Cay, known for its boat building heritage and the Albury’s Boat Building & Canvas Shop.
- Hope Town (Elbow Cay): Continue to Hope Town, home of the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse and a charming harbor.
Day 4-6: Southern Abaco
- Little Harbour: Sail south to Little Harbour, known for its Pete’s Pub and the chance to snorkel along the way.
- Lynyard Cay: Anchor at Lynyard Cay for a tranquil overnight stay.
- Treasure Cay: Spend a day at Treasure Cay, a well-protected marina with numerous amenities.
Day 7: Return to Marsh Harbour
- Sail back to Marsh Harbour, enjoying the sailing conditions and making the most of the final day.
Learn to Sail in the Bahamas
Our Bahamas sailing school offers American Sailing Association (ASA) bareboat certification courses year-round. These hands-on Bahamas sailing courses provide expert instruction from our award-winning ASA instructors plus internationally recognized certifications sailors need to bareboat charter anywhere in the world. With Go Sail Bahamas you can expect bespoke sailing itineraries, top-notch sailing lessons, and plenty of time to visit top sailing locations in the Bahamas for snorkeling, swimming, dining, and relaxing. Our weeklong liveaboard vacations offer you everything you need to become a competent and confident sailor!
A Sample 7 Day Bahamas Sailing Itinerary
At our Bahamas sailing school, we offer bespoke sailing itineraries designed around your interests, skill level, and real-time weather conditions—ensuring a safe, exciting, and personalized sailing experience. Whether you’re a beginner earning your first ASA certifications or an experienced sailor looking to explore new waters, you’ll enjoy a perfectly balanced itinerary. You’ll receive plenty of hands-on sailing, plus opportunities like daily island exploration, snorkeling in crystal-clear bays, savoring authentic Caribbean cuisine, and relaxing aboard a luxury yacht. Ready to see what your dream sailing vacation could look like? Check out our sample Bahamas sailing itinerary to get inspired:
Day 1: Arrival
Fly into Marsh Harbor (MHH) and take a taxi (about $25) to the marina to meet your captain! You’ll spend the first night at the dock, getting unpacked and comfortable aboard your yacht.Manjak Cay
A private island with owners who allow cruisers to respectfully enjoy the island.✔️ Hiking to secluded beaches
✔️ Snorkeling with turtles and stingrays in the mangroves
A private island with owners who allow cruisers to respectfully enjoy the island.
✔️ Hiking to secluded beaches
✔️ Snorkeling with turtles and stingrays in the mangroves
Green Turtle Cay
Explore the White and Black Sound. Settlers arrived at New Plymouth on Black Sound in 1783 and it is only accessible by boat!Places to visit:
✔️ Historic homes of New Plymouth
✔️ Souvenir shops
Man-O-War Cay
Discover the boat building capital of The Bahamas! The Albury family (who operate the Albury Ferry service) is handcrafting boats from their workshop today.Places to visit:
✔️ Albury’s Boat Building & Canvas Shop
✔️ Hero’s Wall
Great Guana Cay
The Cay is 7 miles long with a 5 mile long white sand beach! A lively island with a party atmosphere and friendly localsPlaces to visit:
✔️ Nippers and Grabbers
✔️ Kidds Cove bar
✔️ Fishers Bay
Elbow Cay
Home of the iconic Elbow Reef Lighthouse and a charming harborPlaces to visit:
✔️ Elbow Reef Lighthouse
✔️ Local art galleries
Departure Day
Wake up and make the short sail to the marina dock! Around 9am, you’ll arrive at the marina to fuel up and say goodbye to your sailing friends. By 10am, you’ll be ready to take a taxi and head off to the airport or your next destination. Fair winds!Please Note:
This Bahamas sailing itinerary is meant to serve as an example of what a week-long Learn to Sail vacation may look like with Go Sail Bahamas. However, it is important to note that the captain may adjust the schedule to ensure optimal sailing conditions and the best possible experience for guests.
Sailing by Example
All our Bahamas sailing courses are customized to each group of sailors by the captain aboard and the sailing students themselves! Every boat is captained by expert ASA instructors with sailing experience all over the world. We know sailing but better yet we are mastering the art of teaching you everyday with patience and practice. Kindness and respect are at the heart of everything we do. These are 7 key principles we follow and live by.
- Encourage active learning
- Give and ask for prompt feedback
- Emphasize hands-on sailing skills
- Communicate with honesty and clarity
- Respect diverse talents and ways of learning
- Encourage questions and growth mindset
- Develop reciprocity and cooperation
We also provide sailing instruction because we believe in the betterment of the sailing community as a whole. Passing down our knowledge is the biggest thanks we can give to the captains and mentors who have gotten us to this point in our own careers!
Meet the Go Sail Virgin Islands Captains and Crew!
Private Sailing Courses
Learn to sail together with friends and family in paradise with a bespoke Bahamas sailing itinerary! Our Bahamas sailing school private courses include internationally recognized American Sailing (ASA) certifications and the chance to earn your International Sailing License (IPC). With no age restrictions and no requirement for every guest to participate in the course, this is the perfect balance of fun and education. While some of your crew learns the ropes, others can relax, snorkel, and explore the Virgin Islands at their own pace. It’s hands-on learning with a built-in vacation—the best of both worlds.
Solo Sailors Group Sailing Courses
Go Sail’s solo travel group sailing courses offer the perfect blend of personalized instruction and community. You’ll receive individualized, one-on-one coaching from award winning ASA instructors to build on your unique sailing skills while also learning from your fellow students who bring fresh perspectives and techniques to broaden your sailing knowledge. Solo travelers leave with more than sailing certifications, they gain new friendships, stronger communication skills, and increased confidence!