Great Abaco Island is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean, known for their crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sands.
From hidden coves to popular stretches of shoreline, Abaco’s beaches offer the perfect setting for both adventure and relaxation. Visitors can expect breathtaking views, vibrant marine life, and peaceful coastal escapes that define a true island paradise.
Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked days or seeking your next tropical getaway, the beaches of Great Abaco Island promise unforgettable memories and endless beauty. Let’s explore some of the most remarkable spots this incredible destination has to offer.
1. The Low Place Beach
The Low Place Beach on Elbow Cay (also known as The Narrows) is a unique natural wonder that you won’t want to miss when visiting the Abacos.
What makes this beach special is its dual-facing shoreline. It’s a narrow strip of land where the calm Sea of Abaco meets the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
You’ll certainly love strolling across this thin isthmus/passage where it feels like you’re walking on water with beaches on both sides. The Atlantic side specifically offers amazing scenery with crashing waves, perfect for shell collecting.
The Sea of Abaco side, on the other hand, is a more tranquil, shallow water ideal for families with children. During our visits, we’ve often spotted colorful tropical fish darting through the crystal-clear shallows without even needing snorkeling gear.
2. Cherokee Sound Beach
Cherokee Sound Beach is one of Abaco’s most picturesque and family-friendly beaches. The standout feature here is the 770-foot-long wooden dock that extends into impressively clear waters. Fun fact: it’s reportedly the longest public dock in the Bahamas.
Expect to spend countless hours walking this pier while marveling at how the water shifts between shades of turquoise, sapphire, and aquamarine beneath your feet.
Cherokee Sound is especially known for its gentle slope and consistently calm waters, making it ideal for swimmers of all ages. The nearby settlement also offers a charming glimpse into authentic Bahamian life.
During low tide, extensive sandbars appear. These sandbars create natural shallow pools that warm in the sun and make them ideal for children to splash safely while parents relax on the shore.
3. Sandy Cay
Sandy Cay, part of the Pelican Cays Land and Sea park, offers the ultimate Bahamian snorkeling experience. This small, uninhabited island sits surrounded by an extensive coral reef system that teems with marine life.
The underwater visibility at Sandy Cay is astonishing, often exceeding 100 feet on clear days. The beach itself is a pristine crescent of sugar-white sand, but the real magic lies beneath the surface.
The protected reef is home to vibrant coral formations, where you can encounter everything from graceful stingrays to schools of tropical fish in every color imaginable. On lucky days, you can even spot a turtle gliding through the water. Just make sure you have a camera ready!
As a protected area, Sandy Cay remains untouched by heavy human activity, preserving its natural beauty. The shallow portions of the reef are perfect for beginner snorkelers, while the deeper parts offer a thrilling adventure for the more experienced.
4. Tahiti Beach, Elbow Cay
Tahiti Beach sits at the southern tip of Elbow Cay like a postcard come to life. This beach features shallow, crystal-clear waters that stretch far into the distance before reaching waist-deep levels.
As you walk along the powdery white sand, you’ll notice how it curves gently into a protected cove. It truly has the perfect swimming conditions even for younger travelers.
Accessible only by boat or a scenic walk from Hope Town, you’ll often find yourself sharing their breathtaking spot with just a handful of other beach lovers. Because of this seclusion, you can enjoy the swaying palm trees and Caribbean sun to their fullest!
Remember to make time to stroll the sandbar when the tide is low and look for starfish along the way.
5. Hope Town Beach, Elbow Cay
Hope Town Beach stretches along the eastern shore of Elbow Cay. It’s the perfect spot to capture spectacular Atlantic Ocean Views. There are many convenient amenities on shore as well.
Did you know that the iconic candy-striped Elbow Reef lighthouse stands over this gorgeous beach? It’s one of the most photographed scenes in the Bahamas, so make sure you get your picture.
As for the beach itself, it features fine, pink-tinged sand. Fun fact: This color is a result of crushed coral mixed with quartz.
After soaking up the sun, you can explore charming streets lined with pastel cottages, boutique shops, and casual restaurants serving fresh seafood.
6. Gilly’s Beach, Lynyard Cay
Gilly’s Beach remains one of the Abacos’ best-kept secrets, tucked away on the eastern shore of Lynyard Cay. This remote stretch of pristine coastline is reserved only for those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path.
Upon arriving at Gilly’s Beach, the striking contrast between the deep blue Atlantic waters and the pure white sand immediately stands out. The beach features rugged limestone formations, nesting seabirds, and, during early morning visits, dolphins playing offshore.
Snorkeling opportunities at Gilly’s are exceptional, with healthy coral formations just yards from shore. With a mask and fins, visitors can explore vibrant marine ecosystems teeming with fish, rays, and curious sea turtles.
The water clarity here is among the best in the Abacos, with visibility often exceeding 80 feet on calm days.
7. Gilliam Bay Beach, Green Turtle Cay
Gilliam Bay Beach on Green Turtle Cay is an expansive beach that stretches along the western shore of the cay. Like most other Caribbean beaches, it has soft white sand that slopes gently into impossibly clear, shallow waters.
What’s great is that the beach is protected from stronger winds, too. Because of that, it has ideal swimming conditions nearly year-round. The sunsets here are one of a kind and rank among the most photogenic in all of the Bahamas.
Families particularly appreciate this beach for its shallow entry and lack of sudden drop-offs. Children can wade far into the water while remaining within safe depths. The shoreline is dotted with shade-providing casuarina pines as well.
8. Guana Cay Beach
Guana Cay Beach stretches along seven miles of the island’s Atlantic side. What distinguishes it from others is its remarkable coral reef system, located just offshore. The reef helps calm the water near the beach so your kids can safely swim and take in the colorful sights.
Snorkeling here is a must. Just a short swim from shore, and you’ll be able to see an underwater paradise of colorful coral formations and diverse marine life.
Want a quieter experience? Head out to the beach’s northern section as it’s more secluded. The central area near Nippers Beach Bar, however, has a more lively atmosphere. Remember to stick around for their famous Sunday pig roast.
9. Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Beach marks the southernmost point of Great Abaco Island. It may be a remote location, but its super soft sands and colorful shells begging to be collected make it a worthwhile trip.
Sure, you’ll find fewer facilities here, but there’s more natural beauty to take pictures of and bask in. If you time your visit right (typically April), you might witness the annual Sandy Point Homecoming Festival. It’s a vibrant celebration of Bahamian culture with music, food, and boat races.
Fun fact: The waters off Sandy Point are known for excellent bonefishing and attract anglers from around the world. Even if fishing isn’t your thing, the peaceful environment is excellent for long walks or some quiet reading time.
10. Windward Point
For a beach experience that feels wonderfully secluded, Windward Point (at the northeastern tip of Little Abaco) offers one of the most photogenic landscapes in the Abacos.
Facing the open Atlantic Ocean, the point features powerful waves crashing against rugged rocky formations.
The best part? Few tourists make it this far north, meaning large sections of the beach are often yours to enjoy in solitude. The coastline is dotted with tide pools teeming with fascinating marine life, perfect for discovering colorful sea stars and small tropical fish.
11. Crossing Rocks Beach
You can’t go to the Bahamas without visiting Crossing Rocks Beach. Located on Great Abaco’s southern coast, this expansive beach stretches for miles along crystal-clear waters. The soft, white sand feels like walking on powdered sugar; fine-grained and cool even under the midday sun.
If you want a glimpse into local life, this beach is home to local fishermen and craftsmen. Make sure to capture those moments/glimpses into island culture!
The swimming conditions at Crossing Rocks are ideal for families, with a gentle slope and typically calm water protected by offshore reefs. Snorkeling enthusiasts will especially love this beach.
Final Thoughts: Book the Perfect Stay Today!
Each Great Abaco shoreline offers its unique charm, from secluded coves to stretches of pristine sand. No wonder travelers from around the world keep coming back!
When planning your Abaco adventure, consider making Sea Glass Found’s on Man-O-War Cay your home. With luxury accommodations, private beaches, and unparalleled amenities, you’ll experience magnificent coastlines with comfort and convenience.
Get in touch with us today with any further questions you may have, or check out our FAQs if necessary.
