Both years we’ve been to the Abacos via sailboat (so far) have been filled with quite a few days of heavier winds. We always try to find a safe place to hunker down for a few days and Green Turtle Cay will always be a favorite place to stop now too. Green Turtles can be found swimming around each harbor and the reefs are some of the most impressive in the Abacos. Green Turtle Cay is one of the most developed islands you will see in the Abacos and is a great place for people to check in when arriving into the Bahamas.
In this post, we will share with you a look at a few of their safe anchorages, our favorite places to enjoy while visiting the island, and some beautiful places to enjoy nature.
Anchorages
There are two main areas to anchor in Green Turtle Cay, White Sound and Black Sound. Both areas offer great protection from all directions of wind and have plenty of things to keep you busy. Here’s a little more information about each area to see which you may prefer and if you click the map, it will direct you to all anchorages in Green Turtle Cay via Waterway Guide.
White Sound
This area has a large area for boaters to anchor in, grab a mooring, or rent a slip. The channel is dredged with 6.5 feet at mean low water. There are great restaurants around, a convenience store, golf carts to rent for getting into New Plymouth, and access to the reef on Ocean Beach.
Here are a couple places we’d suggest to rent a slip in White Sound – Green Turtle Club or Bluff House Marina
Black Sound
This area also has a large area for boaters to anchor in, grab a mooring, or rent a slip. The channel however is 4.5 feet and many boats will need to wait for a rising tide to get in safely. This area is quite a bit closer to town. You’ll have access to an array of restaurants, groceries, other conveniences, and is a really fun area.
Here are a couple places we’d suggest to rent a slip in Black Sound – Leeward Yacht Club or Other Shore Club
Wherever you decide to stay, you’re in good hands with great holding, properly maintained moorings, and awesome service at each marina. Green Turtle Cay has their $%&@ together.
What to do in Green Turtle Cay
When you visit Green Turtle Cay, you will be pleasantly happy to enjoy society for a while. They have a great community and all the necessities you’ll need for a while.
Amenities
Groceries – Sid’s Grocery, Lowe’s Food Store, and Curry’s Food Store
Alcohol – Plymouth Rock Liquors & Cafe – Great selection, decent prices, and awesome food.
Fuel – You can purchase gas and diesel most conveniently at Green Turtle Club
Water – The best price for water in GTC is at Leeward Yacht Club for $0.25/gallon. If you are at Green Turtle Club or Bluff House Marina, water is $0.35/gallon.
Boat Maintenance & Storage – Abaco Yacht Services. This places has always done well with supplying us parts needed along the way. They also have a large yard for boat storage.
Souvenirs – There are a few places to grab souvenirs in New Plymouth.
Golf Cart Rentals – Brendal’s Dive Shop
Diving & Snorkeling – Brendal’s Dive Shop. You can also get scuba certified here.
Bars and Restaurants
Lizard Cafe & Bar at Leeward Yacht Club – Best food on the island! Great happy hour specials and brand new decor for a great atmosphere.
Ballyhoo Bar and Grill at Bluff House Marina – Great menu options.
Tranquil Turtle at Bluff House Marina – Fish Fry Fridays with a beautiful view of the Sea of Abaco.
Pineapples at Other Shore Club – Sundowners are great here. They serve two for one drinks at happy hour, so be careful 😉
Restaurant at Green Turtle Club – Delicious food and beverage. Great service always.
Sunset Bar and Grille – Features Sax Man and the Gully Roosters! Definitely a fun place to check out once they open at 5pm.
Wrecking Tree – They have a baked Mac & Cheese that is absolutely delicious!
Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar – They have a great tasting Goombay Smash!
Harvey’s Island Bar & Grill – Awesome food but service can be very slow if it’s busy.
McIntosh Restaurant & Bakery – We always go here for their freshly baked breads, so good!
Exploring Nature
Green Turtle Cay is considered the halfway point through the Abacos and has a beautiful stretch of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean with a bustling boating area on the Sea of Abaco. The island has colorful flora and fauna in every direction. Our favorite part of the island is it’s beautiful beaches along the Ocean side and the fun hikes throughout Coco Bay and the Northern part of the island. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to beach-comb, sunbathe, and swim. On a nature hike you’ll learn of a variety of trees native to the Bahamas, including a few poisonous varieties.
One of the best activities to enjoy while visiting this area is snorkeling or diving the reef on a calm day. The marine life is incredible in this area!
Cheers and thanks for reading!
If you’d like to read more about Green Turtle Cay, visit our post from our previous visit –> Bahamas Cruising – Nature Trails, Ocean Views, & Piggyville in the Central Abacos
Want to see more pictures from our travels!? Check out our Instagram
