Marsh Harbor
Centrally located on Great Abaco’s mainland, Marsh Harbour, is about 23 miles south of Treasure Cay. It is the Bahamas’ third largest settlement (approx. 6,000 residents). By far the largest community in The Abacos, Marsh Harbour is the shopping, dining, banking, marine hardware, and marine equipment supply center of The Abacos.
Once inhabited by the Lucayan Indians, Abaco Island entered modern history in 1513 when Ponce de Leon made land here as he searched for the Fountain of Youth. Although the islands soon became a popular home base for pirates, it wasn’t until the 1780’s that the islands were settled permanently. After the Revolutionary War, over 600 Loyalists from the former American colonies fled to Abaco and founded the village of Carleton Point, near today’s
Treasure Cay. While this original settlement did not survive, other settler villages such as Marsh Harbour and Hope Town continue to thrive and are celebrated for their historic charm. Today, Abaco is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its natural beauty and enchanting island hospitality.
Marsh Harbour is also a shipbuilding center, but tourism accounts for most of its revenues. A number of good inns are located here. Although the town doesn’t have the quaint New England charm of either New Plymouth or Hope Town, it does have a shopping center and various other facilities not found in many Out Island settlements. Good water-taxi connections, too, make this a popular place from which to explore offshore cays, including Man-O-War and Elbow. Several hotels will rent you a bike if you want to pedal around town.
The Largest Bahamas Marina In The Islands
Home to the largest full service Bahamas marina, Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour boasts 190 protected slips and every possible marine amenity. Sheltered on the southeastern shore of Marsh Harbour, with natural protection by offshore cays, this marina is able to cater to yachts up to 200 feet in length.
The marina is fully modernized, offering everything from cable television and telephone hookup to electricity. Resort features and services available to all marina guests on any Taylor’d Yacht Charter vessel include two freshwater swimming pools, free use of the watersports equipment, a tennis court, bicycle rentals, a private beach, restaurant, pool bar, and a gift shop and boutique. You may enjoy these shore based amenities or simply stay on and enjoy the luxury of your own chartered yacht.
