What makes Green Turtle Cay and New Plymouth special?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleGreen Turtle Cay preserves authentic Loyalist heritage in New Plymouth's pastel village, home to the Albert Lowe Museum, the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden, and Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar where the Goombay Smash was invented. Gillam Bay offers deserted beaches with dramatic low-tide sand flats.
Green Turtle Cay sits three miles off the northern coast of Great Abaco, a tiny island with outsized charm. The settlement of New Plymouth, founded in 1783 by American Loyalists fleeing the Revolutionary War, has changed remarkably little in the centuries since.
The village layout reflects its New England roots. Narrow streets lined with steep-pitched gabled houses run between the harbor and a ridge overlooking the sea. Paint colors range from cotton-candy pink to seafoam green, and hand-lettered signs point to galleries, cafes, and family-run shops.
The Albert Lowe Museum anchors the cultural experience with photographs, ship models, and artifacts documenting the island's maritime heritage. Nearby, the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden features 24 bronze busts of prominent Bahamians arranged around life-sized figures of Loyalist women, both Black and white, commemorating the diverse settlers who built these communities.
No visit is complete without a stop at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar. This unassuming spot is the birthplace of the Goombay Smash, a potent rum punch that has become the signature cocktail of the Bahamas. Sip one at the bar where it was invented and sign the wall alongside decades of visitors before you.
Gillam Bay on the western shore provides beach time away from the village. At low tide, the sand flats extend dramatically, creating a dreamlike landscape for photography and wading. The calm, shallow waters also make excellent snorkeling for beginners.
Key points
- New Plymouth was founded in 1783 by American Loyalists
- The Albert Lowe Museum preserves maritime heritage and ship models
- Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar invented the famous Goombay Smash
- The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden honors settlers Black and white
- Gillam Bay offers deserted beaches with dramatic low-tide sand flats
Related questions
- How do you reach Green Turtle Cay from Marsh Harbour?
- Green Turtle Cay lies about 12 nautical miles north of Marsh Harbour, roughly two hours of pleasant sailing. A ferry also runs from a dock near Treasure Cay for those without boats.
- Is Green Turtle Cay good for snorkeling?
- Yes, the calm waters around Green Turtle Cay support healthy sea grass beds where you can spot sea turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish. Conditions suit beginners and families with children.
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