Things to Do in Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleGreen Turtle Cay transports visitors to another era, a place where the pace of life matches the gentle lapping of waves against wooden docks. The island's main settlement of New Plymouth was founded in 1786 by British Loyalists fleeing the newly independent United States, and their legacy lives on in narrow lanes lined with clapboard cottages, white picket fences, and a distinctly New England character transplanted to the tropics.
Beyond the village charm, Green Turtle Cay delivers pristine beaches, exceptional shelling, and the kind of warm local welcome that defines the Out Islands. This is where the famous Goombay Smash was invented at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, a rum punch now found throughout the Caribbean but still best enjoyed at its birthplace. Museums preserve the island's fascinating Loyalist history, while nearby sandbars and reefs invite swimmers and snorkelers to explore some of the clearest water in the Bahamas.
Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar
NightlifeThis unassuming bar in the heart of New Plymouth is the birthplace of the legendary Goombay Smash, a potent rum punch now served throughout the Caribbean. The walls are covered with business cards and memorabilia left by decades of visitors from around the world.
Tip: The Goombay Smash is stronger than it tastes; pace yourself and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Albert Lowe Museum
HistoryHoused in a restored Loyalist home, this museum showcases the fascinating history of New Plymouth through photographs, antique artifacts, and intricately carved ship models of historic Abaco sailing vessels. It offers a window into the island's unique heritage.
Tip: Allow at least an hour to appreciate the detailed ship models and historical displays.
Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden
HistoryLocated in the heart of New Plymouth, this public garden honours the island's founders with bronze busts of notable Loyalists who settled here after the American Revolution. It provides a peaceful spot for reflection and photographs.
Tip: Free to visit; combines well with a walking tour of New Plymouth's historic streets.
New Plymouth Village Walk
HistoryStroll the narrow streets of this 18th-century village to admire pastel-painted clapboard houses, historic churches, and charming gift shops. The architecture reflects the New England roots of the Loyalist settlers who built the town over two centuries ago.
Tip: Most shops close on Sundays; plan your shopping for other days of the week.
Green Turtle Cay Beaches
BeachThe island boasts some of the finest beaches in the Bahamas, with powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Shelling on the beaches and offshore sandbars is among the best in the country, with conch shells and sand dollars commonly found.
Tip: Low tide exposes more sandbars and improves shelling conditions.
Sundowner's Bar & Grill
DiningA favourite local hangout where you can shoot pool, play dominoes with residents, and enjoy cold drinks while watching the sunset. The relaxed atmosphere offers an authentic taste of Bahamian island social life.
Tip: Show up around sunset for the best atmosphere and a chance to mingle with locals.
Pineapples Bar & Grill
DiningKnown for beautiful Caribbean sunsets and daily happy hour specials, Pineapples offers waterfront dining with views across the harbour. Fresh seafood and Bahamian favourites round out the menu.
Tip: Arrive before sunset to claim a table with the best views.
The Golden Reef
ShoppingThis local jeweller manufactures gold jewellery right on the island, offering unique pieces with Bahamian themes. Handcrafted designs make meaningful souvenirs that support local artisans.
Tip: Ask about custom pieces if you want something truly one-of-a-kind.
Best time to visit
November through May brings pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach days and exploring New Plymouth on foot. This period also sees the most visiting yachts and liveliest atmosphere. Summer months are warmer and quieter, with occasional afternoon showers.
Getting there
Green Turtle Cay is accessible by ferry from the mainland dock near Treasure Cay. The ferry takes about 10 minutes and runs several times daily. Most visitors fly into Treasure Cay Airport (TCB) or Marsh Harbour International Airport (MHH) and arrange ground transportation to the ferry dock. Private boats can anchor in White Sound or Black Sound harbours.
Loyalist Heritage and Architecture
Green Turtle Cay offers a living window into Bahamian Loyalist history. Beginning in the 1770s, American colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the Revolutionary War began migrating to these islands, and New Plymouth was formally established in the 18th century. Many current residents trace their ancestry directly to these founders, maintaining traditions and family names that span more than two centuries.
The architectural character of New Plymouth remains unique in the Bahamas. Steep-pitched roofs originating with settlers from New England top pastel-painted clapboard buildings, while narrow winding lanes recall a maritime village transplanted to the tropics. Wooden docks extend into the harbor past white picket fences and gardens bursting with tropical color. The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden, a Bahamian National Monument in the heart of the village, features 24 bronze busts of prominent Bahamians arranged around central life-sized figures of both Black and white Loyalist women, sculpted by James Mastin.
Harbors and Anchorages
Boaters approaching Green Turtle Cay have three protected harbors to choose from, each with distinct character and services. White Sound occupies the northern half of the island and hosts the world-famous Green Turtle Club and Marina along with Bluff House Club and Marina, both offering dockage and fuel. Anchoring space is limited with good holding in silty bottom just south and east of the Green Turtle Club docks, though only one or two boats fit comfortably in the prime spots.
Black Sound provides an anchorage area and three marinas where cruising sailors can tie up for the night. The entrance carries approximately four to five feet at mean low water. Settlement Harbour to the south has shallower controlling depths under one meter but remains popular for dinghies and shoal-draft vessels. The channels into all three basins are marked, with White Sound and Black Sound carrying 1.4 to 1.7 meters. Sailors should consult current charts and approach cautiously on a rising tide.
Eat and Drink
Green Turtle Cay punches above its weight for dining options, anchored by Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar where the legendary Goombay Smash was invented. This unassuming establishment in the heart of New Plymouth serves the original rum punch recipe that has since spread throughout the Caribbean, its walls covered with business cards and memorabilia from decades of devoted visitors. The drink is stronger than it tastes, so pace yourself.
McIntosh Restaurant and Bakery on the hill entering the settlement serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, with Denise McIntosh's desserts earning devoted fans for her key lime pie and guava cheesecake. Friday night brings Lobster Fest, featuring Bahamian lobster prepared more than a dozen different ways. Bluff House's Ballyhoo Bar and Grill overlooks White Sound's sailboat-filled harbor, while the Lizard Bar and Grill at Leeward Yacht Club perches above Black Sound serving grilled lobster, fresh catch, and their signature Leaning Lizard cocktail.
Day Trips and Water Adventures
Green Turtle Cay serves as the perfect launch point for exploring nearby uninhabited cays and pristine snorkeling grounds. No Name Cay, also nicknamed Piggyville, lies a short boat ride away and has become famous for its friendly swimming pigs that wade out to greet arriving boats hoping for snacks like carrots or grapes. The island also features a shallow beach bar serving rum punch.
Two legendary local operators make these adventures unforgettable. Brendal Stevens of Brendal's Dive Center has been featured on the Discovery Channel and CNN, and he knows the surrounding reefs so well he has named individual groupers, stingrays, and moray eels that visitors can hand-feed. Trips often include fresh seafood grilled on the beach and complimentary rum punch. Lincoln Jones, affectionately called the Daniel Boone of the Bahamas, leads all-day Manjack Cay outings combining fishing, snorkeling, and an elaborate beach party cookout featuring your fresh-caught fish and lobster in season.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Goombay Smash?
- The Goombay Smash is a potent rum punch invented at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar on Green Turtle Cay. Made with rum, coconut, and fruit juices, it has become the signature drink of the Bahamas.
- Why is New Plymouth called a Loyalist settlement?
- New Plymouth was founded in 1786 by British Loyalists who fled the United States after the American Revolution. Their descendants still live on the island, and the town preserves its New England architectural character.
- Are there swimming pigs on Green Turtle Cay?
- Yes, nearby No Name Cay, accessible by boat from Green Turtle Cay, has a small colony of swimming pigs similar to the famous pigs in the Exumas.
- How do I get from Treasure Cay to Green Turtle Cay?
- Take the Green Turtle Ferry from the dock near Treasure Cay. The crossing takes about 10 minutes, and ferries run multiple times daily. Check the schedule as times vary by season.
- How do I get from Treasure Cay Airport to Green Turtle Cay?
- From Treasure Cay Airport, take a taxi to the nearby ferry dock where the Green Turtle Ferry departs for New Plymouth. The crossing takes about 10 minutes and runs multiple times daily, though schedules vary by season. You can also fly into Marsh Harbour International Airport and arrange ground transportation to the ferry dock.
- What is the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden?
- The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden in New Plymouth is a Bahamian National Monument featuring 24 bronze busts of prominent Bahamians arranged around life-sized central figures of both Black and white Loyalist women. Sculpted by James Mastin, it honors the island's founders and provides a peaceful spot for reflection and photographs. Admission is free.
- Can I visit the swimming pigs from Green Turtle Cay?
- Yes, No Name Cay and its famous swimming pigs lie a short boat ride from Green Turtle Cay. Several tour operators including Brendal's Dive Center and Sunset Marine offer excursions combining the pig visit with snorkeling and other activities. Tours typically run about 2.5 hours and cost $60 to $80 per person, often including stops to swim with turtles and feed stingrays.
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