Green Turtle Cay & New Plymouth: History, Beaches & the Goombay Smash
Explore Green Turtle Cay things to do: Loyalist history in New Plymouth, Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, Gillam Bay beaches, and the swimming pigs of nearby No Name Cay.
Green Turtle Cay sits near the northern end of the Abaco cays, a three-mile sliver of land that holds more history, character, and legendary cocktails per square mile than perhaps anywhere else in the Bahamas. The village of New Plymouth, with its narrow lanes and pastel clapboard cottages, feels like stepping back two centuries, while the surrounding beaches rival any in the Caribbean.
Whether you arrive by ferry from Treasure Cay or sail in aboard a private charter like Let's Geaux, Green Turtle Cay rewards visitors who take time to wander, swim, and sip slowly.
New Plymouth: A Loyalist Time Capsule
New Plymouth was founded in 1783 by British Loyalists fleeing the newly independent American colonies. These settlers brought their colonial New England architecture, which still defines the village today. Walking the narrow streets, you pass picket fences, gingerbread trim, and homes painted in soft pinks, yellows, and blues that have weathered centuries of Atlantic storms.
The village is small enough to explore on foot in a couple of hours, but most visitors find themselves lingering far longer. There are no cars in the historic center, and the pace moves to a rhythm set by the trade winds rather than any schedule.
Albert Lowe Museum
The Albert Lowe Museum, housed in a restored Loyalist-era home, offers the best introduction to the island's history. Exhibits cover the founding families, the wrecking and salvage industry that once sustained the economy, and the boat-building traditions that made Abaco craftsmen famous throughout the Caribbean.
The museum also displays ship models built by Albert Lowe himself, considered masterpieces of maritime miniature construction. Allow at least an hour to appreciate the collection properly.
Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden
Just a short walk from the museum, the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden provides a peaceful space to reflect on the island's past. Bronze busts commemorate notable figures from the founding era, set among native plants and shaded walkways. The garden was created to mark the bicentennial of Loyalist settlement and remains a place of quiet significance.
Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar and the Goombay Smash
No visit to Green Turtle Cay is complete without a pilgrimage to Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, birthplace of the legendary Goombay Smash. This unassuming establishment on Parliament Street has achieved near-mythical status among Bahamas visitors.
The original Miss Emily created the cocktail decades ago, blending coconut rum, pineapple juice, and her secret combination of other rums into something greater than its parts. The exact recipe has never been published, though that hasn't stopped countless imitators. Most regulars agree the versions served elsewhere simply don't match what comes out of the Blue Bee Bar.
For the full story behind this iconic drink, read our guide to the Goombay Smash at Miss Emily's.
The bar itself is worth visiting even if you don't drink. The walls are covered with business cards, currency, and memorabilia left by visitors over the decades. Miss Emily's daughter Violet now runs the establishment, maintaining the tradition with the same friendly hospitality.
What to Expect
The Blue Bee Bar keeps casual hours, and the atmosphere is resolutely low-key. There's no dress code, no pretension, and no rush. Order a Goombay Smash, find a seat, and let the afternoon unfold. Many visitors end up staying far longer than planned.
Beaches Worth Your Afternoon
Green Turtle Cay offers several distinct beach experiences within easy reach of New Plymouth.
Gillam Bay
On the western shore, Gillam Bay provides calm, shallow waters that stay waist-deep for hundreds of feet offshore. The protected position means gentle conditions even when winds pick up elsewhere. Families with children particularly appreciate this beach, as do those seeking an easy spot for floating and wading.
At low tide, the sandbars extend even further, creating natural pools and channels to explore. Bring water shoes if you plan to walk far out, as occasional patches of shell and rock appear.
Coco Bay
The Atlantic-facing Coco Bay offers a more dramatic setting. The surf is typically more active here, and the beach stretches long enough for a proper walk. Early morning visits often reward with solitude and good light for photography.
The water color shifts through remarkable shades of turquoise and blue depending on depth and cloud cover. Swimming is more challenging than at Gillam Bay, but the scenery compensates.
Ocean Beach
Running along the northern Atlantic coast, Ocean Beach provides the longest uninterrupted stretch of sand on the cay. The waves can be substantial, making this a better choice for beachcombing and walking than swimming on rougher days.
No Name Cay: Swimming Pigs Nearby
A short sail from Green Turtle Cay, No Name Cay has become famous for its resident swimming pigs. These friendly animals wade right out to greet visiting boats, having learned that visitors often bring treats.
The pigs are best visited by boat, and they've become one of the signature experiences of sailing the Abacos. On our 5-day itinerary, Capt. Ron typically stops at No Name Cay on the run between Great Guana Cay and Treasure Cay, allowing plenty of time for photographs and feeding.
Learn more about planning your encounter in our swimming pigs guide.
Getting to Green Turtle Cay
By Ferry
The Green Turtle Ferry runs regularly from the Treasure Cay ferry dock on mainland Abaco. The crossing takes about ten minutes and operates multiple times daily. Check current schedules locally, as timing can shift seasonally.
From Marsh Harbour, you'll need to drive or taxi north to the Treasure Cay dock first, adding about 30 minutes to the journey.
By Private Charter
For visitors staying aboard a yacht like Let's Geaux, Green Turtle Cay makes an ideal stop on multi-day itineraries through the Abacos. Capt. Ron knows these waters intimately and can time your arrival to maximize your time ashore while catching favorable conditions for sailing.
The anchorage at White Sound provides protected moorings, and the dinghy ride to New Plymouth takes just minutes. This approach eliminates ferry schedules entirely and lets you experience the island at your own pace.
Our 7-day Abacos sailing itinerary includes Green Turtle Cay as a highlight, combining it with stops at Hope Town, Great Guana Cay, and the swimming pigs.
Dining and Provisions
New Plymouth offers several dining options beyond the Blue Bee Bar. The Green Turtle Club serves refined Bahamian cuisine in a waterfront setting, while casual spots provide conch salad, grilled catch, and local favorites.
For those provisioning a yacht, basic groceries are available in the village, though selection is limited. Most charter guests prefer to stock up in Marsh Harbour before departure. Check our rates page for details on what's included with your charter.
Planning Your Visit
Green Turtle Cay works best as a full-day destination or overnight stop rather than a quick visit. The pace here resists rushing, and the best experiences unfold slowly over afternoon drinks, unhurried beach walks, and conversations with locals who've lived here for generations.
Whether you're drawn by history, beaches, the promise of a genuine Goombay Smash, or simply the appeal of a place where time moves differently, Green Turtle Cay delivers.
Ready to include Green Turtle Cay on your Abacos sailing adventure? Contact us to start planning your custom itinerary, or explore our yacht page to learn more about Let's Geaux and the experience aboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get to Green Turtle Cay?
- Green Turtle Cay is accessible by the Green Turtle Ferry from the Treasure Cay ferry dock on mainland Abaco (about 10 minutes). By private yacht charter, Capt. Ron can sail you directly from Marsh Harbour in a few hours, making it an ideal stop on multi-day itineraries.
- What is the Goombay Smash and where was it invented?
- The Goombay Smash is a legendary Bahamian rum cocktail invented by Miss Emily at the Blue Bee Bar in New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but it features coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a blend of other rums.
- Are there swimming pigs near Green Turtle Cay?
- Yes! No Name Cay is located just a short sail from Green Turtle Cay and is home to a friendly group of swimming pigs who wade out to greet visiting boats. It's one of the most popular stops in the Abacos.
- What beaches are best on Green Turtle Cay?
- Gillam Bay on the western shore offers calm, shallow waters perfect for families, while Coco Bay on the Atlantic side features more dramatic scenery. Both beaches are accessible by foot from New Plymouth.
- Is Green Turtle Cay good for history buffs?
- Absolutely. New Plymouth was founded by British Loyalists in 1783, and the village retains its colonial character. The Albert Lowe Museum chronicles local history, and the Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden honors the island's founding families.
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