5-Day Abacos Family Sailing Itinerary
The Abacos are a dream destination for families seeking adventure and quality time together. This 5-day itinerary focuses on calm anchorages, shallow snorkeling spots perfect for beginners, and unforgettable wildlife encounters including the famous swimming pigs. Every day brings activities that engage children of all ages while parents relax knowing the protected waters and attentive crew ensure safety.
Aboard a spacious crewed catamaran, families enjoy the freedom of island exploration without the hassles of hotel logistics. Your chef prepares kid-approved meals alongside adult cuisine, and the stable platform means even those prone to seasickness sail comfortably across the turquoise Sea of Abaco.
Marsh Harbour to Treasure Cay
Depart Marsh Harbour and sail 15 nautical miles north to Treasure Cay, home to one of the Caribbean's most spectacular beaches. The 3-mile stretch of powdery white sand slopes gently into calm, shallow water perfect for young swimmers. Build sandcastles, collect shells, and wade in water so clear you can spot small fish at your feet.
Overnight: Treasure Cay (mooring ball)
Treasure Cay to Green Turtle Cay and No Name Cay
Sail 8 nautical miles to Green Turtle Cay and anchor in White Sound. After lunch, take the dinghy to nearby No Name Cay for the highlight of the trip: meeting the famous swimming pigs. These friendly pigs wade into the shallows hoping for treats, creating unforgettable photos and memories. Return to explore the colorful village of New Plymouth.
Overnight: White Sound, Green Turtle Cay
Green Turtle Cay to Manjack Cay
A short 5-nautical-mile sail north reaches uninhabited Manjack Cay. Explore the mangrove creek by dinghy where children can safely observe sea turtles, small sharks, and stingrays in shallow water. The calm western anchorage is perfect for swimming off the boat, and the beach offers excellent shelling opportunities.
Overnight: Manjack Cay (west side anchorage)
Manjack Cay to Great Guana Cay
Sail 17 nautical miles south to Great Guana Cay, anchoring in protected Fisher's Bay. The Atlantic beach stretches endlessly for beach walks and boogie boarding in gentle waves. Snorkel nearby shallow reefs where colorful fish congregate around coral heads. End the day with family dinner at Grabbers Beach Bar.
Overnight: Fisher's Bay, Great Guana Cay
Great Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour via Mermaid Reef
Depart Great Guana Cay for the 11-nautical-mile sail back to Marsh Harbour. Stop at Mermaid Reef for a final family snorkel over shallow coral formations bustling with tropical fish, sea fans, and occasional sea turtles. The protected reef is ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels. Arrive at Marsh Harbour by early afternoon.
Overnight: Marsh Harbour Marina (final disembarkation)
Trip highlights
- Swim with the famous pigs at No Name Cay
- Observe sea turtles and stingrays in Manjack Cay mangroves
- Beach days at Treasure Cay's gentle, shallow shoreline
- Beginner-friendly snorkeling at Mermaid Reef
- Stable catamaran sailing perfect for young sailors
Frequently asked questions
- What ages is this itinerary suitable for?
- This itinerary works wonderfully for children ages 4 and up. The calm anchorages, shallow snorkeling spots, and gentle beaches accommodate even younger children, while the wildlife encounters and water sports engage teenagers.
- Is the swimming pigs experience safe for children?
- Yes, the pigs at No Name Cay are accustomed to visitors and generally gentle. Your crew will guide the interaction, ensuring children approach the pigs safely while parents capture amazing photos of this unique experience.
- What if someone in our family gets seasick?
- Catamarans are exceptionally stable vessels, significantly reducing motion compared to monohull boats. The protected Sea of Abaco features calm conditions, and all passages are short. Seasickness is rarely an issue, but medication can be taken as a precaution.
Make this trip yours
Every charter is private and tailored — we'll adapt this route to your dates, pace and interests.
Plan this charter