The Abaco’s Top Five Adventure Excursions Are Only a Private Plane Ride Away
Your vacation is finally here and after a quick and relaxing scheduled flight to the Abacos with Air Unlimited, the last thing you want to do is waste time researching activities and excursions to complete your itinerary. That’s why we’ve highlighted a few of the tried and true tours and activities that will completely immerse you in the exciting atmosphere of the Abacos.
Parrots, pubs, and caves, oh my! The South Abaco Adventure offered through Abaco Tours & Activities will take you on a walking tour to see one of the most colorful Abaco natives, the Bahama parrot. These parrots are the only ground nesting species in the Bahamas, so you’ll be happy to have a tour guide there to point out where these birds might be hiding. The next stop will be Little Harbor, where you’ll stop at the famous Pete’s Pub and Bronze Sculpture Garden. Pete’s Pub is your classic island hang out spot, complete with a beach bar, Bahamian seafood and weekly events and specials. Pete’s Pub is also home to a bronze foundry that has been up and running for more than three generations. Few places still have a facility like this, but after walking through the bronze garden yourself, you’ll see why they’ve kept it around. After grabbing a quick bite, like the delicious Mango Grilled Grouper, the tour will end at the Abaco Caves. These breathtaking caves are found in discrete pools throughout the island and are easy to miss if you aren’t with someone who knows where to find them. Once you’re in the water, you can explore from the surface or take a deeper dive, at your own risk. Either way, you’ll be ready to cool off in this amazing blue oasis.
At Brendal’s Dive Center, you’re almost always guaranteed to see dolphins on the Reef Trip and Wild Dolphin Encounter. These are not trained dolphins that you’ll be in the water with; the captain will take you to known dolphin-spotting reefs where you can take pictures from the boat or put your mask and flippers on as you slip into the water to see these beauties in their natural habitat. You’ll also be treated to lunch on a private beach with your choice of fresh seafood and island drinks.
Another Brendal favorite is the Abaco Swimming Pigs Adventure. You’ve probably seen someone you know visit the Bahamas and feed a giant swimming pig. Well now it’s your turn to get up close and personal with the Abaco’s most famous attraction! These friendly pigs are great with visitors of all ages and truly make for a unique island experience.
Get closer to nature on an Abaco Eco Kayak Adventure in Elbow Cay. It’s your choice where to start your trip from either Tahiti Beach, White Sound or Hope Town Harbour, but we suggest Tahiti Beach. It’s a secluded beach only reachable by foot, bike, or boat so you can enjoy being the king or queen of the beach before setting off on your adventure. This is a self-led tour, but don’t worry, Abaco Eco will explain exactly where to go to get the most out of your trip. Along the way, you’ll see dense mangrove islands with wading birds hunting in the shallows. Make sure to stop and check out the water underneath, because you might spot a school of fish or even a turtle or nurse shark.
Finally, for those who really want to see it all, you can book a week-long sailing trip with Cruise Abaco or create your own personalized boat trip. We’re serious when we say you’ll see it all, because the sailing trip begins at the Great Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour and sails through Guana Cay, Man O War, and Hope Town. You’ll have the opportunity to choose which vessel you would like to sail in and consult with your captain on exactly where you want to go. The eight-day sample itinerary includes exploring local shops, museums and landmarks, paddle boarding and snorkeling and of course eating amazing food along the way.
Let the experts guide you through these incredible islands and provide you with memories that will last a lifetime. The team at Air Unlimited is very familiar with the Abacos islands and would love to offer tips and recommendations on some of their personal favorite must-sees. Start your adventure with us by calling 407-585-4300 or visiting www.FlyAirUnlimited.com to book a flight to paradise.
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Pigs, Palms and Paradise: It’s Time to Experience Your Next Scheduled Island Flight
The Abaco Islands are made up of one main island and a string of smaller islands surrounding it, which together cover more than 650 square miles. For those looking to get the most out of their trip, this guide provides tips and tricks for traveling on land and over water, allowing you to bask in the beauty of the Abaco Islands in every way possible. One of the quickest and most convenient ways to begin your journey is with a scheduled island flight via Air Unlimited from Sanford, Florida to either Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay, Bahamas. These private flights fit up to nine passengers, eliminate the hassle of traditional airport lines and security revisions and make sure you get to the islands faster than most commercial airlines.
After flying for less than 90 minutes, you will arrive at either the Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay Airport, depending on which you’ve specified beforehand. Once you decide where you want to go, it’s totally up to you how you would like to get there. Both Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay have rental cars, taxis, buses and ferries available, as well as bikes, mopeds and golf carts for easy island travel. Taxis are one of the most common methods for getting from one place to the next, or car rentals allow you to explore additional parts of the island on your own time. You may also want to check with your hotel ahead of time, as many of them offer transportation from the airport, depending on where you’re headed.
Once you arrive in Treasure Cay, you can easily jump on a ferry and head to Green Turtle Cay. This is the easiest route to Green Turtle Cay and you will have plenty of time to explore Treasure Cay once you return. While visiting Green Turtle Cay, you can travel by foot (the island is just three miles long!) or rent a golf cart, if traveling with wheels is more your style. Golf carts are the locals’ transportation of choice, and there are plenty of rental facilities available for visitors to choose from.
For those that are more marine savvy, you can check out the fleet at Sunset Marine & Boat Rentals in Turtle Cay, and tool around the island or schedule a designated island hopping tour. Sunset Marine & Boat Rentals offers ten different kinds of boats, ranging from a versatile 17-foot Aquasport to a luxurious 26-foot Scorpion. On an island hopping tour you’ll have the chance to be guided to the surrounding islands that you may have previously missed, and if you choose to create your own itinerary, make sure to stop at a little island called No Name Cay, and feed the pigs in Piggyville. Yes, Piggyville is a real place with plenty of friendly, free-roaming pigs and piglets! Once you’re back in either Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay, and ready to relax on the beach or indulge in some authentic Bahamian food, you’ll definitely want to rent a golf cart – just remember that Bahamians drive on the left side of the road!
Knowing exactly how to get around in a foreign place can bring you so much peace of mind. Let Air Unlimited be your first choice for round trip scheduled island flights to the Abacos, and we’d be happy to offer further transportation and sightseeing suggestions along the way.
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Book a Private Jet for Lobster Season in the Abacos
Lobster season kicks off on August 1st, which means it’s time to pack up the gear and head to the Abacos with your fishing buddies. Since you’ll be on a boat from dawn till dusk loading up on the legal limit, we suggest taking Air Unlimited’s private jet to the islands to get you on the water as soon as possible. The Citation Mustang seats five, with more than enough room for all of your baggage and gear. If you’re traveling with more than four people, the King Air 200 is a better option. This aircraft seats nine comfortably with more head and shoulder space than most small aircrafts.
Unless you have your own boat in the Abacos, you will need to find a charter service to take you lobstering and typically, the charter boat captains will know all the best spots for taking full advantage of lobster season. If you are fishing off of a noncommercial boat, you will need to get a fishing permit from the Bahamian Customs Office. All Bahamian owned charter boats will already have fishing licenses but it’s always best to ask and make sure that everyone is covered.
Since it is illegal to dive for lobsters wearing scuba gear or any kind of air regulator, you will need to find shallow water to free dive in. The suggested depth is a spot where it only takes 30 seconds to get from the ocean floor to the surface. Spear guns are also illegal to use in the Bahamas, so keep your gear simple. All you will need is a mask or goggles, snorkel if desired, fins, a net and a tickle stick.
The last thing you want to do is get yourself and the entire boat in legal trouble from violating the Bahamian fishing guides, so be aware of the lobster regulations ahead of time. You are allowed six lobsters per person who is fishing (the captain doesn’t count). And you will need to make sure the lobster you are catching is not a female carrying eggs or a lobster too small for catching. This can be a bit tricky when you’re underwater and trying to gauge the size of the lobster or look under its tail for eggs while chasing it into your net. A lobster gauge is very useful in this situation. It is basically a small ruler made of aluminum, with indentations where you will need to place the gauge in between the lobster’s eyeballs and extend it to the end of its carapace. The measurement from the eyeballs to the carapace should be no smaller than 3 3/8 inches in length, or its tail should be at least six inches long. If your lobster reaches either of those measurements, it’s a keeper! If you catch a lobster that is under size or carrying eggs, just release it and move on.
To catch a lobster, you will need to find an area suitable for lobsters to live. This includes caves or artificial reefs where lobsters can hide. You will coax the lobster out of its cave by moving your tickle stick to the back of the cave and pulling it towards the front while hopefully running into a lobster. Once the lobster feels the tickle stick, it will shoot out of the cave so keep your net ready! After you catch one, make sure to measure it and twist your net to not let your catch free.
If you’re catching lobsters, hopefully you have a place to cook them. But if not, ask your charter captain for the best local restaurants that will cook your catch for you, and enjoy!
The Air Unlimited team is always ready to offer advice or recommendations for your lobster season adventure. Conveniently book your flight by giving us a call at 407-585-4300.
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3 Things You Can Find in the Abacos That You Can’t Find Anywhere Else
It only takes our guests leaving the Orlando Sanford International Airport to immediately get into vacation mode. With its secluded beaches, plentiful water activities, and luxury resorts, the Abacos is the ultimate island retreat. It is also home to some surprises that you can’t find anywhere else.
Sunday Pig Roast at Nipper’s
Nipper’s Beach Bar & Grill is your all-in-one island experience. Located on Great Guana Cay just across from Marsh Harbour, this venue offers fresh seafood, strong drinks, two pools, beaches that lead to a reef, and a tiki bar with a dance floor. Despite the amenities and colorful atmosphere, the main attraction is the Sunday Pig Roast. It is a buffet served every Sunday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. and includes roast pork, Cajun coleslaw and custard corn bread. Come for the food, stay for the party because this is one Sunday Funday that you can’t recreate anywhere else.
Try a Goombay Smash at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar
One of the must-try drinks in the Bahamas is The Goombay Smash. This is a famous cocktail throughout the Bahamas that many places serve but its origin begins at Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar in Green Turtle Cay. Miss Emily created the drink in the 60’s in her tiny restaurant that now has a collection of business cards covering the walls from visitors throughout the years. She passed away in 1977 but her family has kept her business alive by serving her delicious Goombay Smash and traditional Bahamian food. The original recipe is her family’s best kept secret that many others have tried to guess. If you’re a fan of the Goombay Smash (most people are) you can purchase the drink by the gallon to enjoy throughout your trip. If you just can’t get enough of it and want to try making it yourself, a replica recipe is below.
- 2 oz. dark rum
- 1 oz. coconut rum
- ½ oz. apricot brandy
- 3 oz. pineapple juice
- 1 oz. orange juice
Shake, pour over ice and enjoy!
Marsh Harbour Reefs
Marsh Harbour is home to two artificial reefs that have been created by shipwrecks. One reef is actually made from locomotives that were captured by the confederacy during the Civil War and then sold to Cuba. There was an accident on their way to Cuba that caused the locomotives to sink about 20 feet to the ocean floor, and it has become a beautiful reef over time.
The other shipwreck was the U.S.S. Adirondack. It dates back to 1862 and was a 207-foot wooden gun boat also used in the Civil War era. It ran aground just six months after it was built, leaving behind 14 cannons that were onboard. The cannons and remains of the ship are scattered across the ocean floor, but don’t worry! Everyone aboard the ship made it safely to shore. Both reefs are only accessible by boat and do not require scuba gear to be explored!
Whatever your plans might be for the Abacos, start your journey with Air Unlimited’s scheduled luxury flights. Every seat on the aircraft is first class and in only 90 minutes your island adventure will begin. Once you arrive, don’t forget to try some of these things that make these islands so special. After all, the Abacos is the hidden gem of the Bahamas.
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What to Pack Before Your Flight to the Abaco Islands
Your private flight to the Abaco Islands is booked, you just got your hotel room confirmation, and you’re a week out from a trip that you’ve been dreaming about for months! And then you think “What do I pack?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on everything you’ll need on your flight to the Abacos.
Start with your luggage. You might want to pack on the lighter side so it’s easier for you to island hop. A duffle bag or something without those obnoxious wheels would be ideal.
One of the most important things you can bring with you is sunscreen. You’ll want your sunscreen to be water and sweat resistant. We recommend bringing SPF 30 or higher for your body and 55 or higher for your face. Sunscreen can protect your skin but clog your pores so stick with brands like Neutrogena that are always gentle on your skin.
Stop by an ATM before you head to the airport. Most places in the Abacos only accept cash and it’s better to be prepared than hope that wherever you go will accept your credit card. For transportation purposes, it will be much easier to have cash for any taxi ride as well. Don’t worry about exchanging your US dollar for the Bahamian dollar because the exchange rate is the same.
Now for the fun part. You’ll definitely want to pack a bathing suit that will give you tan lines to be proud of. Since most of your time exploring will be spent in the water, finding a bathing suit made of neoprene would be best because it will dry quickly and stay in place. For dudes, treat yourself to something short and bright! Skies out, thighs out, right?
For an extra measure of sun protection with a fashion forward twist, bring a floppy hat for when you’re relaxing on the beach. It wouldn’t hurt to get one with a message like this to truly reflect how relaxed you’d like to be.
Make sure to pack a light jacket for the evening or days that might be a bit overcast. That constant ocean breeze that can be so pleasant on a hot day can actually get quite chilly at night.
There are plenty of beautiful reefs to snorkel and dive at so you should definitely consider bringing a waterproof camera. There are many waterproof cases for smartphones on the market, but if you don’t want to risk it you can buy a disposable film camera or something more rugged like a GoPro.
Bringing a pair of polarized sunglasses will make your sightseeing even more enjoyable. Not only are they great protection for your eyes but they get rid of the glare on water so you’ll be able to see right through to the ocean floor. This will be especially useful when you’re flying to the islands because as you descend and get closer to the ocean you might be able to spot turtles or dolphins before you even land!
Since you’ll be exploring the islands during most of your days, you probably won’t have too much downtime in your room. Between taking photos of everything on your smartphone and tweeting about how cool this place is, your battery is bound to run dry. This is when a portable charger will come in handy. Just remember to charge it before!
Finally, you’ll need one big beach bag for your daily travels. Something sturdy but that can also be folded tightly into your luggage, like a canvas bag. Canvas bags are easy to wash and come in tons of different shapes and sizes.
Of course you’ll need to bring your appetite and sense of adventure, but as far as tangible items, this list is a good place to start!
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3 Top Water Activities to do in the Abacos
While planning your trip to the Abacos, you might find yourself unable to decide which island destination you want to check out first. The adventure begins with your 90-minute scheduled island flight over clear blue water and miles of sandy white beaches, but the opportunities are endless once you arrive. Whether you’re cruising around on a fishing boat or taking relaxation into your own hands by renting a yacht to go island hopping, the Abacos has an opportunity for everyone to get their feet wet.
The Abacos has miles of peaceful beaches that keep people going back year after year, but also offer thrill seekers a unique experience, that isn’t for the weak of heart. At Dive Abaco you can find scuba and snorkel trips for all levels and even shark observation dives! This isn’t your typical cage dive that you might’ve seen on TV. On shark observation dives, you will be chartered to known shark spotting areas and coached through your dive by the experts. Dive Abaco also offers underwater photography so you can document your bravest moment.
If hanging out on a beach is more your speed, then you definitely need to visit Tahiti Beach at the tip of Elbow Cay. You are guaranteed to find a spot to call your own at this secluded beach that’s only accessible by foot or boat. It’s the perfect place to lie down and just listen to the palm fronds swaying in the breeze. Tahiti Beach is great for beachcombing, and visitors can find a wide variety of beautiful sea shells. You might even see a few starfish or one of five different kinds of turtles that are native to the islands.
The fishing scene is huge in the Abacos and ranges from no-skills-required fishing off the dock to deep sea excursions. Fishing charters are available right out of Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour, and Green Turtle Cay. These areas are home to blue marlin, bonefish, snapper, grouper, sailfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and the list could go on! And if you’re really serious about fishing, the Abacos also has multiple fishing tournaments throughout the year.
The Air Unlimited team is always ready to offer advice or recommendations for your next scheduled island flight to the Abacos. Conveniently book your flight online at flyairunlimited.com or give us a call with your travel questions at 407-585-4300.
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Best Wedding Venues in the Abacos
There’s no more romantic spot than the Abaco Islands to tie the knot. Known as the “hidden gem” of the Bahamas, this stretch of secluded beaches and gorgeous sunsets provides a dream destination wedding setting for any bride and groom.
Before you book your private plane and head to Marsh Harbor or Treasure Cay to scout out potential venues, we’ve shared some of our favorite spots that we’ve seen our guests say their vows at.
Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort
For a picturesque beach wedding that your loved ones will remember, book your wedding at Treasure Cay Beach Marina & Golf Resort. Whether you are envisioning an oceanfront ceremony or a cocktail reception by the pool, their wedding team works closely with couples to help them plan their dream wedding.
Golfing, boating, diving, tennis and fishing are just some of the recreational activities available at this tranquil resort. Friends and family who flew in (hopefully on a private plane via Air Unlimited?) will love spending time on the sand or exploring the island on a Bahamas Adventure Tour, then escaping to the Tipsy Seagull for dancing and live music once the sun goes down.
Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbor Marina
Situated amongst 40 tropical acres of breathtaking beach shores, Abaco Beach Resort and Boat Harbour Marina offers a lush setting for intimate vow renewals and lavish bashes alike. Their award-winning culinary team can dream up a menu to suit any food tastes, whether you’re planning a farewell brunch for immediate family or a five-course plated dinner during the reception.
Couples will have a difficult time choosing which venue they want to tie the knot at. Eloping couples will love a quiet ceremony at the gazebo that is set against magnificent views of the Sea of Abaco. For larger weddings, the resort offers outdoor ceremony options on the beach or The Great Lawn, with tenting available in case of rain.
The resort also partners with Aisle Society to curate every destination wedding experience with hand-picked décor and fun group activities such as a private island bar crawl or fishing charter.
Bahama Beach Club
The best thing about hosting your wedding at Bahama Beach Club is that this resort only performs one exclusive Bahamas wedding ceremony per day. Whether you have two guests or 200, this policy helps guarantee that you will feel like royalty on your special day.
Everything a couple could possibly need for their special day can be found at Bahama Beach Club. Their team is available to arrange for a round of golf for the groomsmen, a scuba diving tour for traveling family, or a beach bonfire to help couples greet everyone before the rehearsal dinner begins.
With an all-star culinary team, the resort also offers complete food and beverage services for couples. Options range from plated dinners on their beachfront pavilion to passed hors d’oeuvres on the pool deck.
Looking for recommendations on wedding venues to check out in the Abacos, or need to charter a private plane to fly your wedding party down? We would be glad to help! Give us a call at (407) 585-4300 to discuss your options.
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4 Things You Should Know Before Your Flight to the Abaco Islands
Ask anyone familiar with the Caribbean, and they’ll refer to take a flight to the Abaco Islands, as it is the hidden gem of the Bahamas. With its own calm sea and collection of islands and cays, the Abacos is a welcome break from the expected hustle and bustle of popular islands such as Nassau.
Touted as a top boating and sailing destination with a selection of renowned resorts, restaurants and bars, here are four tips to make sure that you get the most out of your trip to this stretch of islands.
Ferries Will Take You to Neighboring Islands
You’re not limited to just Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay when you visit the Abacos. Take advantage of their excellent ferry system or charter a boat to explore neighboring islands.
If you’re staying in Marsh Harbour, head over to Elbow Cay and Hope Town for a morning of snorkeling, followed by an afternoon of shopping. Make time to visit Green Turtle Cay if you’re staying in Treasure Cay – grab lunch at Green Turtle Club Resort & Marina, and be sure to sign a dollar bill to hang on their infamous wall.
Carry Cash with You
Many restaurants, shops and other vendors on the islands do not accept credit cards, so make sure to bring plenty of cash with you on your trip. Skip the ATM fees by withdrawing cash before you step onto the plane.
Locals Travel by Golf Cart
You’ll find that most residents and visitors don’t use cars, and instead rely on eco-friendly methods of transportation to run errands. Consider using bicycles or renting a golf cart during your stay to explore the island. The fresh air on the Abacos is unmatched, so you should enjoy it!
It’s Less Tourist Dense than Other Islands
If you have been wanting to add a Bahamas stamp to your passport but are deterred by the crowds that frequent popular spots like Grand Bahama Island, then you made the right choice by visiting The Abacos. This 120-mile-long chain of islands has long attracted visitors for its laid back vibe and less populated beaches. It’s not uncommon to have the entire shore to yourself for an afternoon, making this a particularly perfect destination for honeymoons.
Air Unlimited offers affordable private flights to Marsh Harbour International Airport and Treasure Cay International Airport, providing instant access to the Abaco Islands. Give us a call if you’re looking for recommendations on lesser-known things to do during your trip.
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