5 amazing marina resorts in the boating capital of the Bahamas

The unique geography of the Abaco chain of islands is largely responsible for its popularity as the boating capital of the Bahamas. The Sea of Abaco, also known as the Abaco Sound, is a 62-mile saltwater marine highway that sits in between mainland Great Abaco Island and a long chain of barrier islands.

Although there are shallow reefs and marine hazards, Abaco Sound is relatively easy to navigate, especially for boaters who know the treacherous nature of navigating the Exuma Cays. The Abacos have deserted beaches, vibrant communities, snorkeling, diving and fishing galore and out island tranquility, without some of the navigational challenges expected in the shallow waters of the Bahamas.

In Abaco, and everywhere else, marine adventures are better enjoyed when there is access to amazing marina resorts: Sometimes you just want to shower or use the toilette in a full-size bathroom. Abaco has plenty marina resorts to spare: Here are five standout properties.

1. Bluff House Yacht Club and Marina
   Green Turtle Cay provides such safe harbor to boaters that it has three marina hotels and three fuel docks. The Bluff House marina sits in the protected White Sound, but not the hotel. The resort straddles the island end to end, so the balcony suites actually overlook the Sea of Abaco. The resort has a swimming pool and a secluded beach cove, as well as its own beach bar and restaurant.  
2. Green Turtle Club & Marina
   White Sound is a great jump off point for many of Abaco’s most popular attractions, and from Green Turtle Club, you can come and go on vessels up to 130 feet. But, you are also in walking distance from the ocean side of the island, so you can enjoy land-based activities and beach hikes. Ocean Beach, which is about 10-minutes from the resort (walking), has snorkeling just offshore. Coco Bay Beach is just 5-minutes away and provides a more serene experience. The fuel dock provides gas and diesel fuel. 
3. Leeward Yacht Club and Marina
   The best thing about “living on the lee side” as this resort brags is the special concierge service offered to guests who dock in one of the 24 deep water slips or stay in the rental homes on the 7-acre property. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, a tennis court, pool and scuba diving with Dive Master Brendal Stevens.
4. Schooner Bay Marina Village
   The Sandpiper Inn is a boutique resort with seven guest suites and a restaurant known for incorporating locally grown ingredients. Guests staying in the marina or at the resort in the southern part of Great Abaco, can dine indoors and enjoy freshly prepared seafood or sit outside on the wrap around verandah. Schooner Bay is just 18 miles away from Hole in the Wall, which boaters love, as they can deep drop at this popular fishing spot, and haul in deep-sea snappers, grouper and other abundant Bahamian fish. The marina has a fuel dock with wifi and a grocery store.
5. Treasure Cay Beach, Marina and Golf Resort
   From the balcony rooms at Treasure Cay you can watch boats move in and out of the channel as they move about the Sea of Abaco. This well protected deep water marina has 164 slips, the largest in the Bahamas.  The nearby amenities are plentiful, including an award-winning beach, restaurants and beach bars, a marina swimming pool, and many other niceties. The channel also has moorings and serves as an anchorage.