that ferry Move away from the pier. The larger island begins to recede. Ahead, a narrow green band appears above the water, with a few roofs and a port, perhaps a church steeple, marking your destination.
There is something distinct about arriving on an island by boat. As you get closer you can see it becoming more detailed. You step onto the dock without going through the airport. Your vacation begins with a transition from a busy place to something intentionally smaller.
Across the Caribbean, some of the region’s loveliest islands remain beyond the reach of commercial aircraft. they have have No airport terminal There’s no plane. You’ll need a ferry, water taxi, private boat, or charter to get there.
Their remoteness shapes everything. The hotels are intimate and the city (if you can call it that) compact. The beach feels exceptionally personal. Restaurants tend to be independent, and many of the best-known bars began as simple gathering places for sailors and residents.
These five small islands prove just how much can fit into such a small part of the Caribbean.
Green Turtle Cay, Bahamas
Green Turtle Cay slowly emerges across the Sea of Abaco, a harbor surrounded by docks, boats and the pastel rooftops of New Plymouth. At about three miles long and half a mile wide, the island is small enough to explore by golf cart, bike, or on foot, yet diverse enough to fill an entire vacation.
Trips typically begin with a flight into Marsh Harbor or Treasure Cay, followed by a transfer to the ferry dock and a short crossing. The extra legs are part of Green Turtle Cay’s appeal. By the time you arrive, the hustle and bustle of traffic and commerce of larger destinations feels far away.
new plymouth It is the social and historical center of the island and is a compact Loyalist settlement with narrow streets, white picket fences, churches, small shops and traditional Bahamian houses. You can wander around town, sample a Cracked Conch or Goombay Smash, and return to the port without needing a car.
Two of the island’s signature lodging locations offer different versions of the Green Turtle Cay experience.
Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina It is an island located in the highlands between the Abaco Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The property features its own marina, private beach and expansive ocean views, providing a natural home base for boaters while maintaining the quiet of a small Bahamas resort.
Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina It has long been one of the most recognizable addresses in the Abacos. The resort is centered around a harbor and marina where fishing boats, cruising yachts and local small boats create an ever-changing landscape. The rooms, cottages, restaurant and bar all feature the characteristics of a classic Out Island inn.
Green Turtle Cay’s isolation does not translate to isolation. The island has a deeply social character, especially around the marina and New Plymouth. But evenings are still balmy, with golf carts passing along quiet roads and boats resting within the harbor.
There is no rush to visit the island as there is no airport. Green Turtle Cay invites you to make the crossing, unpack and stay for a while.
