The Abacos

The Abacos are a group of islands and cays forming a boomerang-shaped chain that stretches over 650 square miles.

It is widely believed that the Arawak and Carib Indians inhabited The Abacos in the Pre-Columbus era.  However, the first known settlers were British Loyalists who came from New York in 1783 during the American Revolution. They came anticipating economic opportunity with hopes to establish plantations. They envisioned their town would become King Cotton of the Caribbean and, for a few years, their dream came true. The Abacos Islands’ economy boomed and the population grew to more than 2,000. But soon the bloom was off the cotton blossom and fields failed because of pests and soil depletion. Most of the settlers moved away, leaving a population of 400 on The Abacos.

Today, The Abacos’ most popular activities are boating and sailing and it is considered the “Sailing Capital of the World.” But don’t rule out the excellent fishing, diving, snorkeling, water sports and, of course, cultural attractions that round out The Abacos as the perfect year-round vacation destination.