Things to Do in Hope Town
Listed below are several things to do while in Hope Town. Some activities are located right on Elbow Cay, and others are accessible by boat. Whether you just want to relax in the sun, or would like to head out on the water, there is something here for you.
Beaches
There are several beaches on Elbow Cay that are all accessible without a boat. The beaches on the island are covered in fine, white and pink sand, and the water is crystal clear. Click here for a map of the Beaches on Elbow Cay. The Pelican Cays also have great beaches to stop at when you leave Elbow Cay and head South. These islands are a part of the National Park, and are located across from Sandy Cay, where you will find great snorkeling. Click here to view a Map of this area.
Boating in Abaco
One of the most popular things to do in the Abacos is hang out on the water. With the convenience of a boat, you can explore all the cays and their coves on your own schedule. You can also explore our underwater sea park; just grab some snorkel equipment and you are set. See the section on snorkeling and Scuba diving more information. If you are going to be doing a lot of boating, The Cruising Guide to Abaco is a very helpful navigational resource. For more information, or to order the guide, please visit the website for White Sound Press. Click here for Boat Rental information. Click here for a Map of Abaco.
Explore the Island
Explore the entire island of Elbow Cay by renting a golf cart, or some bicycles. The island is very different from one end to the other. You might even find the perfect place to stay the next time you visit! Click here for information on Golf Cart and Bicycle Rentals.
Fishing in Abaco
Whether you are looking for a Bonefishing Guide, or a Deep Sea Fishing Charter, there are several fishermen in Hope Town who offer these services. For information on fishing regulations, please visit The Islands of the Bahamas website.
- deep sea fishing
(242) 366-0245
Please
contact Ira Key.
Day's Catch
- reef fishing
(242) 366-0059
Please
contact Will Key.
Down Deep
- deep sea fishing
(242) 366-3143
Please contact Michael Schreiner.
- deep sea fishing
(242) 366-0528
Please
contact Justin Russell.
Lucky Strike
- deep sea or reef fishing
(242) 366-0101
Please contact Truman Major.
- deep sea fishing
(242) 366-0266
Please contact Robert Lowe.
- bone, reef, or bottom fishing
(242) 366-0234
Please contact Maitland Lowe.
Food and Drink
Looking for a bite to eat, or some cheap drinks at happy hour? Most of the restaurants have “happy hour” from around 5:00pm to 6:00pm. Keep in mind, unlike in the US or Canada where you can get a meal anytime during the day, most restaurants on the island only serve meals at certain hours. Generally, lunch is served from 11:00am to 3:00 pm, and dinner is served from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. During the afternoons, appetizers are drinks are usually the only items served. Click here for a listing of Restaurants. Click here to view a Map of their locations.
Island Hop
Rent a boat and cruise the outer cays of Abaco. Each island is different from the next, and there is always something new to discover. Click here for a listing of Boat Rental Agencies. Great Guana Cay has spectacular snorkeling on the beach behind Nippers Bar. For more information on Guana Cay, please visit the VisitGuanaCay.com website. Man-O-War is a small island, where Albury Brothers boats are built. It is also the home of the famous Sail Shop. On your way South you will find a sand bank, which is a great place to relax and look for sand dollars. As you move further South towards Little Harbour, there is a string of barrier islands with beautiful beaches. These are the Pelican Cays, and they are a part of a National Park. Little Harbour has a great beach to check out behind Pete's Pub, and has small caves to explore across the harbour. Click here to view a Map of Abaco.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a great way to discover Elbow Cay and its surroundings by quietly becoming a part of nature. Abaco Eco offers guided tours, as well as rentals for those wishing to venture out on their own.
(242) 366-0398
(954) 889-7117
Hope Town Lighthouse
Everyone should always make time to visit the lighthouse, one of Abaco’s most recognizable landmarks, in Hope Town. Located across the harbour, the Elbow Reef Lighthouse is one of the last manual lighthouses in the world. For more information on the lighthouse, please visit the Lighthouse page.
Massage
While you have time away from your busy life, why not relax with a massage? There are two locals who offer massage therapy on Elbow Cay.
Back to Basics Massage & Yoga
VHF 16 “Back to Basics”
(242) 366-0722
Please
contact Rachael Aberle.
Bodywork by Tania
(242) 366-0091
Please contact
Tania.
Museum
To learn more about Hope Town and its history, a visit to the Wyannie Malone museum is a must. At the museum, you can learn how residents lived in the 19th century. There are also displays on the environment, past fishing practices, prior inhabitants of the island, and a wonderful gift shop with informative books and other great gifts.
(242) 366-0293
Nightlife
Almost every night, there is a restaurant having their “bar night.” Generally, they have local DJ’s, live bands, or other fun events that start at around 8:00pm or 9:00pm, and last for a few hours. The legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18. Most bars only allow those who are 18 and older into the bars after 9:00pm. They do not serve to minors. Designated nights are listed here. Click here to see a Map of their locations.
Tuesday - Abaco Inn
Wednesday - Cap’n Jacks
Thursday - Harbour's Edge
Friday - Cap'n Jacks
Saturday - Harbour's Edge
- Sea Spray Resort and Marina
Full Moon - Cracker P's (on Lubbers)
Parks
There are three parks in Hope Town open for children. Some of the parks have playgrounds, while others have sports fields. Taylor Park is located between the bank and the public pool. At this park there is a basketball court, a baseball field, as well as a soccer field. Jarrett Park is located by the post office, beside the library. This playground has slides, swings, and see-saws. The third small playground is located right beside the Hope Town School, up past the Hope Town Lodge. Click here to see a Map of Elbow Cay, and the locations of these parks.
Sailing in Abaco
Abaco is home to world-class sailing, and wonderful sailing conditions. Whether you have brought you own sailboat to the islands, or have chartered one locally, sailing through the cays is relaxing and beautiful. For detailed information on cruising in Abaco, an important tool is the Abaco Cruising Guide. It includes detailed charts, waypoints, and settlement information. For more information, please visit the White Sound Press website. If you are interested in chartering a catamaran, Abaco Multihull Charters has several Maine Cat catamarans available. Abaco Multihull Charters offers bareboat charters, and captained day charters.
- day charters – (242) 366-0522
- bareboat charters – (207) 529-6500
Shopping
If you would like to do a little shopping, there are several island-style shops in Hope Town to browse. The shops feature: clothing, accessories, home décor, jewelry, glassware, literature, souvenirs, music, and art. Many restaurants and lodgings also have their own gift shops. Click here for a listing of Shops. Click here for a Map of their locations.
Snorkel / Scuba Dive
For those of you who love the world beneath the water, there are many great places explore around Hope Town. If you have access to a boat, you can discover many of these places on your own. Keep in mind, all locations shown on the map offer moorings for you to tie up to. This ensures that anchors do not damage the reefs. Never anchor on a reef. Also, please keep in mind that coral reef and starfish (sea stars) are live animals. DO NOT take them from their environment, as it is illegal. Click here for a Map of Snorkeling and Dive Locations. If you do not have access to your own boat, you can always take a scheduled snorkeling or dive tour with Froggies Out Island Adventures. Froggies offers ½ and full-day tours for snorkelers and certified divers, as well as lessons.
Froggies Out Island Adventures
(242) 366-0431
Surfing
Elbow Cay offers several beach breaks for those who are interested in the surf.
Tours
Captain Plug offers hourly, half-day, and all-day adventures, whether you want learn the basics of boating, get out on the water, tour nearby settlements, or hit up a few local spots for great food and delicious drinks. Captain Plug is knowledgeable, patient, and will help you have a memorable adventure in the Abacos. For more information, please contact Stafford Patterson.
(242) 366-0023 or (242) 366-0554
Yoga
Yoga classes are usually held on a weekly basis near the beach.
Back to Basics Massage and Yoga
VHF 16 “Back to Basics”
(242) 366-0722
Please
contact Rachael Aberle.
| TIP | Although there are many things to do while staying on Elbow Cay, it is not recommended that you rush activities and try to squeeze them into a short vacation. If you only have a limited time on the island, pick a few of the activities you would like to do the most, and have fun completing them. You will always have other opportunities to try other activities on future trips to Elbow Cay. After all, after visiting once, you will want to return again and again. |
