Is It Safe To Visit To The Bahamas’ Abaco Islands?

The Abacos Islands, also known as the Family Islands or Out Islands, are generally safer than Nassau or New Providence due to their lower crime rates. These islands are divided into North, Central, and South sections and are home to Dolphins and a pedestrian bridge over crystal-clear water. As of December 4, 2023, there are travel warnings for the Bahamas, advising travelers to exercise a high degree of caution.

The Abacos are a chain of 120 miles of closely knit islands and cays in the Bahamas, divided into North, Central, and South sections. All persons traveling to The Bahamas, and those traveling inter-island from Nassau and Paradise Island or Grand Bahama Island, must obtain a negative COVID-19 certificate. In September 2019, Hurricane Dorian caused severe damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama. To ensure safety, it is recommended to arrange accommodation before travelling and seek local advice on any ongoing disruptions from this hurricane.

The Abacos are considered some of the safest islands in The Bahamas and are known for being family-friendly. They have a population of around 17,000 and consist of Great Abaco, Little Abaco, and several smaller barrier cayscays. The US State Department raised its travel advisory for The Bahamas to a Level 2 following 19 reported killings so far this year, recommending that travelers exercise increased caution due to crime.

The majority of crime occurs on New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport). The Abacos Islands chain is a fishing, sailing, and diving paradise located in the Northern Bahamas, with hardly any violent crime. The government of the Bahamas has reassured tourists that the island nation is a “safe” place to visit, despite the US embassy’s warning.

Is Abaco expensive?

The mean expenditure for a five-night vacation package to the Abacos Islands is $1, 000 per individual.

What is the safest Bahamas island for tourists?

The Abacos Islands, Cat Island, and the Berry Islands are among the safest in the Bahamas, with the outer islands generally exhibiting a low incidence of criminal activity.

Is abaco in the Bahamas safe?

The Abaco Islands in the Bahamas are renowned for their secure environment and welcoming atmosphere, with a population of approximately 17, 000. The Abaco Islands are notable for their uninhabited nature, comprising the islands of Great Abaco, Little Abaco, and several smaller barrier cays. To guarantee a secure vacation, it is advised to arrange a visit to the Abaco Islands, which are regarded as the most secure uninhabited islands for rental purposes.

What happened on Abaco island?

Hurricane Dorian hit the Abaco Islands on 1 September 2019, causing significant damage and causing a total cost of $3. 4 billion. The storm, which was the strongest landfalling Atlantic hurricane on record, caused 87 percent of the damage in the Abaco Islands, with 75% of the island’s homes damaged or destroyed. As of October 18, 2019, 67 confirmed deaths were reported, with 282 people still missing. The damage also affected the homes and assets of another 29, 472 people.

The storm also wreaked havoc on Grand Bahama, Abaco, and New Providence. The $3. 4 billion in damages, losses, and additional costs was split into 72 percent damage, 21% losses, and 7 additional costs, with the private sector absorbing nearly 90% of total losses. Abaco was responsible for 87 of the losses and 76 of the damage. The islands had a combined population of about 17, 224 as of 2010, with Marsh Harbour as the principal settlement and capital.

Why is there a travel warning to the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is renowned for its elevated crime rates, particularly in Freeport and Nassau, which are frequently associated with gang-related criminality. The most prevalent criminal offenses perpetrated against tourists in these regions include theft, burglary, and unauthorized entry.

Are the Abacos open for tourists?

Upon arrival in Great Abaco, the community has seen some damage from hurricanes, but the residents have worked tirelessly to rebuild. The charter islands and major hotels have been rebuilt, and the locals are grateful for the patronage. Sunsail offers a 6 pm board and overnight stay at the Abaco Beach Resort, which offers amenities like a pool, kayaks, beach, and restaurant. Early arrivals can request an additional fee for boarding and check-in.

Nunjack is a highlight for visitors, with mooring balls off a beach and a beautiful beach park with marked trails. Coconut harvesting tools are available for those who want to try it out, but it is easier to use a corkscrew for the coconut water. The Abacos are open and ready for tourism, with locals grateful for patronage.

Is it safe to go to The Bahamas right now?

The Bahamas is experiencing increased caution due to crime, particularly in the “Over the Hill” area, where gang-on-gang violence has led to a high homicide rate. Violent crime, including burglaries, armed robberies, and sexual assaults, occurs in both tourist and non-tourist areas. Short-term vacation rentals without private security companies are advised. Commercial recreational watercraft activities are not consistently regulated, and operators may not have safety certifications.

To ensure safety, it is essential to review local weather and marine alerts before engaging in water-based activities. U. S. government personnel are not allowed to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands. Swimming alone is not recommended, and individuals should stay within their fitness and swimming capabilities. Be mindful of sharks and be aware of weather and water conditions.

Is it safe to walk around The Bahamas?

The U. S. Embassy in Nassau advises travelers to exercise extreme caution in the eastern part of New Providence Island, particularly during night walks or driving. The Over the Hill neighborhood should be avoided. Travelers should also take common sense precautions, such as being aware of their surroundings, creating a personal security plan, and not physically resisting robbery attempts. The U. S. government recommends staying vigilant at short-term rental properties and for women traveling alone.

Before traveling, consider obtaining traveler’s insurance, including a medical evacuation policy, as most foreign hospitals and doctors do not accept U. S. health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid.

Which is safer Caribbean or Bahamas?

The Bahamas is regarded as one of the most secure countries in the Caribbean region. However, it is advisable to exercise caution due to an increase in violent criminal activity in specific locations, such as Nassau.

What is Abaco best known for?

Abaco, the second largest island in The Bahamas, is a yachtsman’s paradise with 130 square miles of aquamarine water. Its two major islands, Great and Little Abaco, have numerous small cays that offer good cruising opportunities. Abaco is known for its pine forests, wild boar and duck hunting, and abundant fish, including marlin and sailfish. It is the third most populous island in The Bahamas and bears a resemblance to New England. Marsh Harbour is the commercial center on Great Abaco.

The first settlement on Abaco was Carleton Point, settled in 1783 by 600 Loyalists refugees from New York. Other settlements include Walker’s Cay, Grand Cays, Crown Haven, Fox Town, Cooper’s Town, Green Turtle Cay, Hope Town, Moore’s Island, Castaway Cay, Great Guana Cay, Cherokee Sound, Little Harbour, Hole-in-the-Wall, Sandy Point, Crossing Rock, Spring City, and Man-O-War Cay.

How safe is Abaco?

The Abaco Islands in the Bahamas are renowned for their secure environment and welcoming atmosphere, with a population of approximately 17, 000. The Abaco Islands are notable for their uninhabited nature, comprising the islands of Great Abaco, Little Abaco, and several smaller barrier cays. To guarantee a secure vacation, it is advised to arrange a visit to the Abaco Islands, which are regarded as the most secure uninhabited islands for rental purposes.