Great Abaco
Island, part of the Bahamas archipelago, is a hidden gem that offers a wide
range of attractions for vacationers and adventure seekers. From stunning
natural scenery to rich cultural heritage, Abaco has something for everyone.
One of the island's most captivating
natural wonders is the Sea of Abaco, a shallow body of water located on its eastern
shore. The sea is home to a pod of wild Atlantic Spotted dolphins, which are a
popular attraction for snorkelers and scuba divers. The Sea of Abaco is also
rich in marine life, with patch reefs and colorful fish species that make it an
oasis for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts.
I explored the Sea of Abaco, a shallow body
of water with calm waters and fun to snorkel in. It was shallow, 25 feet deep
at the deepest part, and was full of patch reefs, like oasis's in the Sea of
Abaco, full of sea life: moray eels, squid, parrot fish, butterfly fish,
barracuda, and colorful angelfish.
If you venture to Abaco, you must
experience the pod of wild spotted dolphins that live in the Sea of Abaco. It’s
a large pod, a group of around 200 dolphins that are known for their friendly
and curious nature towards humans. They often joined me while I snorkeled, eyeballing
me curiously as I ventured into their domain. They are part of the Atlantic
spotted dolphin species and are identified by the distinct spotted pattern on
their skin.
The pod is led by a matriarchal female and
consists of various subgroups and alliances that work together to hunt for food
and protect the pod from predators. I was amazed at their acrobatic displays.
They jumped out of the water and spun in the air around me. Were they showing
off?
In the spy thriller Mission
of Vengeance, CIA spymaster Corey Pearson studies this pod of wild
spotted dolphins. To conceal his true identity and purpose, Pearson assumes the
cover of a marine biologist who researches their behavior and communication
patterns.
Another popular attraction on Abaco Island
is the string of smaller islands, called cays, that line the eastern shoreline.
Great Guana Cay is one of the most popular cays and offers a range of
activities, including swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Other cays, such
as Elbow Cay and Man-O-War Cay, offer opportunities for hiking, exploring
historic landmarks, and sampling local cuisine.
Nipper's Bar is a popular attraction on
Great Guana Cay, which I think is one of the most beautiful Abaco cays. It's a
vibrant beach bar and restaurant that offers a fun and lively atmosphere for
tourists and locals alike. With its brightly colored umbrellas, comfortable
lounge chairs, and stunning ocean views, Nipper's Bar is the perfect spot to
relax and soak up the sun. You can sip
on tropical cocktails and enjoy fresh seafood dishes while listening to live
music and socializing with other travelers.
On Sundays, Nipper's hosts a legendary
party known as the "Sunday Funday" where you can dance the day away
to the sounds of the live DJ and enjoy the incredible pig roasts and beach
volleyball tournaments.
I enjoyed Nipper's Bar so much that I mention
it off and on in my spy thriller novels. Definitely add a visit to Nipper’s on
your ‘must-do’ list. And, who knows, maybe you'll even spot a CIA spymaster
like Corey Pearson from "Mission of Vengeance" enjoying the island
life!
Exploring the dozens of remote cays lining
the easter shore of Abaco made me feel like Robinson Crusoe. I discovered the birthplace
of the Goombay Smash cocktail after renting a Boston Whaler boat and motoring
across the Sea of Abaco to the tiny Green Turtle Cay.
I strolled through its village, named New
Plymouth, and walked into a small bar called Miss Emily’s Blue Bee Bar to
escape the searing sun outside. I ordered an unfamiliar drink of Miss Emily’s
called the Goombay Smash. Yes, Miss
Emily's Blue Bee Bar in the Bahamas is the birthplace of the Goombay Smash...if
you venture to Abaco, put this on your ‘must-do’ list!
For those interested in wildlife and
conservation, Great Abaco Island is home to the Bahamian Parrot, which is being
protected from extinction by conservation efforts. In 1988, I volunteered to
help save the Bahama Parrot in the pine barrens south of Marsh Harbor, the
capital. I worked with the New York Zoological Society, live-trapping feral
cats that were decimating the parrot population.
The Bahama Parrot actually nests
underground in limestone fissures. There is now a 20,000 acre preserve set
aside for them that's designated the Abaco National Park, a beautiful forest
for you to hike in and explore. Chances are, you will run into the endangered
Bahama Parrot.
If
you want a real adventure on Abaco, here’s an idea for your next vacation. Fly
to Abaco and tour
the Abaco National Park. It’s southeast of Marsh Harbor off the Great
Abaco Highway. You may even discover the unpaved road to Abaco's lighthouse at
a mysterious place called "Hole in the Wall". Unfortunately,
hurricane Sandy devastated the lighthouse, but the journey there is still worth
it. It is 15 miles off the Great Abaco Highway, in the middle of nowhere. Exploring
the Abaco National Park and journeying to "Hole in the Wall"
would make for an adventure all in itself.
For spy thriller enthusiasts, Abaco Island
offers a unique setting that was featured in the novel 'Mission
of Vengeance.' It follows the story of CIA spymaster Corey Pearson, who
lives with his family at a CIA safe house on the island. Corey's cover as a
marine biologist allows him to explore the Sea of Abaco and study the wild
Atlantic Spotted dolphins, while also using his skills to navigate the
dangerous world of espionage.
Although I stayed at the Conch Inn Marina
in the capitol, Marsh Harbor, there’s a range of accommodation options to suit
every budget and preference. If you want to indulge in some luxurious
amenities, there’s several high-end resorts that offer world-class service and
breathtaking views. The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is a standout choice, with a
stunning golf course, fine dining options, and upscale accommodations. The
Bahama Beach Club is another great option if you’re looking for a luxurious
stay. Its suites are beyond elegant, and they overlook the Sea of Abaco.
If you're more interested in a cozy, homey
experience, Abaco has plenty of bed and breakfasts that offer a more intimate
and authentic stay. The Firefly Sunset Resort is a charming B&B that's
perfect for couples or families looking for a relaxing, laid-back stay. The
Hope Town Harbour Lodge is another popular choice, with its comfortable
accommodations and gorgeous views of the harbor.
For budget-conscious travelers, there’s a
variety of lower-priced accommodations that still offer all the amenities you
need for a comfortable stay. The Abaco Inn is a quaint, beachfront inn that's
perfect for travelers looking for a simple and affordable stay. The Green
Turtle Club Resort & Marina is another good choice, with its comfortable
rooms and convenient location near the town's restaurants and shops.
In conclusion, Great Abaco Island in the
Bahamas is a hidden gem that will offer you a unique blend of natural and
cultural attractions, whether you’re a tourist, adventure seeker, or both. The
Sea of Abaco, with its rich marine life, is home to a large pod of wild
Atlantic Spotted dolphins, a must-see for those who visit the island. Abaco's
cays offer a variety of activities, from hiking and exploring historic
landmarks to relaxing on beautiful beaches like Great Guana Cay's Nipper's Bar.
If you venture to Abaco, I hope you see the endangered Bahama Parrot, and explore the Abaco National Park...even take the intrepid journey to "Hole in the Wall". Great Abaco Island is truly a paradise waiting for you to discover. And who knows, maybe while you're exploring the island, you'll run into none other than Corey Pearson, the infamous CIA spymaster who's rumored to be hiding out there. Just keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you!
Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO) and enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community. He authors the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thrillers: MISSION OF VENGEANCE.
No comments:
Post a Comment