Cruise Abaco
Cruise Abaco
4.9
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About
Owner operated charter company offering day sails and multiple day live aboard charters on boats ranging from 30 to 55 feet in length. Boats available for bareboat charter or try our unique "Captain by day, Bareboat by night" option if you lack boating experience. The Captain is with you by day, sailing, exploring, snorkeling and each evening leaves you safely moored , anchored or docked to enjoy the evening to yourself. You have a dingy with outboard to explore on your own and the Captain returns the next morning and off you go to a different destination and adventure. We also offer American sailing Association courses with certified Instructors so you may learn and come back and bareboat next time! Many students return year after year and charter from us. We take your vacation seriously and treat it like it is our own, we strive to make sure everyone has a great time!
Marsh Harbour, Bahamas
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.9
242 reviews
Excellent
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10 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
Our family of five charted the Dellis Rae with Captain Will for about eight days and we wholeheartedly recommend Cruise Abaco and Captain Will. We were looking for a sailing/island hopping option that would be warm in December and allow our interested family members to earn their ASA 101, 103, 104, & 114 certifications. Our non-interested family members wanted to swim on empty beaches, snorkel, play with sting rays, visit beach pigs, and occasionally eat in a restaurant. Captain Will took the weather, currents, and our wish list into consideration and created a custom itinerary that exactly fit our requests. (In this area, it is very doable to chose a different island itinerary from our preferences, like crawling from beach bar to beach bar, or focus on snorkeling/diving, visiting towns, or just motoring around without sailing.)
We liked the captain by day, bareboat by night option because we could save expenses by renting a three cabin/two head boat rather than renting a larger boat with separate quarters for the captain. It also gave us time on the boat alone together as a family. At the end of the day Captain Will would be sure we were anchored/connected to a mooring ball and then help us get down the dinghy so we could motor ashore if we wanted while he was gone. Then he'd either get picked up by a Cruise Abaco chase boat or take a intra-island ferry back. They arranged for our trash to be discarded every day so it didn't build up at all.
An added benefit we hadn't considered was the layout of the archipelago. With Abaco on the west side and the chain of islands on the east side, the water was super calm. The big waves of the Atlantic broke on the other side of the islands, so we didn't sail through rolling ocean. The water was gorgeous.
The boat was clean and modern. We wanted to make most of our own meals and we easily stored food for three meals a day for over a week on board. We also liked that the galley window and the companion way sliding door opened together to make an big indoor/outdoor space. The boat had solar panels, a generator, and a desalinator. We had plenty of power and water. We sailed a lot but did motor around a bit when the wind died. At the very end, we'd only used 30% of the fuel on board.
The team at Cruise Abaco was great to work with. Booking with Maria was straightforward. They also arranged for us to have a reliable driver to pick us up from the airport. He also brough us grocery shopping and to the airport at the end. Finally, Captain Will was patient, proficient, and clearly adept at folding in with clients' various family cultures. This vacation with Cruise Abaco was a fantastic fit for our family.
We liked the captain by day, bareboat by night option because we could save expenses by renting a three cabin/two head boat rather than renting a larger boat with separate quarters for the captain. It also gave us time on the boat alone together as a family. At the end of the day Captain Will would be sure we were anchored/connected to a mooring ball and then help us get down the dinghy so we could motor ashore if we wanted while he was gone. Then he'd either get picked up by a Cruise Abaco chase boat or take a intra-island ferry back. They arranged for our trash to be discarded every day so it didn't build up at all.
An added benefit we hadn't considered was the layout of the archipelago. With Abaco on the west side and the chain of islands on the east side, the water was super calm. The big waves of the Atlantic broke on the other side of the islands, so we didn't sail through rolling ocean. The water was gorgeous.
The boat was clean and modern. We wanted to make most of our own meals and we easily stored food for three meals a day for over a week on board. We also liked that the galley window and the companion way sliding door opened together to make an big indoor/outdoor space. The boat had solar panels, a generator, and a desalinator. We had plenty of power and water. We sailed a lot but did motor around a bit when the wind died. At the very end, we'd only used 30% of the fuel on board.
The team at Cruise Abaco was great to work with. Booking with Maria was straightforward. They also arranged for us to have a reliable driver to pick us up from the airport. He also brough us grocery shopping and to the airport at the end. Finally, Captain Will was patient, proficient, and clearly adept at folding in with clients' various family cultures. This vacation with Cruise Abaco was a fantastic fit for our family.
Written January 1, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Megan S
Frisco, CO1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Friends
Amazing trip with Captain Will onboard the Impossible Dream! We spent a week (3 adults, 2 teenage boys) cruising around the Bahamas on the 3bd catamaran. Leading up to the trip, Cruise Abaco was very responsive to our questions and even helped us sort out some last-minute arrival details as our flight changed a few times before the trip. This was our first time in the Bahamas on a charter boat and our Captain Will made sure to walk us through 'potential' options each day to see what the group wanted to do. This is going to change the way we travel to the islands - being on the catamaran allowed for beach time, snorkeling, meals on board and meals on the island. Our captain arrived each AM and took us to the next destination, made sure we were set up and comfortable and then he would ride back to shore each night.
We spent a couple of evenings on the top of the boat watching the stars :) One of our group members even opted to sleep out there most nights.
We were not sure what to expect when it came to the kitchen set up and we were pleasantly surprised! Oven, stove, grill, along with multiple refrigerators/freezer and all of the cooking and serving utensils one could need. Even a blender for those frosty beverages.
SO much to see and explore in that area - we can't wait to come back. We would definitely sign on with Captain Will again in the future - though all of the captains and Cruise Abaco folks we met were helpful and accommodating.
Definitely a MUST DO!
We spent a couple of evenings on the top of the boat watching the stars :) One of our group members even opted to sleep out there most nights.
We were not sure what to expect when it came to the kitchen set up and we were pleasantly surprised! Oven, stove, grill, along with multiple refrigerators/freezer and all of the cooking and serving utensils one could need. Even a blender for those frosty beverages.
SO much to see and explore in that area - we can't wait to come back. We would definitely sign on with Captain Will again in the future - though all of the captains and Cruise Abaco folks we met were helpful and accommodating.
Definitely a MUST DO!
Written March 5, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrisL7896HX
Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania2 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Our week long “Captain by day” Abaco sailing adventure on the Imi Ola was amazing. Captain Alex was knowledgeable about the Abacos and helped us plan an itinerary that fit our desire to sail and snorkel. Alex also added a few suggestions like stopping to visit the swimming pigs on No Name Cay and feeding the turtles and stingrays at Coco Bay Beach! We sailed from Marsh Harbor to Man O War Cay (snorkeled at Mermaid Reef), to Green Turtle Cay (stopped to snorkel at Fowl Cay), to Treasure Cay (conch fritters at Cafe Florence), to Scotland Cay (beautiful pink sand), to Hopetown on Elbow Cay, to Lynyard Cay (where my husband used the kayak to explore), to Little Harbour (Pete’s Pub and Gallery - delicious smoked fish dip). On our last day back to base at Marsh Harbor, we stopped at beautiful Tahiti Beach.
Thank you Cruise Abaco and Captain Alex for a perfect sailing adventure.
Thank you Cruise Abaco and Captain Alex for a perfect sailing adventure.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael D
1 contribution
Feb 2025 • Family
Returned to Cruise Abaco to get a couple more family members ASA certified. We had been here before just before hurricane Dorian. Chartered a Bali 4.6 catamaran “Dartabout” a very nice boat with a wonderful combination of features, like watermaker, big battery bank, Air conditioning that could be run from battery bank, a rear garage door that made the back patio area become an enclosed part of the salon, etc. To top it off we were assigned a great day captain/Instructor, Alex. Alex was everything we could ask for, a delightful fun person, a patient and knowledgeable instructor, and a skilled sailor. Thoroughly enjoyable learning vacation, only regret being that it is over!
Written February 24, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Allan S
Columbia, SC53 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
One of the best vacations of my life, however I like to sail, be on beautiful water, play with my family on uninhabited pristine beaches and explore quant island towns. Captain Vanessa, and the staff Cruise Abaco were spot on with making our experience a 10 out of 10. Not only is Captain Vanessa a kind and charismatic lady, she’s an experienced captain and awesome Sailing instructor. I took my family of four( 9yr daughter,11yr old son), my college buddy and his girlfriend and we went for five days in early JAN and explored three islands. Guana Cay, Man O War and Elbow Cay. The boat was 10 out of 10 in being beautiful and comfortable, great shape, and if a system malfunctions (and something will malfunction on a boat), Captain Vanessa was like white on rice with fixing anything. Really liked their Captain by day model, it’s a unique way of doing this charter where you have the confidence of the captain during the day and then you have the boat to yourself in the evenings with you and your family and friends. I received my sailing certifications and my family had a great vacation … we cannot wait to go back! thank you, Cruise Abaco!
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
Written March 23, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian O
Westerville, OH10 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We had an unforgettable experience with Cruise Abaco on our recent "captain by day, bareboat by night" charter of the 46ft Bali catamaran, Dartabout, hopping about in the Abacos. Captain Will, aka the Good Time Facilitator, was truly exceptional and lives up to his nickname! He was incredibly knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and wonderfully entertaining for all three of my daughters. His perfect blend of planning, advice, and recommendations made our trip seamless and enjoyable, while also considering our preferences and interests. We came with no preconceived notions or agenda and were glad we did.
As first-time "sailors", Captain Will saw my curiosity and took the time to educate me and my family, especially my girls, on the basics of living successfully on a boat. Beyond just driving the dinghy, he taught us how to tie specific knots, (I think we all perfected a cleat hitch) and demonstrating how and when (and why) to use a stern anchor. His explanations were clear and practical, ensuring that we not only understood but could confidently apply these skills during our journey.
A special shoutout to Emily as well, whose attention to detail and warm hospitality made everything run smoothly from start to finish. Dartabout was in pristine condition, and the whole team ensured we had a memorable adventure.
Having vacationed in various outer islands of the Bahamas for the last six years, this was our first time to Abaco, and it has now become the family favorite. Whether you're seasoned sailors or first-timers, we highly recommend Cruise Abaco and Captain Will for an exceptional charter experience. We can't wait to return!
We had an unforgettable experience with Cruise Abaco on our recent "captain by day, bareboat by night" charter of the 46ft Bali catamaran, Dartabout, hopping about in the Abacos. Captain Will, aka the Good Time Facilitator, was truly exceptional and lives up to his nickname! He was incredibly knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and wonderfully entertaining for all three of my daughters. His perfect blend of planning, advice, and recommendations made our trip seamless and enjoyable, while also considering our preferences and interests. We came with no preconceived notions or agenda and were glad we did.
As first-time "sailors", Captain Will saw my curiosity and took the time to educate me and my family, especially my girls, on the basics of living successfully on a boat. Beyond just driving the dinghy, he taught us how to tie specific knots, (I think we all perfected a cleat hitch) and demonstrating how and when (and why) to use a stern anchor. His explanations were clear and practical, ensuring that we not only understood but could confidently apply these skills during our journey.
A special shoutout to Emily as well, whose attention to detail and warm hospitality made everything run smoothly from start to finish. Dartabout was in pristine condition, and the whole team ensured we had a memorable adventure.
Having vacationed in various outer islands of the Bahamas for the last six years, this was our first time to Abaco, and it has now become the family favorite. Whether you're seasoned sailors or first-timers, we highly recommend Cruise Abaco and Captain Will for an exceptional charter experience. We can't wait to return!
Written June 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jourdan L
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Couples
Planned an Easter weekend trip with Cruise Abaco and it was nothing short of
PERFECT! The islands and their surrounding waters were beautiful but the star of the show was Captain Johnson! He was an awesome captain and made me and the 5 other persons on board feel very comfortable and safe. He had a detailed plan of cays to visit, sites to see and gave us bits of historical knowledge of the islands. He even went the extra mile to help us execute a surprise marriage proposal! The boat (Nautical Bliss) was very modern, well kept, and spacious. We were very pleased to see it had a fully loaded kitchen with full sized fridge, dishwasher, most of your average kitchen appliances and a very nice grill at the stern. It was such a luxurious and comfortable experience, I can't wait to visit again! Thanks so much to Captain Johnson for making this experience unforgettable.
PERFECT! The islands and their surrounding waters were beautiful but the star of the show was Captain Johnson! He was an awesome captain and made me and the 5 other persons on board feel very comfortable and safe. He had a detailed plan of cays to visit, sites to see and gave us bits of historical knowledge of the islands. He even went the extra mile to help us execute a surprise marriage proposal! The boat (Nautical Bliss) was very modern, well kept, and spacious. We were very pleased to see it had a fully loaded kitchen with full sized fridge, dishwasher, most of your average kitchen appliances and a very nice grill at the stern. It was such a luxurious and comfortable experience, I can't wait to visit again! Thanks so much to Captain Johnson for making this experience unforgettable.
Written April 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Twyla B
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Fantastic in every way! My husband and I joined the flotilla crossing from Abaco to St Augustine, we are new to sailing and had an incredible experience. Captain Vanessa was exceptional, extremely knowledgeable, witty and an inspiring teacher, we learned so much and gained the confidence to perform tasks under her watchful eye. The Abacos are beautiful, we swam with turtles, saw many dolphins, starfish, even lobster. Cruise Abaco exceeded my expectations, our catamaran Serenity was well appointed and in top condition. I highly recommend Cruise Abaco.
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William D
1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Couples
Absolutely amazing trip! I would say it was a once in a lifetime experience but we hope to be back a lot more. My wife and I did several ASA classes on a catamaran for a week with the captain by day option. Cannot recommend this path enough, we always felt in good hands and learning a ton with this being our first saltwater experience. We were joined by Captain Will who I cannot recommend more – he knows how to teach the important aspects and what really matters while having a great time. We had a little bit of sailing experience before the trip but even if you are a novice the Cruise Abaco team can get you up to speed while still having a very enjoyable vacation. Have been recommending to all of our family and friends who ask. Great trip!
Written December 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin
Jdemerath5 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
Well run charter operation. The base leadership worked really hard to get our crew on the water and even harder to accommodate and work around the occasional inconvenient weather challenges. The captains were top notch and kept us moving well informed through this beautiful and fun cruising ground. Take a charter here, you will be glad you did.
Written June 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you offer day cruising trips? We would like to see the other Cays around Abaco and also snorkel. Would like a boat that offers shade. Thank you.
Written January 31, 2019
I believe they do offer day trips but if you want to see the other Cays I think chartering a boat for the week is your best bet. We traveled to a different Cay each day.
Written February 1, 2019
I’m interested in the captain by day charters, does the rate online include the entire boat for myself or this just for 1 cabin
Written November 20, 2018
We recently did the captain by day option. There is an additional charge for that on top of the cost of chartering the boat, but well worth it since none in our party could captain a boat of that size. Our captain was Amber and she was awesome, I highly recommend requesting her if you go. She met us at the boat every morning, sailed us to our next destination, made recommendations on what to do and where to eat where we were (and even made reservations for restaurants, golf cart rentals, etc), and then left to take the ferry back to Marsh Harbor, usually late afternoon. The whole experience was great and I can't recommend it enough!
Written November 25, 2018
lhholl
New Orleans, Louisiana
Do you also do bareboat charters with motor yachts?
Written April 28, 2018
We typically charter sailing yachts. I did notice Cruise Abaco now has motor catamarans. Looks like fun for anyone who doesn’t want to sail.
Written April 28, 2018
Hi,
We are a party of 9, staying at Treasure Cay, that would like to enjoy a private full day Tour around the islands, visiting Tahiti beach on Elbow Cay, the Pelicans Cay and especially his reef for snorkeling.
Do you have availability between April 2-4th ?
Regards,
Mr Motta
Written March 30, 2018
Hello, Bonnie received your request and is checking on availability and will respond to you today at some point. Regards, Mark
Written March 30, 2018
lawrence7202018
Westminster, Maryland
Hello Mark. We have booked a Charter for late July, I have noticed on a review that it cost an extra $250.00 to leave the Marsh harbor vicinity ?? This fee was not mentioned to me at time of booking.
Written March 26, 2018
I agree with the previous answer. The area for cruising is more than just the area around Marsh Harbour. We were there for a week and stayed at a different location each night. Little Harbour was our favorite but all were great. Seems like plenty to see in the area you can sail. The passage to get north of Whale Cay is a difficult one it appears even in good weather, and I assume the extra charge is related to the higher insurance. It is stated in the contract. And even if you do pay that amount, if the seas are rough, they may revoke the right to sail there (but will refund your money). We had a great experience with Cruise Abaco and can’t wait to charter from them again.
Written March 27, 2018
Do you pick up guest from the Nassau cruise port?
Written October 11, 2016
Hello, We are located in Abaco, it is a 30 minute flight from Nassau and our cruising grounds are there. If you find yourself over here would love to have you! Best, Mark & Patti
Written October 11, 2016
I'm considering a one week charter in March of next year but wondering about the weather. Will the water be warm enough to enjoy swimming and snorkeling - or is it better to wait until June?
Written June 8, 2016
Absolutely March is great and June too! Come on down! Water clear and beautiful!
Written October 11, 2016
We are considering staying in Guana Cay Feb of 2016 and would like to charter a boat for several days (perhaps not consecutively). There will be 12 adults (age 60), one member a navy guy with sailing experience. Would you be willing to come pick us up for these daily excursions? I think we will be staying near Nipper's Bay. We are a group who have traveled together - Guatemala 2014/New Zealand 2015. Also - I notice that Feb is off season….is there a reason? We can be flexible with our timing.
Written May 30, 2015
Hello, That is no problem and we can do day charters. Best to email us and we can look into what would work best. Feb is a great month here. Thanks and look forward to having you as our guests!Patti
Written May 30, 2015
We have booked our vacation in June. Do most of the boats have DVD players? Don't laugh but can we plug in to charge our devices?
Maybe even a curling iron?
Also, Is there enough water for us to shower each day?
Written May 5, 2015
Yes most boats have DVD players, you can use a curling iron although here in Abaco we go for dingy rides to dry and style our hair!
Yes plenty of water to shower every day and you can fill up at marinas along the way.
Written May 18, 2015
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