Pure shores: Discovering the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas by superyacht

Famed for their stretches of white sand beaches and thriving marine life, the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas are a yachting haven. This action-packed itinerary by Mike Finnegan, the skipper of Zoom Zoom Zoom – which is available to charter with Northrop & Johnson – combines sensational snorkeling spots, jet ski adventures and colonial history, with plenty of rum cocktails added to the mix.

Day 1: Atlantis Bahamas

Board Zoom Zoom Zoom at Nassau’s Atlantis Resort and cruise four hours to Harbour Island, home of the famous Pink Sands Beach. Discover the narrow streets and brightly painted homes by golf cart, then take a sunset paddleboard before enjoying freshly prepared lobster.

Explore Harbour Island, Eleuthera and farther afield by jet ski and tender. The small coves and sandbars are home to baby sea turtles, huge starfish and spotted eagle rays. Snorkel or try your hand at spearfishing.

Cruise 60 nautical miles to Little Harbour, Abaco. After the crossing enjoy the calm waters lapping at the white sand beach. Ashore, visit the Johnston’s Bronze Art Foundry, where Pete Johnston continues the work of his late father, Randolph.

After breakfast, lift anchor and head to Baker’s Bay, an exclusive residential retreat located on Great Guana Cay, between the Sea of Abaco and the Atlantic. Book a spa appointment at the resort then indulge in cocktails and hors d’oeuvres aboard before dinner ashore.

Explore Great Guana Cay’s beautiful beaches; the blu s on the ocean side overlook the reef and have spectacular views. Golfers can play the Tom Fazio designed course then head to Nipper’s Beach Bar, one of the most iconic yachtie watering holes, for an infamous Nipper Juice.

Cruise two hours to Green Turtle Cay, settled by Loyalists during the US Revolutionary War. Stroll through the quaint village of New Plymouth; have sundowners at Bluff House followed by a five-course dinner aboard under the stars.

Another short ride away, Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, is ideal for shell collecting and paddleboarding. For dinner, head to the Firefly Sunset Resort for baked lobster tail. Spend a final night aboard before departing from nearby Marsh Harbour in the morning.