How essential is a dinghy for sailing the Abacos and accessing shore?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleA dinghy is absolutely essential for Abacos cruising. Most anchorages require tendering to shore since marinas with dockage are limited. You will use your dinghy daily for reaching settlements, restaurants, beaches, and exploring neighboring cays. Charter boats include dinghies with outboard motors as standard equipment.
The dinghy serves as your primary transportation in the Abacos once anchored. Unlike destinations with extensive marina infrastructure, most Abacos cruising involves anchoring out and tendering to shore. Understanding how central the dinghy becomes to daily life shapes expectations for the cruising experience.
Shore access at popular anchorages depends entirely on the tender. At Marsh Harbour, cruisers anchor in the harbor and dinghy to the public dock or marina dinghy docks. Hope Town, Man-O-War Cay, and Great Guana Cay settlements all see most visiting boats anchored off rather than docked, making the dinghy essential for reaching provisions, restaurants, and exploring the charming villages.
Dinghy docks are available at most settlements, though they vary in quality and crowding. Some harbors have free public dinghy docks while others charge small fees. During high season, finding dinghy dock space at popular spots like Hope Town can require patience or anchoring farther from the main dock.
Beyond settlement access, dinghies enable exploration that defines Abacos cruising. Beach excursions to places like Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay, visits to the swimming pigs at No Name Cay, snorkeling trips to nearby reefs, and lunch runs to waterfront restaurants like Cracker P's or Grabbers all happen by dinghy. A reliable outboard motor and sufficient fuel capacity matter.
Charter catamarans include dinghies with outboard motors as standard equipment, typically 10-12 foot inflatables with 15-20 horsepower outboards. Private cruisers bring their own tenders, with rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) being popular for their stability and performance. Protecting the dinghy from theft by locking it and raising the outboard at night follows standard cruising prudence.
Key points
- Dinghy is essential for shore access at most anchorages
- Daily use for settlements, restaurants, beaches, and exploration
- Dinghy docks available at most major settlements
- Charter boats include dinghies with outboards as standard
- Lock dinghy and secure outboard to prevent theft
Related questions
- Where are the best dinghy docks in the Abacos?
- Hope Town, Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War Cay, Great Guana Cay, and Green Turtle Cay all have dinghy docks. Marsh Harbour has the most dock space. Peak season crowds can fill docks, especially at Hope Town midday.
- How far do you typically dinghy from anchorages in the Abacos?
- Dinghy distances vary from a few hundred yards in tight anchorages to over a mile when anchoring outside crowded harbors. An outboard motor makes longer runs comfortable. Calm Sea of Abaco waters typically allow easy dinghy rides even in moderate breeze.
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