How to Pronounce Abaco Islands

Meaning and Context

The Abaco Islands, a northern archipelago within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, are a premier destination celebrated for their pristine natural beauty and maritime heritage. Comprising Great Abaco and Little Abaco as the main landmasses, along with a sprinkling of hundreds of cays like the famed Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, the region is a haven for boaters, anglers, and eco-tourists. The islands are particularly renowned for the stunning Marsh Harbour, the third-largest city in The Bahamas, which serves as a central boating and sailing hub. Visitors are drawn to the Abaco Sea for world-class bonefishing, snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs, and exploring the picturesque Loyalist settlements with their charming pastel-colored homes. The Abaco Out Islands offer a more serene alternative to Nassau, with attractions like the Treasure Cay Beach and the protected Pelican Cays Land and Sea Park highlighting the commitment to environmental preservation. Following the significant impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019, a remarkable recovery effort has restored much of the islands' infrastructure and vibrant tourism economy, inviting travelers to rediscover their tranquil beauty and exceptional sailing in The Bahamas.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling, "Abaco Islands," is standard and correct. A common alternative is simply "The Abacos," which is widely used in casual travel writing and by locals. The singular form "Abaco Island" is a frequent error, as it refers to a group; the correct singular reference is to "Great Abaco" or "Little Abaco." Typos often include "Abbaco" (with an extra 'b') or "Abarco" (substituting 'r' for 'c'). Another point of confusion is the spelling of the major settlement, "Marsh Harbour," which uses the British/Commonwealth spelling of "Harbour" rather than the American "Harbor." Misplacing the apostrophe, as in "Abaco's Islands," is also an occasional grammatical mistake, as the term is not possessive but a descriptive name.

Example Sentences

After a week of sailing through the Abaco Islands, we found the most tranquil anchorage off the coast of Man-O-War Cay.

Many seasoned sailors consider navigating the Sea of Abaco to be some of the best cruising grounds in the world.

To truly understand Bahamian Loyalist history, a visit to the New England-style architecture in Green Turtle Cay's settlement of New Plymouth is essential.

The recovery and resilience of the Abaco community since Hurricane Dorian have been nothing short of inspirational.

For our next fishing trip, we're chartering a guide out of Marsh Harbour to target the elusive bonefish on the Marls.

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