One Quaint Island

Green Turtle Cay provides yet another quiet, out of the way stop for those seeking the slow pace of life.  The quaint homes lining the narrow streets of New Plymouth provide a peaceful setting for those wishing to enjoy a day walking about.

 

Getting There is NOT Half The Fun

To visit this fine island, you must first pass the test of courage and patience known as The Whale.  Yes, Green Turtle Cay is located to the north of Whale Cay, and getting there involves going around or through large banks of very shallow water.  You have three choices:  

• Motor around the outside of Whale Cay using two very narrow channels - the Loggerhead Channel and infamous Whale Cay Channel.  The Whale can be very dangerous in certain conditions because of a Rage sea that can develop.  The Cruisers Net provides a daily report on the condition of the Whale each morning at 8:15.  Always check before you go.
  
  
• Motor over the shallow bank between Treasure Cay and Whale Cay near “Don’t Rock.”  It is only 3.5 ft at MLW, so unless you are sailing a small inflatable, this option is out.
  
  
• Motor carefully along the south shore of Whale Cay.  It is also only 3.5 feet at MLW, so that option is also limited to very few experienced locals.

Navigation is extremely tricky, so be sure to verify your sail plan and waypoints in The Cruising Guide to The Abacos.

If you are on a seven day cruise, the decision when and if you visit Green Turtle Cay may fall into the hands of Barometer Bob.  The two days following the passage of a cold front will present strong northeasterly winds, most likely making The Whale passage impossible.  It is not uncommon for The Whale to be impassible for several days, meaning that you should not plan a Green Turtle Cay visit near the end of your trip, or risk being stranded on the wrong side.  Schedule Green Turtle Cay near the beginning of your itinerary, and remain flexible on your timing to “scoot over.”

The Anchorages

Green Turtle Cay offers a choice of two anchorages:

• White Sound is the northernmost of the two anchorages, and is fully protected from all sides.  From the waypoint located at N 26° 45.350' W 77° 20.700', head north east to the signs at the entrance to the channel and follow the red and green channel markers.  Anchoring is a tight fit between a rock ledge one foot below the surface, a sunken wreck that protrudes above the water at low tide, and the other boats anchored.  There is some commercial traffic and a ferry.  It is also far from New Plymouth.  Two hotels are located there: The Green Turtle Club with its marina, bar, restaurant, and liquor store and on the opposite side, Bluff House.
  
  
• Black Sound is the southernmost anchorage and is conveniently located near the town of New Plymouth.   From the waypoint located at N 26° 45.350' W 77° 20.700', proceed north east (further right than White Sound, but to the left of Settlement Harbor) for the channel markers and head right in.  Do not even consider anchoring in Settlement Harbor because it is simply too shallow.

If you are looking for more space, you could anchor just outside the Settlement Harbor sandbar near the Government wharf.  This is fine in prevailing easterly winds.  Be sure to keep the channel clear and anchor far enough away from the wharf to minimize noise, as this is a busy commercial port.

Inside Black Sound, pick up a mooring in front of Abaco Yacht Services or find a spot to drop the hook.  The marina offers all services and has a huge travel lift.

Ashore

Green Turtle Cay is not that large, so you could conceivably visit the entire island on foot. The town of New Plymouth has a few local bars, restaurants, take-outs, grocery, hardware, and liquor stores.  Most important, its quaint architecture and narrow streets provide a great place to spend an afternoon.

Suspect checks out accommodations at the old jail

New Plymouth is indeed a great place to walk about.  For some reason, this cannot be properly conducted without ice cream.  Many places offer frozen novelties of various sorts.  A few places have a selection of hand-scooped ice cream from large tubs.