Green Turtle Cay is a narrow island in the Abaco Out Islands of The Bahamas, lying at about 26°46′N 77°19′W. The cay measures roughly three miles in length and around half a mile across at its widest point, and supports a small, year-round community clustered chiefly in the settlement of New Plymouth. The island takes its name from the green turtles that have long frequented the surrounding seagrass beds and coral reefs.
Characteristics and environment
The island’s coastline combines sandy beaches, rocky points and shallow flats that shelter seagrass and coral. Those habitats support marine species including sea turtles, reef fish and invertebrates, and they make the cay a popular destination for snorkeling, diving and sport-fishing. Inland areas are low and typically vegetated with coastal shrubs and trees adapted to salty conditions. Local efforts and broader Bahamian conservation programs have focused on protecting nesting sites and marine waters that are important to green turtles and other wildlife.
History and culture
The principal settlement, New Plymouth, retains a small‑town, maritime character with narrow lanes and traditional wooden homes painted in pastel colors. Like many islands in the northern Bahamas, Green Turtle Cay developed around fishing, small‑scale agriculture and seafaring. New Plymouth’s historic buildings, community events and informal museums preserve aspects of Loyalist and Bahamian maritime heritage and the long relationship between residents and the sea.
Visiting, economy and activities
The local economy relies on a mixture of tourism, recreational boating, and commercial and subsistence fishing. Visitors are drawn by the relaxed atmosphere, clear waters and opportunities to explore nearby cays and reefs. Amenities are modest: small guesthouses, restaurants, marinas and shops serve sailors and island visitors while preserving the island’s low-density character.
- Common activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, bonefishing and beachcombing.
- Community attractions: historic streets of New Plymouth, local crafts and seafood dining.
- Conservation: marine protection and turtle-nesting awareness are local priorities.
Access and notable facts
Green Turtle Cay is accessible by private boat, inter-island ferry services and small private-charter vessels from other Abaco islands and mainland Bahamian hubs. With a population of roughly 450 residents, the cay is valued for its compact community, maritime traditions and relatively unspoiled marine environment. It remains a frequent stop for sailors cruising the Abaco chain and for travelers seeking a quieter island experience within the Bahamas archipelago.