Man-O-War Cay

It might be difficult to believe that a cay only 2 ½ miles long and, at its narrowest point, 100 metres wide supplies its archipelago nation with some of the world's finest, traditionally-made vessels. For centuries, since the arrival of the loyalists from the Carolinas, Man-O-War Cay has carved out a niche for itself as the boat-building capital of The Bahamas.

Preserving their values over the years, Man-O-War's residents are known for their quiet and conservative lifestyle, and, because liquor isn't sold on the island, visitors may not find many nightclubs or bars. In recent years, the cay's leisurely pace has attracted more people looking to travel back to a simpler place in time.

Like many of Abaco's other cays, this island is commonly reached via ferry from Marsh Harbour. It offers a few accommodation options, and, though there is a local hotel, former visitors recommend renting a traditional loyalist cottage. Getting around Man-O-War is a breeze - most guests take the opportunity to rent golf carts or bicycles to ride the cay's narrow streets. For those wanting to travel offshore, daily boat rentals are available.