Little Harbour
Little Harbour Abacos · Pete's Pub anchorage · Johnston's Studio
26°19.80'N 76°59.82'W
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
65m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
65m
65m for good holding on sand/mud in 2–4m. Little Harbour's near-perfect circular shape provides full 360-degree protection — one of the most sheltered anchorages in all the Abacos. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range creates a tidal current through the narrow entrance channel but inside the harbour conditions are very calm. A tight alarm radius is appropriate given the superb protection.
About This Anchorage
Little Harbour at the southern end of the Abaco Cays is one of the most unique anchorages in the entire Bahamas — a nearly perfectly circular lagoon, originally an ancient coral formation, providing absolute 360-degree protection. The entrance from the ocean is a very narrow, shallow channel requiring daylight navigation and local knowledge or the Explorer Chart for first entry. Pete's Pub — a legendary, rustic, open-air bar — is the only establishment on the beach, run by the Johnston family. Randy Johnston (son of the original settlers) continues his father Randolph Johnston's bronze sculpture tradition in the studio on the hill above the harbour. The harbour has a small community of liveaboard boats. Little Harbour is one of the most serene and remote anchorages in the Abacos — a complete contrast to the social scene at Marsh Harbour and Hopetown 15nm north.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W · NW
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; entrance channel is narrow and shallow — enter ONLY in daylight, ONLY in calm conditions, ONLY with current chart (Explorer Chart recommended); the harbour can fill with seasonal liveaboards — respect their space.
Hazards
- !Narrow entrance channel — shallow and rocky; enter ONLY in daylight; use Explorer Chart for the Abacos; dangerous to attempt in poor visibility or rough conditions
- !No facilities — carry all provisions and fuel; Marsh Harbour is 15nm north
- !Tidal current through entrance — enters and exits on each tide; time your entry at slack or flood
- !Liveaboard community — respect the space of long-term residents who call this home
Skipper's Tips
- →Use the Explorer Chartbook for the Abacos for the Little Harbour entrance — the waypoints are specific and the approach over the bar requires precise navigation
- →Pete's Pub is unforgettable — cold Kalik, fresh grouper, open sky, and the Johnston legacy; plan dinner reservation on VHF 16
- →Randy Johnston's bronze sculpture studio is open to visitors by arrangement — the pieces range from small (affordable) to monumental; a unique gallery
- →The harbour's circular shape is formed from an ancient coral formation — from the hillside above Pete's Pub, the geometry is extraordinary
- →Enter Little Harbour on the flood tide — the 0.7m tidal rise gives maximum water over the entrance bar
Facilities
Pete's Pub — open-air beach bar and restaurant; fresh seafood (grouper, lobster when available), cold Kalik beer, famous conch fritters. Hours vary — call on VHF 16 or check in person. Randy Johnston's sculpture studio open for visits by arrangement.
Nearest provisions: Marsh Harbour Maxwell's Supermarket (15nm N) (15nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. A remote, magical stop at the south end of the Abaco chain. Limited seasonal occupation. Best November–December and April–May when fewer boats compete for the small anchorage.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 65m
The Abacos' tidal range and winter northers make anchor monitoring essential. Safety Anchor Alarm watches your GPS position continuously — so you can enjoy Grabbers, Nipper's, and Miss Emily's Goombay Smash with complete peace of mind.
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