Marsh Harbour
Marsh Harbour anchorage · Abacos main base
26°32.58'N 77°03.90'W
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
85m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
85m
85m for good holding on sand/mud in 2–5m. The 0.6–0.8m Abacos tidal range is less extreme than the Exumas but still requires depth planning. Marsh Harbour's good all-round protection makes it an excellent norther shelter. Verify post-Hurricane Dorian depths on arrival — some areas of the harbour have changed. Marina availability at Harbour View Marina, Marsh Harbour Marina, and Conch Inn Marina.
About This Anchorage
Marsh Harbour is the commercial capital of the Abacos — the main port of entry for the region and the primary base for provisioning, fuel, repairs, and crew changes. The third largest settlement in the Bahamas, Marsh Harbour has a proper town with multiple supermarkets (Maxwell's, Price Right), chandleries, hardware stores, a hospital, multiple restaurants, and the Marsh Harbour Airport (regular flights to Nassau, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami). The harbour is nearly enclosed and provides excellent protection from all winds including northers. Hurricane Dorian (Category 5, September 2019) caused catastrophic damage to Marsh Harbour — much has been rebuilt but reconstruction continues in some areas. Several marinas are operational: Harbour View Marina, Conch Inn Marina, and Marsh Harbour Marina. The 0.6–0.8m tidal range is noticeably less than the Exumas, making Marsh Harbour more accessible for deeper-draft vessels.
Protected From
N · NE · E · SE · S · SW · W
Exposed To
NW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring in harbour; marina berths ~$1.50–2.50/ft/night
- Permit required
- Yes — Cruising Permit ~$300/3 months
- Permit details
- Cruising Permit ~$300 for 3 months. Customs at Marsh Harbour Government Dock.
Restrictions: Cruising Permit required; primary Abacos customs and immigration entry point — Q flag until cleared; harbour speed limit 5 knots; respect commercial and ferry traffic routes in the harbour.
Hazards
- !Post-Hurricane Dorian depth changes — verify harbour depths on arrival; pre-2019 charts may not reflect current conditions
- !Ferry and water taxi traffic — Abaco ferries operate frequently to Hopetown, Man-O-War, and Green Turtle Cay
- !NW exposure — the one unprotected direction; northers with strong NW component (post-frontal) can create chop
- !0.6–0.8m tidal range — less critical than Exumas but still requires planning for draft vessels approaching marina berths
Skipper's Tips
- →Marsh Harbour customs and immigration: the government dock is easy to identify — clear customs first thing on arrival before moving to a marina berth
- →Maxwell's Supermarket is the best provisioning in the Abacos — stock up here before heading to the outer cays where supplies are limited
- →Abaco Outboard Services and Pinder's Marine can handle most engine and mechanical repairs — excellent resources before heading to the outer cays
- →The 0.6–0.8m Abacos tidal range is more manageable than the Exumas — draft up to 1.8m can navigate most of the Sea of Abaco inside passage comfortably
- →Ferry to Hopetown (Elbow Cay) takes 20 minutes from the Marsh Harbour government dock — a great day trip if you don't want to sail the 5nm
Facilities
Multiple restaurants in Marsh Harbour: Curly Tails Marina Restaurant, Snappas Grill, Wally's restaurant (local institution). Maxwell's Supermarket and Price Right for provisioning — best stocked supermarkets in the Abacos. Chandleries and boat repair available.
Nearest provisions: Maxwell's Supermarket Marsh Harbour (0.5nm) (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
November–May. The Abacos season starts slightly earlier than the Exumas as the proximity to Florida means more US vessels arrive from November. Peak season December–March.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 85m
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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