2. The Sea of Abaco

The northernmost group of the Bahamas is a string of cays that form a barrier between the Atlantic and Great Abaco Island. The shallow-water cruising in the protected Sea of Abaco is a relaxing tonic to the frigid winter. The charming village of Hope Town on Elbow Key features quaint shops and waterside cafes with the candy-stripe kerosenefueled lighthouse overlooking the harbor. Great Guana Cay has a 7-mile stretch of Atlantic white sand beach, and a post-swim stop at Nipper’s Beach Bar is icing on the cake.