Green Turtle Cay is a tiny island in the Bahamas named for its many green turtles and known for its stunning beaches and low-key island vibes. This long and narrow island is famous for its unique and seemingly misplaced New England style architecture. The island offers outstanding beaches, a boat repair yard and amenities such as shops, restaurants and more. As one of the barrier islands off mainland Great Abaco, Green Turtle Cay is reached only by boat, making it an off-the-beaten-trail gem. Being only three-miles long and half-a-mile wide, this gorgeous island feels like floating on a small piece of paradise.

Despite its tiny size, there is plenty for people to enjoy and explore while visiting Green Turtle Cay. Compared to other Bahaman islands, Green Turtle Cay offers a more laid-back and down-to-earth experience for visitors. Rather than giant resorts, there are a few mainstay hotels and some tropical vibes.

Beach Life

There is no lack of remote and pristine beaches in the Bahamas, and Green Turtle Cay is no exception. Beaches on this gorgeous island are white-sanded, uncrowded and surrounded by crystal-clear azure waters. Green Turtle Cay offers some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean and one can easily find long stretches of virgin beaches while exploring via a golf cart or boat. Expect to experience pure and unblemished Caribbean beaches where you will want to bring your own towels, umbrellas and beach chairs. Beaches are all easily accessible by walking or golf carts. Tune in to the lazy island vibes and soak up all these gorgeous beaches have to offer.

Getting There and Around

There is no airport on Green Turtle Cay, so visitors fly to nearby islands and take a boat. It is best to fly into Treasure Cay International Airport, where it is easy to take a taxi to the ferry dock for boats and ferries departing to New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay. The crossing is easy and takes between 15 to 20 minutes. Upon arrival, expect to be greeted by a golf cart, which is the best way to get around while on the island. You can rent a golf cart at the rent-a-car of Green Turtle Cay. There are also bicycle rentals available to explore the island in a more relaxed manner. It is easy to walk the length of the whole island in just a couple of hours, so a bicycle or golf cart is sufficient for all your island transport needs.

Exploring New Plymouth

The main settlement of Green Turtle Cay is New Plymouth, which was founded in the 18th century. With a population of only 450, this village is the perfect little beach town. The legacy of the original settlers strongly remains in New Plymouth’s unique style that boasts quintessential New England colonial architecture and adds unparalleled charm to this village. Brightly painted wooden houses, clapboards, picket fences and steep-pitched roofs are reminiscent of the Plymouth of further north while capturing the tropical essence of the island. New Plymouth has all anyone could really need: a post office, a bank, an immigration office and a handful of restaurants, grocery stores and churches. New Plymouth is a lovely reminder of the charms of living the simple life. New Plymouth also has historic attractions, such as a museum and other landmarks like the Loyalist Memorial Statue Garden.

Eating and Sleeping

There is a varied array of options on Green Turtle Cay compared to other Bahamian islands, yet the island seems to offer something to almost every need. There are a few mainstay hotels and resorts on the north side of the island, and otherwise, there are houses and beach bungalows to rent for a more local experience. There are a healthy handful of restaurants and local eats on the island to enjoy the Caribbean flavors. For a more fine dining experience, enjoy eating at some resorts on the north end of the island. In addition to exploring New Plymouth and enjoying the gorgeous beaches, there are many boating, snorkeling, diving and fishing activities to be had. Green Turtle Cay is rich in pristine nature, local history and so much more to enjoy and explore.