Home to four thousand residents, MARSH HARBOUR is the third largest town in the Bahamas and the main focus of tourism in the Abacos. Featuring most of the hotels, inns, marinas and diving operations on the island, the town is an essential hub for ferries connecting with the rest of the Loyalist Cays. The settlement lies on a peninsula just off the smoothly paved Great Abaco Highway , which runs south through Great Abaco to Cherokee Point and Little Harbour . North of town, the road becomes S.C. Bootle Highway , another smooth stretch that runs north and west toward Treasure Cay and Little Abaco.

Marsh Harbour has most of the services available in any small town in Florida, including an excellent post office, bookstore, grocery stores, specialty shops, travel agencies and laundries. Most visitors come to boat, swim or snorkel, and stay at one of the lodges located near Bay Street on the waterfront, though some adventurers reserve a day or two to kayak in the Marls on trips conducted by naturalist guides.

To get around you can use the numerous taxis in town, which are metered at US$1.50 per mile (though you should always establish a fare with the driver before setting off) or bicycles, motorcycles or motorscooters , which can be rented at most resorts, or at R&L Rent-a-Ride (tel 242/367-4289), at the entrance to Abaco Towns-by-the-Sea .