ABOUT MARSH HARBOUR
Marsh Harbour is the largest town in the Abacos and fourth largest in all of the Bahamas. Located on the eastern side of Great Abaco, Marsh Harbour is perfectly positioned to allow visitors to take advantage of all that the Abacos have to offer.
Marsh Harbour hosts the main airports (commercial and private), grocery stores, hardware stores, liquor stores, restaurants, and marinas of the region. Additionally, many ferry services run out of Marsh Harbour, providing easy access to the many outer cays, each with its own vibe and entertainment for a day of exploring.
In 2019, Marsh Harbour was nearly destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Despite the weight of the tragedy and setbacks related to COVID, Marsh Harbour has been and continues to rebuild. Upon visiting, you will see the remains of many buildings damaged in Dorian whose owners could not or would not pay for repairs. However, you will also see new construction all over the place. New homes, new stores, new restaurants, new marinas. Marsh Harbour is coming back stronger and better than ever.
HOW TO GET HERE
Marsh Harbour is easily accessible via the Leonard M. Thompson International Airport (MHH), located just 10 minutes away from Vermilion Villa. If you're going commercial, Delta and American airlines both run regular flights directly from the United States to Marsh Harbour out of Atlanta and Fort Lauderdale, respectively. For those flying private, there is an FBO right next to the commercial airport.
Many people also choose to boat from southern Florida or the Caribbean to Marsh Harbour. Vermilion Villa has a private harbor that will soon be home to a 50' guest dock with water and shore power for guest convenience. If you need a bit more space, the Boat Harbour Marina next door can accommodate boats up to 200'.
THINGS TO DO
BOATING + SAILING
Of course, if you are in the Abacos, you are probably there to be on the water. If you bring your own boat, you can park it at the private Vermilion Villa dock. If you didn't bring a boat, there are several rental companies available in Marsh Harbour. Check out Blue Wave Rentals and Cruise Abaco for both captained and bareboat options.
FISHING
The unique geography of the Abacos creates some of the best fishing ground in the world for everything from flats to reef to offshore angling. On the western side of Great Abaco, you will find permit, bonefish, and tarpon in the massive Marls. On the eastern side, between Great Abaco and the Abaco Cays, the Sea of Abaco is home to several cars and boats (byproducts of the hurricane) as well as natural reef that provide structure to an abundance of reef fish. Further out, east of the Cays, the Sea gives way to the Atlantic and the seafloor drops over 650', creating ideal habitat for mahi, marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and more.
Every year, several world-class sportfishing tournaments are run out of Abaco, including some based at the Boat Harbour Marina, right next door Vermilion Villa.
FREEDIVING + SPEARFISHING
The shallow waters and fascinating structures in the Sea of Abaco provide perfect conditions for all levels of freedivers and spearfishermen (Spear fishing with SCUBA gear is prohibited in the Bahamas.). Find grouper, snapper, lobsters, and conch in less than 30 feet of crystal clear water.
SCUBA DIVING + SNORKELING
Although spearfishing with SCUBA gear is not allowed, the underwater life around the Abacos is mesmerizing to witness. You will find loads of corals and fish, as well as turtles, rays, and friendly nurse sharks (don't pet them!). There are a few PADI certified dive shops in the Abacos, with a few more poised to open. Check them out to book charters or rent equipment.
If you don't want to dive, the snorkeling is just as good. With high visibility and some reef structures filling the entire water column in 20-30 feet of water, you don't need to be on air to experience the wildlife.
ISLAND HOPPING
Accessible via ferry, foot, bike, personal boat, or a combination thereof, there are over 100 islands in the Abacos. Some notable must-sees include the historic Elbow Reef Lighthouse on Elbow Cay, Nipper's Beach Bar and Grill on Great Guana Cay, and the swimming pigs on No Name Cay. On Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, you will find quaint walk/bike/golf cart villages with cute shops, restaurants, and beautiful views.
In Marsh Harbour, the ferries are operated privately. Check out the Abaco Sun for up-to-date info on available ferry services.
RELAX.....
Vermilion Villa will be a place for everybody. Wake up slowly, enjoy a cup of coffee from the second-floor deck while watching for turtles and dolphins. Go for a quick snorkel in the private harbor, exploring the reef fish who live on Vermilion Villa's break wall. After lunch, grab a book and a comfy seat by the pool. Soak up the sun. Greet the fishermen and women as they return to the private dock with their catch. Sip on a cocktail while they prep a fresh seafood dinner and tell you about their adventures. Gather around the 18-person dining table for a family-style meal. As the sun goes down, take a dip in the hot tub or watch a movie together.
Vermilion Villa is a work in progress, but pretty soon, it will be the ultimate luxury destination for those taking it slow and serious anglers alike (and everybody in between). Join our contact list today to get updates on our progress!