Essential Services
Medical care, emergency contacts, and practical information to help you stay safe and prepared during your Abaco vacation.
Emergency
For serious emergencies, air evacuation to Nassau or Florida may be required. Keep these contacts handy.
Emergency Contacts
Bahamas emergency number (like 911)
Non-emergency police contact
Marine and aviation emergencies, search and rescue
For US citizens requiring consular assistance
Travel Medical Insurance
Standard US health insurance typically doesn't cover care in the Bahamas. Consider travel medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage - serious conditions may require air transport to Nassau, West Palm Beach, or Miami.
Know Your Blood Type
In case of emergency, knowing your blood type can be helpful. Blood supply in Abaco is limited. Consider wearing a medical ID bracelet if you have important health conditions.
Doctors
Medical clinics and doctor offices in Marsh Harbour. Call ahead for appointments when possible.
Auskell Medical Centre
Additional medical clinic option
Another medical clinic option in Marsh Harbour providing general practice and urgent care services. Good alternative if other clinics are unavailable.
Marsh Harbour Government Clinic
Government-run health services
Government-operated clinic providing basic health services. May have limited hours and services compared to private clinics, but available for routine care.
Additional phone numbers: 1-242-367-2510 & 1-242-577-4256
Abaco Pines Medical
On the left between the airport round-about and downtown Marsh Harbour
Call for hours and appointments
Integrated Medical
Dr. Charite & Dr. Pino-Robles-Pinder
In the Resilience Square Shopping Center, between the airport round-a-bout and downtown Marsh Harbour. On the right coming from the airport.
Call for hours and appointments
St. Thomas Medical
On the right (coming from the airport), behind AB Architects & Agape Dental, between the airport round-a-bout and Marsh Harbour.
Call for hours and appointments
Bring Your Medications
Pack more than enough prescription medications for your trip. Some medications may not be available in Abaco, and getting refills can be complicated. Keep medications in original containers.
Dehydration & Sun
The most common medical issues for visitors are dehydration, sunburn, and heat exhaustion. Drink plenty of water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and take breaks from the sun, especially midday.
Travel Resources
Practical information to help you plan your trip and navigate the islands. From tide charts to local customs, these resources will help you make the most of your Abaco adventure.
Tide Charts
Essential for boating, fishing, and beach activities
Tides significantly affect boating, fishing, and beach activities in Abaco. Check tide charts before planning boat trips, especially to shallow areas like Cherokee Sound or the flats. Low tide exposes sandbars and can make some channels impassable.
Bone fishing is best on incoming tide when fish move onto the flats to feed. Plan boat trips to Cherokee with tide in mind - the channel can be very shallow.
Weather Forecasts
Plan activities around tropical weather patterns
Abaco weather is generally sunny and warm, but tropical systems can develop quickly. Check forecasts before boat trips and outdoor activities.
Visit ResourceDownload the Windy app for detailed wind and wave forecasts - essential for boating and fishing planning.
Bahamas Customs & Immigration
Entry requirements for visiting the Bahamas
US citizens need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas. No visa required for stays under 90 days. You'll clear customs at the Marsh Harbour airport. Declare any firearms, alcohol, cigarettes, or items for resale. If you have items to declare, fill out the 'Exempt - The Bahamas Digital Entry Card,' before you arrive and present the receipt to customs.
Visit ResourceMake sure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel dates.
Currency & Banking
Bahamian dollars and US currency
The Bahamian dollar is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, and US currency is accepted everywhere. ATMs are available in Marsh Harbour. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for tips, small purchases, and local guides/fishermen who may prefer cash. Always have cash as a backup. Occasionally the credit card machines will be 'down' and cash will be your only option.
American Express is often not accepted. Visa and Mastercard are best. ATMs can run out of cash, especially on weekends.
Cell Phone & Internet
Staying connected in Abaco
US cell phones may work in Abaco but roaming charges can be expensive. Check with your carrier about international plans. All our properties have WiFi. Cell coverage can be spotty in South Abaco and on the water.
Consider getting a local BTC SIM card for extended stays. WhatsApp is the preferred communication method for local businesses and guides.
Fishing Licenses
Required for flats fishing in the Bahamas
A fishing license is required for bone fishing, permit, tarpon, and cobia. If two or more anglers fish from a boat on the flats, a certified Bahamian guide is required by law. Solo DIY anglers still need a license.
Visit ResourceLicenses: Day ($15), Weekly ($20), Monthly ($30), Annual ($60). Your fishing guide can usually arrange licenses for you.
Local Customs & Tips
Island Time
Things move at a relaxed pace in the islands. Restaurants may open late, services may take longer than expected, and schedules are flexible. Embrace it - you're on vacation!
Tipping
Tip as you would in the US - 15-20% at restaurants, $20-50/day for fishing guides depending on trip length, and a few dollars for helpful service. Many locals appreciate tips in cash.
Dress Code
Island casual is the norm. Cover-ups over swimwear when not at the beach. Nice restaurants like Wally's or The Delphi Club appreciate resort casual attire (no flip-flops).
Greetings
Bahamians are friendly and appreciate a greeting. Say "good morning," "good afternoon," or "good evening" when entering shops or meeting locals. It's considered polite and opens doors.
Dentists
Dental services in Marsh Harbour. Call ahead for appointments.
Agape Family Dental
Full dental services in Marsh Harbour
Full-service dental clinic offering cleanings, fillings, extractions, and emergency dental care. Dr. Lewis and team provide quality care in a modern facility.
Call for appointment. Emergency services available.
Diamante Dental
Dental Office in Marsh Harbour
Call for hours and appointments
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Marsh Harbour. We recommend bringing your prescriptions from home, but you can refill by showing a prescription label.
Abaco Island Pharmacy
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
Full-service pharmacy in Marsh Harbour. Selection may be limited compared to US pharmacies, so bring essential medications with you, but they are able to fill US prescriptions if you bring your bottle with label or a copy of the label.
A second phone number: 1-242-802-2544. We recommend bringing your prescriptions from home, but you can refill by showing a prescription label. They are closed on Sundays and holidays. AbacoIslandPharmacy@gmail.com
The Chemist Shoppe
Located in Maxwell's Grocery Store
They can fill, or re-fill, US prescriptions if you bring your labeled bottle.
Before You Go
Travel Medical Insurance
Standard US health insurance may not cover care in the Bahamas. Consider travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage.
Pack Your Medications
Bring more than enough prescription medications. Some may not be available locally, and refills can be complicated.
Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty. Download Google Maps offline for Abaco before you arrive.
Carry Cash
While cards are accepted most places, local guides and small vendors often prefer cash. ATMs can run out on weekends.