History

Historians hold that the peaceful Lucayan race was the first to inhabit this island. They spoke an ancient language called Arawak and peacefully navigated these waters in their dugout canoes.

After centuries of being a haven for pirates and raiders under English rule, the Bahamas peacefully became an independent nation in 1973 when the citizens elected their first Prime Minister and Parliament. Today, the Governor General of the Bahamas serves as the local representative of the United Kingdom. The Bahamas proudly remains in the Commonwealth and boasts one of the most stable governments in the Caribbean.

For a trip back in time, explore the quaint village of New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. With only 500 permanent residents you will have a chance to meet and become friends with many of these ancestors of the Revolutionary War loyalists who settled this island in 1783. Visit the Albert Lowe Museum in New Plymouth to find out more regarding the history of our island and check out the open-air sculpture garden for additional historical information.

Green Turtle Cay is a vacation paradise for a romantic getaway, sailors, divers and fishermen. The island is intimate in size at 3.5 miles in length and 1.5 miles wide at its widest point. It is located just 3 miles off the east coast of Great Abaco. Green Turtle is the gem among this stretch of islands with an uneven coastline, deep bays, and pristine white sand beaches. It is closest in proximity to southeast coast of Florida located 170 miles due east of Palm Beach.

Coral gardens teem with colorful sea life, making for wonderful snorkeling and diving expeditions. Shelling on the powder soft beaches and offshore sandbars is among the finest in The Bahamas. You can even find starfish as you stroll along the shores. Boaters are encouraged to explore deserted islands like Fiddle Cay to the north and No Name Cay and Pelican Cay to the south of Green Turtle Cay.