An Abaco out-island in the Bahamas, Green Turtle Cay is a magical place. New Plymouth is the main village on the island and is home to some 400 - 500 inhabitants -most of whom can trace their roots to the Loyalists from the Revolutionary War who settled here in the 1770s and 1780s.

It's off the beaten path but for those willing to put forth the effort to access it, New England style architecture painted in soft pastel colors, an easy-going spirit, narrow streets and a quiet solitude not found on other Bahamian islands will be the reward.

On the Atlantic side of the cay, there is wonderful snorkeling found by simply swimming out from shore. If you have access to a boat, there are numerous other snorkeling spots just off the coast that offer views of some of the healthiest reefs within a couple hundred miles of the mainland U.S.

With two marinas located safely within the main harbor, Green Turtle Cay is a favorite destination among sailing cruisers. Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina as well as the Green Turtle Club and Marina offer both full service slips, lodging, restaurants and gift shops. If you're dining at the Green Turtle Cay Club don't pass up the grouper fingers.

If you're sailing to Green Turtle Cay, its coordinates are: 26.7667° N, 77.3167° W. Otherwise, you can get there by catching a daily ferry from Treasure Cay, Bahamas, which runs every hour beginning at 10:30 until 16:30. Prices as of July 2012 are $17 for adults and $10 for children (round trip).