I watched the sun lift over Pelican Cay, turning the shallows at Gillam Bay a translucent gold. With the tide still low, I walked across a quarter-mile-wide sandbar that stretched into the Sea of Abaco, toes brushing the occasional cowrie shell. This kind of morning — quiet, unhurried, and wholly ours — is exactly why our family keeps coming back to Green Turtle Cay. This article covers everything you need to plan your own day at Gillam Bay, from the ferry schedule to what to pack, and why it works so well for anyone travelling with kids.
At low tide, a quarter-mile-wide sandbar exposes chest-deep wading waters, letting you walk up to 0.25 miles offshore while hunting for shells and sea glass. — Sail Abacos
Gillam Bay is worth the ferry ride for the sunrise alone, but it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it beach. No facilities, no shade, and the water is best for swimming only at high tide. If you plan ahead — bring everything you need and time your visit — it’s one of the most rewarding spots in the Abacos.
Families with young kids
Sunrise photographers
Shell and sea glass collectors
Gillam Bay at a Glance
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gillam Bay Beach | Families, sunrise, shelling | Quarter-mile sandbar at low tide | 2–3 hours (or a full morning) | Arrive by 6:30 a.m. for the best sunrise light; low tide happens roughly 1–2 hours later each day — check a tide chart before you go |
Gillam Bay Beach: Sunrise, Sandbar, and Shells
Gillam Bay sits on the eastern shore of Green Turtle Cay, facing Pelican Cay across the Sea of Abaco. The beach itself is a broad sweep of white sand with a gentle slope that makes the water feel safe even for wading. At low tide, the sandbar becomes the main attraction — you can walk out into shallow, chest-deep water and search for cowries, conch shells, and sea glass. The early morning light is golden and soft, perfect for photos without harsh shadows.
Getting There and Making the Most of It
Reaching Gillam Bay takes a few steps, but none of them are complicated. Here’s the sequence that worked for us.
Albury’s Ferry runs regularly from Treasure Cay, and the crossing takes about 10 minutes. Check the schedule in advance; the first ferry of the day is often the quietest. If you’re staying on the mainland, it’s an easy morning trip. If you’re basing yourself on Green Turtle Cay, you can walk or take a golf cart from your accommodation.
From the settlement of New Plymouth, head east on the paved road, then turn onto the sandy path that leads directly to the beach. The walk takes about 15 minutes. Golf cart rentals are available in town and make the trip faster — plus you can stow your cooler, chairs, and umbrella. If you’re walking, pack light.
High tide is best for swimming in the calm, protected water. Low tide reveals the sandbar and the best shelling — aim to arrive at least an hour before low tide so you can walk out as the water recedes. Bring a beach umbrella or a pop-up tent; there’s no natural shade. A compact drone can capture the sandbar’s full shape from above — the contrast between the white sand and turquoise water is stunning.
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Pack a leather backpack with a laptop sleeve to keep your phone, camera, and sunscreen organized — the multiple compartments make it easy to grab what you need without digging through sand.
Planning Your Visit to Gillam Bay
The best visits to Gillam Bay are the ones you plan around the tide and the sun. Here’s what to consider before you go.
Getting to Green Turtle Cay
You’ll fly into Marsh Harbour or Treasure Cay, then take a short ferry to Green Turtle Cay. The ferry runs multiple times daily, but if you’re coming from the mainland, the first departure is the most reliable for catching sunrise. Golf cart rentals are the standard way to get around the island — book ahead, especially during peak season (late fall through spring).
Best Time to Visit
Early morning is the prime window. The sunrise over Pelican Cay is the beach’s signature moment, and the sand is still cool. Low tide adds the sandbar experience, so check a tide chart for the day you’re visiting. If you’re short on time or have small kids, plan for a 2–3 hour window — that’s enough for shelling, wading, and photos without anyone getting tired or hungry.
What to Bring
Since there are no facilities, your packing list is critical. Water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a rash guard are the essentials. An umbrella or pop-up shade is a game-changer if you’re staying for more than an hour. If you’re bringing a camera or action cam, seal it in a dry bag — the sand gets everywhere. For longer days, a waterproof action camera with 8K video and a 58-piece accessory kit lets you capture both the underwater sandbar and the beach shots without worrying about salt or sand.
The beach faces east, so by late morning the sun is directly overhead with no shade. Plan to wrap up by 11 a.m. or bring a tent. Also, the ferry schedule can be sparse on holidays — book your return ferry time early to avoid a long wait on the dock.
Before You Go: Gillam Bay Questions Answered
Is Gillam Bay good for swimming?
Yes, but only at high tide. The water is calm and shallow, with a gentle slope that makes it safe for kids. At low tide, the water recedes to a sandbar that’s better for wading and shelling than swimming.
Are there bathrooms or food nearby?
No facilities on the beach. The nearest restrooms and restaurants are in New Plymouth, about a 15-minute walk or short golf-cart ride. Pack everything you’ll need for the beach, and plan to eat in town before or after.
How long should I spend at Gillam Bay?
Two to three hours is enough for a solid visit — sunrise, sandbar walk, some shelling, and a quick swim at high tide. If you want to linger, bring shade and food, but the lack of facilities makes long stays less comfortable.
What’s the best way to get photos from the beach?
The east-facing shore gives you sunrise light directly over Pelican Cay. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the water. For a wider perspective, a beginner-friendly drone with a 4K camera and 3-axis gimbal can capture the sandbar and the curve of the shoreline from above, giving you a view most visitors never see.
Is Gillam Bay suitable for young children?
Yes, with caveats. The gentle slope and shallow water make it safe at high tide, and the sandbar at low tide is a natural playground. But the lack of shade and facilities means you need to be on top of sun protection, hydration, and timing. If you’re prepared, it’s an excellent family beach.
Why Gillam Bay Stays with Us
Every beach in the Abacos has its own rhythm, but Gillam Bay’s is the one that feels most like a secret — even when you’re sharing the sandbar with a handful of other early risers. The light, the quiet, and the way the water pulls back to reveal a whole new landscape at low tide make it a place you’d want to return to, not just check off a list. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Green Turtle Cay’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare against the beach or the trailhead. For us, it’s the beach that convinced Michael we should start planning next year’s trip before we’d even left the sand.
References
Sail Abacos. “Gillam Bay Beach.” Sail Abacos. ↗
Only Beaches. “Gillam Bay Beach, Green Turtle Cay.” Only Beaches. ↗
If Gillam Bay has you thinking about other quiet Bahamian beaches, our guide to Fortune Beach covers another low-key spot with its own tidal rhythm, while the Pink Sands Beach article breaks down the logistics of a longer beach day with kids. For something completely different, the swimming pigs post is a fun, family-friendly detour that pairs well with a laid-back beach morning.
Explore Places to Stay in the Bahamas
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.