Green Turtle or Elbow Cay?

[dellarainbow]

I want to come back to the Abacos in January. I can't decide which to stay on, Green Turtle or Elbow Cay. I have been to Guana about 4 years ago, it was a little too quiet for my taste. I like to snorkel and eat local food, shop a little. Can anyone give me the differences in GTC and Elbow? I thought the water was fabulous!
Thanks in advance.

[elcahun]

Do you plan on renting a boat? That could be the difference.

[dellarainbow]

No, not planning on renting a boat. I would love to see both islands, but will most likely do one at a time.

[Norman Clature]

I would obtain a boat no matter which cay I was staying at. The Abacos is an adventure waiting to be explored. To be landlocked would not do you nor her justice. To answer your direct question with the info you gave my choice would have to be Elbow as you have so many choices to fulfil your wishes.

Enjoy!

Norm

[sjohnson4382]

If it was my choice I would choose GTC, but I have never been to elbow so i'm going with my own bias. Green Turtle is absolutely amazing (def. quiet but isnt that what u want in the abacos). You definitely should rent a boat at either cay and also a golf cart. If you go to GTC you have to visit pineapple's at least twice and try to eat at green turtle club too. if you have any more queistions I'll give them my best shot but there are many more experts on here other than me bc i'm nowhere near one.

[Don]

This is an absolute coin toss. Both Cays are beautiful and both offer about the same amount of shopping, eating, sightseeing opportunities. You will have to rent a golf cart on either Cay to take advantage of all that is offered. Probably a few more snorkling and restauraunt choices on Elbow. If you are eventually going to stay at both places just toss the coin to pick the first one. One difference might be that there are more flights to Marsh Harbor (Elbow) than to Treasure (Green Turtle). Good luck and enjoy

[Motuiti]

Hope Town has it's shops and eateries all within walking distance. The H.T.H.L. has a great beach and pool bar too. The resorts at the other end if the Island will come and pick you up for lunch or dinner. To me that's a lot of plusses if your time (and money) for a boat or golf cart is limited.
Sandy
AbacoEscape.com

[Lime Cooler]

My vote is definitely for Elbow Cay. I've been to Green Turtle too, but it just didn't excite me. Hope Town has definitely more and better shopping and restaurants/bars. Just looking at that gorgeous lighthouse, day and night, is mesmerizing! From there, you can easily catch the ferry to Marsh Harbour for other activities. And you can go with Froggies to great water excursions north and south, visiting Guana and Man O'War and Little Harbour. And the beach is beautiful!

[TheKurp]

Snorkeling in January? Brrr.... Even in April I couldn't do it without a shortie.

[Henz]

No Boat, then Definately Elbow. Rent yourself a Golf cart though. If you dont like "quiet" then stay someplace on the S end or right in Hopetown..You are definately one of the few who doesnt search our for "quiet"!

[TurtleDreams]

My choice would be Green Turtle because I think it has more variety. However I must say I haven't been to Elbow since 2001(I think). Green Turtle is definitely better if you don't have a boat (You definitely need a golf cart), it's beaches are spectacular, the snorkeling is incredible. I'm wondering what you mean when you say Guana was too quiet, because all the outer cays are wonderfully quiet, that is what makes them special to most of us. I do think there is greater variety on both GTC and Elbow than Guana, but you might want to consider Marsh Harbour for a little more action. I've never stayed there so I can advise you on what there is to do in Marsh, but I'm sure some of the folks that prefer that area could give you specifics. You'll find we all have favorites for different reasons. Feel free to PM me if you want anymore info on GTC.
Susan

[Shelby]

I agree with Don... it's pretty much a toss up. The two islands are pretty similar in terms of having a little "settlement" at one end, nice beaches near the settlement, easy to get to from the Mainland, good restaurants and grocery stores, diving, snorkeling, etc. etc. etc.

It's been a while since I've been to Elbow Cay, but we were in GTC fairly recently, and it seems to me that GTC is perhaps a tiny bit more affordable in terms of groceries, meals out, etc.... but as I say, it's been a number of years since I've been to Elbow.

I really don't think it's possible to make a bad decision here... either place pretty much guarantees you an awesome experience. Have fun!

Shelby