Interested in visiting Abaco in March 2005

[Claire1]

Hi--we are considering a spring break trip with 2 adults and 2 teen to Abaco in late March 2005 and were wondering if it is likely to be warm enough then for snorkeling without a wetsuit. Are wetsuit rentals available? We would probably stay near Marsh Harbor and explore the island as well as at least one of the outer islands. We are not boaters but would rent a car/golfcart. Can you recommend the best beaches for snorkeling from shore--a short distance to swim to the reef? I'd like to go out with a snorkeling charter of some sort one day--any recommendations? I've read about Fowl Cay Preserve as well as Pelican Cays National Park--any comments on either of those? Many thanks for any information you can give us!!

[PatW]

There is a reef within swimming distance here on Great Guana Cay and you can arrange a trip with Troy and Maria of Dive Guana. Their web site is www.diveguana.com (http://www.diveguana.com)






Hi--we are considering a spring break trip with 2 adults and 2 teen to Abaco in late March 2005 and were wondering if it is likely to be warm enough then for snorkeling without a wetsuit. Are wetsuit rentals available? We would probably stay near Marsh Harbor and explore the island as well as at least one of the outer islands. We are not boaters but would rent a car/golfcart. Can you recommend the best beaches for snorkeling from shore--a short distance to swim to the reef? I'd like to go out with a snorkeling charter of some sort one day--any recommendations? I've read about Fowl Cay Preserve as well as Pelican Cays National Park--any comments on either of those? Many thanks for any information you can give us!!

[DrRalph]

Claire, where so you live? People from Florida will probably want a wetsuit, folks from New England may not. It kinda depends what you're used to.

I would also suggest you spend $20 and buy a new Dodge; go to http://www.wspress.com/ (http://www.wspress.com/). While it is designed for cruising boaters, it covers much of the info you want, including all the snorkel sites and dive trip operators.

[Alan Brown]

Claire,

I suggest you pick up a couple of 2-3mm shorty wetsuits in case the water is a bit too cool for you. They don't take up much space in your bag and can be purchased for around $40. at any dive shop or over the Internet.

There are dive shops throughout the islands, including Marsh Harbor, that take divers and snorkelers to the reefs you've mentioned. I don't recall there being much good snorkeling from shore around MH.

If you have a car, you may wish to take a drive up to Treasure Cay. They have a nice dive shop at the marina and take snorkelers out all the time.

Have a ball!

[Claire1]

What great suggestions! Thanks so much. We are from Ohio so it will probably be warm to us!

C

[Mike from Boston]

Making my 3rd March trip in 05. We're from Massachusetts so the water is like bath water to us. You can snorkel right off the beach at Elbow Cay but if you're not renting a boat, I would suggest booking a snorkeling trip. Froggies at Hopetown. Have fun

[Researcher]

Claire, Where in OH? We are in Columbus and going down during spring break also. Robyn

[Abaco Freedom]

Hi Claire:

I have a great option for you and your family to explore the islands, snorkel, etc. , even if you are not boaters. Please email me at abaco_freedom@yahoo.com so I can give you more details.

Wayne

[Mary T]

Claire,

Mermaid Reef is across the road from the Jib Room, and you can walk or bike there from town. Very nice reef close to shore, live coral, lots of friendly fish; they like to eat bread or frozen peas. Combine it with lunch at the Jib room! Recommend you get the Dodge book, too. Not just a "chart" book, but a good guide book to Abaco as well.

Regards,
Mary

[Baltimore Bob]

Claire

The 'Which airline' thread would be good to read to plan on how to travel to the Abacos. This is often the most difficult part of the planning process.

[Alan Brown]

Bob,

All of the "airline" threads contain some useful information. Browse through them and see if you find something that pertains to your situation. You've got lots of choices!