first time to Abacos, first time to bahamas!

[sweetmonk]

i am taking a wild leap of faith but after doing some general research thought that abacos looked amazing compared to other islands. My boyfriend and I are coming the first week of January - any recommendations on lodging, snorkeling, transportation that is convenient to marsh harbour airport. i think that is the most nerve racking - not knowing if it will be hard to find transportation back to the airport in time (7:25 am flight back to nassau) if i stay on elbow cay or ??? i am interested in staying somewhere close to the water that supports small local businesses not a big resort!

also, will it be hot??

sorry for the naive questions - i'm from brooklyn. it's freezing here!

[Abacowilly]

......Abaco then (barring those "nasty" cold fronts) is usually going to be in the 70's in the daytime and 60's at night. If you are lucky, 'could see 80 in the daytime. Water would probably be mid to upper 70's. A great time of year for Abaco for exploring.

Ther are not really any huge resorts so forget about that. That place in Nassau (Atlantis???) is probably 100 times the magnitude of anything around the Abacos (thank goodness) - "))

If you are planning an early flight back, you should consider staying somewhere on Marsh harbor the night before as the ferry boats will not get you to MHH from the out islands in time for a 7:30am flight. There are a couple places in Marsh you could try - seems like the Lofty Fig is probably the best bet or the Conch Inn for that one night. Other than that, just pick your poison for the rest of the time. You will not go wrong.

On Elbow Cay, it would be The Abaco Inn or for a little more upscale ( and busy - although "busy" is a relative term here) the Hope Town harbour lodge. We have enjoyed both, HTHL is basically "in town" but on the Atlantic and Abaco Inn (God I love that place) is on both the Atlantic and the Sea of Abaco and is in a more slow-paced surrounding. Both are great choices though.

The staff and owners at both places are wonderful and truly understand customer service. Although the Abaco Inn is only a couple miles from "downtown" HopeTown, AI does provide bikes at no charge and they also have a mini-van to shuttle to/from HT. Breakfast or lunch at AI is breathtaking - you can enjoy the view overlooking the Atlantic and at times watch surfers. I think you can also see surfers around HTHL as well. HTHL sits about 50-75 feet above the Atlantic Ocean and enjoying a afternoon cocktail and burger there is relaxing for sure!

The Ferry dock at Hopetown on Elbow is walking distance from HTHL. For AI, just have the ferry call ahead and have them pick you up or rent a golf cart in advance for the week. If staying at AI, you really should have a golf cart. Actually, to really explore Elbow, including Tahiti Beach, etc, you need a golf cart either way. Both have local convenient free parking for golf carts.

The really best part is that you can leave NOW and spend a few weeks at BOTH places!!

Have a great time on and around Abaco!! And, don't forget to stay (or return) for the barefoot Man Concert over at Nippers on Great Guana Cay in early March. AW and AM will be there fer sure

AW :)

[Abacoparrott]

.........one more thing to Willy's accurate comments. Bring half as many clothes and twice as much money as you think you will need. This is an old saying that we have had for some time but it hasn't been mentioned lately. It IS very accurate. Is Abaco worth it? You bet. As for the clothes......if you think you need to take nice slacks and a jacket for a nite out and a lobster dinner....forget about it. Shorts and a golf shirt will do just fine for a formal nite out. During the day, swimsuit and a T-shirt. Don't forget to take a pair of Aqua socks, those little half shoe, half sock thingys that can be bought at Wal-Mart for 6 bucks. Indespensible for walking on rocks at the beach and around town. If you're on Elbow Cay, don't forget to eat at Rudy's one nite, it's one of Abaco's best kept secrets. It's inland so no view but the food is superb. If you haven't reserved a room yet, consider a house. A lot of times they are just as reasonable as a hotel with the ability to cook some of your own meals. Otherwise, the places Willy mentioned are perfect. As for the Cays, my personal favorite is Guana but Elbow is probably perfect for a first time visitor. Since you WILL go back, try Guana the second time around...Ken

[DrRalph]

Make sure you take a look at Seaspray Resort: http://seasprayresort.com/ (http://seasprayresort.com/). They have cottages, a great restaurant, bar, pool, marina, and wonderful staff.

[sweetmonk]

Thanks for all the info! I think we have narrowed it down to Great Guana Cay - any specific suggestions there? I will def. stay in Marsh Harbour the last night so I don't miss my flight (even though I will want to miss it i'm sure!).

[bellavista]

nice houses to rent

try donna sands at donna's golf cart rentals or troy albury at dive guana

several places to stay based on costs and remoteness even on a remote island

guana beach resort and seashore villas in town

dolphin beach further out and guana seaside even further out.

guana seaside is getting nice redo compliments of frances and jeanne and should be in great shape for jan

[PatW]

Let me add that Conch Inn in MH is still under repair, they had extensive water damage to all the rooms. Call to check on the progree 367-367-4000.
Lofty Fig is up and running 367-2681
Guana Beach Resort on Guana has a great web site, www.guanabeach resort.com Very laid back place and of course, there is the resident character, Capt. Easy who runs the place. If you don't stay there, you have to go and get "grabbed" by the famous Guana Grabber drink and watch the glorious sunsets.






i am taking a wild leap of faith but after doing some general research thought that abacos looked amazing compared to other islands. My boyfriend and I are coming the first week of January - any recommendations on lodging, snorkeling, transportation that is convenient to marsh harbour airport. i think that is the most nerve racking - not knowing if it will be hard to find transportation back to the airport in time (7:25 am flight back to nassau) if i stay on elbow cay or ??? i am interested in staying somewhere close to the water that supports small local businesses not a big resort!

also, will it be hot??

sorry for the naive questions - i'm from brooklyn. it's freezing here!

[PatW]

Its www.guanabeachresort.com (http://www.guanabeachresort.com)



Let me add that Conch Inn in MH is still under repair, they had extensive water damage to all the rooms. Call to check on the progree 367-367-4000.
Lofty Fig is up and running 367-2681
Guana Beach Resort on Guana has a great web site, www.guanabeach (http://www.guanabeach/) resort.com Very laid back place and of course, there is the resident character, Capt. Easy who runs the place. If you don't stay there, you have to go and get "grabbed" by the famous Guana Grabber drink and watch the glorious sunsets.

[AbacoPeach]

There is also Harbour View Haven which is in the same vicinity of Seashore Villa.

[sugar loaf Roger]

Be sure and buy Crusing guide to Abaco by Steve Dodge, It lists all hotels resturants and charts on how to get around. Whether you are a boater or not anyone will agree it is required reading. You can find it @ bluewaterbooks in Ft. Lauderdale/ Try GOOGLE to come up with their #