Great Guana Trip Report

[jsprague28]

This is a little late, but I just found this site. A group of 6 of us went to Abaco in late September last year. We stayed 2 nights in Marsh Harbour and about 13 on Great Guana.

I'll start with the negatives first so we can finish positive. :)

Overall, it was a rough trip. We wanted to avoid the crowds, but going that time of year was a bad choice, it turns out. There were several pretty intense storms and we never new if we were going to get caught in one out in the boat. The water was too rough at Nipper's beach for snorkeling too. And while we did beat the crowds, the island was completely dead. Actually most of the islands we visited were like ghost towns and nothing was open. Lessons learned.


The mosquitos were wicked. Because of all the rain, they were everywhere and everybody got chewed up pretty good.

On the positive side:

We honestly walked away from this trip feeling like it completely sucked, but after discussing it again recently and having the benefit of time, we realized that there were some amazing things about Great Guana.

1) The people. We all agreed that the people on that island are some of the finest that we have ever met in all of our travels. Anthony, Nadice (sp?) and Dean to name a few. They took great care of us, entertained us, drank with us, and supported us knowing that we were having a rough time. I hope to get back and see our friends someday soon.

2) Island Hopping.. We rented a boat and spent quite a few days cruising around the sea, checking out other islands, and finding deserted beaches. I had never driven a boat before - it was a little nerve racking always wondering if you were going to bottom out, but overall great fun. Had a hard time finding good snorkeling spots, but saw dolphins and stingrays which was great. Also, we had the misfortune of getting stung by jellyfish at Treasure Cay. Apparently, there was some strange and rare migration occuring while we were there.

3) Nippers.. We spent almost every night at Nippers and usually we were the only ones there. Very good times.

4) Golf Cart. One of the days we rented a couple of golf carts and drove all over the island. Ton o fun..

5) Island time... You gotta love it.

I would definitely go back to Guana or one of the other Cays, but I will do a better job researching the rental houses and their owners.

[Sunkissed]

We have a home on Guana that we also rent, but since we consider it our home, I hope no one ever leaves feeling like you did.

It is truly a shame that you had problems with the home you rented, not much to control over the weather, bugs and crowds, but it sounds like even in the worst environment, it was still paradise!! It is awesome that you were still able to "get it".

I also have to add that you forgot another amazing thing, Grabbers!!! I love Nippers, but Grabbers has a special spot in my heart too!!!

I hope you go back again, stay at a different home, at a different time of year, and have a great time!!

[jsprague28]

We actually looked at your house and drove by it on our golf cart day. I don't remember why we didn't pick it, but I wish we had. :)

We have actually rented dozens of vacation homes over the years and never had any problems. Most owners realize how 1 bad experience can tarnish their reputation and most will make every effort to take care of their guests. We are a pretty laid-back bunch and I don't think we have ever even complained at all about a rental. So I guess we were completely unprepared for what happened.

We got to spend our first night at Grabbers and then they closed for the rest of our trip. It was a cool place though.. Loved sitting in the water drinking beer.

[wwstaffing]

Myself, Wife and 2 children (7 and 9) just got back a few days ago from Guana Cay. This was our first visit to the island and fell in love with it. The people were the nicest we have ever met. The island and natural recreation is above any expectations any could ever have. We loved it so much we spent the last few days of our trip looking for property so that we can go back often and even call it our "other home" (it already feels that way.) In addition, the house we stayed at was the Shell House, which is owned by Erin and Paul. We absolutely loved the home. Certainly it is not what one would call extravagant but that is not what we were looking for. We were looking for "homey" and it is absolutely that. When we arrived we were greated by Francis who brought us to the house. The home was clean and organized. The kitchen was well layed out and had everything we needed. The living room was comfortable and had lots of seating for laying about and reading in the evenings. The Dining table was enourmous and the bedrooms and bathrooms were clean, large enough and equally comfortable. Best of all though is the deck. If you are looking for a beach front home with a nice deck to sit on and watch the sun come up, THIS HOUSE IS IT. We actually liked this home so much in terms of the layout that as we look for property on the island we are envisioning putting a similar home on it. The upstairs was the best thing in the house as well. There is a small room "crows nest" with windows all around and the view is amazing. The kids spent all their time in the house upstairs playing board games (included in the house), cards (included in the house), dominos (in the house) and jenga (in the house). There was a TV up there as well that did not work. We were informed that there was one on order but it can take a while to get stuff from the states shipped there). I can only say that we were initially disappointed that there was no working TV, but after 2 days we were thrilled. We actually TALKED AND PLAYED WITH OUR KIDS instead of "plugging them in". When we build we have already decided we will not get a TV. Internet access was sporatic based on signal strength. However, every morning I went down to the beach infront of the house successfully found a wireless network and checked my email. It was like working in heaven. We spent our days exploring the island, shelling, snorkelling and hanging out with locals. We did not spend much time at nippers or grabbers (we are not drinkers) but I will say Johnny (owner of Nippers) was a great guy. A family member back in MA (where we live) was having a crisis and since we did not have our cell phones with us Johny let us use the phone at Nippers whenever we wanted. He even let us give out the number and said if someone called for us he would send someone over to the shell house to let us know (it is only 2 doors down). THANKS JOHNNY. Overall, the trip was amazing. Booking the house was simple and Erin was communicative the whole way through. We even spoke to her when we got back and let her know how much we enjoyed the island as well as our stay at the Shell house. All I can say is if you are looking for paradise and I nice down to earch, comfortable non pretentious place to stay. The shell house on Guana Cay is it. If you are looking for a resort with water slides, waiters delivering drinks, towel service and maids knocking on your door to turn down your sheets go to a resort. If you are looking to bring your family to fall in love with nature, paradise and EACHOTHER again, go to Guana Cay and stay at the Shell House. We looked all over the island and could not find a more reasonably priced house right on the sandy beach that was built for a comfortable getaway. Feel free to contact us if you would like to know more at any time. We are happy to share regarding our experience.

[menegaux]

We have a home on Guana that we also rent, but since we consider it our home, I hope no one ever leaves feeling like you did.

It is truly a shame that you had problems with the home you rented, not much to control over the weather, bugs and crowds, but it sounds like even in the worst environment, it was still paradise!! It is awesome that you were still able to "get it".

I also have to add that you forgot another amazing thing, Grabbers!!! I love Nippers, but Grabbers has a special spot in my heart too!!!

I hope you go back again, stay at a different home, at a different time of year, and have a great time!!

Unless it was edited out, I do not see anything negative about the rental?

*Check, looks like it was edited out.

[Cathy Arizona]

We tend to avoid the islands during hurricane season because it is too far to travel and too much to spend to take a chance for us. Also, September and October often finds many restaurants closed. You might want to consider going in spring or winter. Normally we go to Abaco in April or May and love it that time a year. Though my husband prefers the cooler December days. Sorry you had any negative experience. We have rented a number of different houses over there and never had a bad experience. Sorry yours wasn't better. I think that really is not the norm for Abaco.