Kid Friendly

[Lsdumoff]

Hi, I am planning a trip to the Bahamas in April with my 8 year old daughter.

We are interested in fishing, biking, nature.

Can anyone recommend islands and hotels that are particularly kid friendly?

Any attractions that you think we may enjoy?

Thanks

[JJ]

I have found all of the Abacos to be kid friendly. We have taken our children there since they were 7, 9, and 12 (now 11, 13, and 16) and it is their favorite place to vacation.

Any one of the cays will meet your needs of fishing, biking, enjoying nature. You will find plenty of information on this board to help you make your decision.

[BradW]

Seriously, there's stuff everywhere for a kid who prefers the outdoors to video games. My wife and I went w/ my brother, his wife and 2 kids, 6 & 10. We stayed on Lubbers Quarters cay, because I'd been there before and we are heavily into boats, fishing, and water. Staying there means you need to rent a boat, because there is no scheduled ferry access.

If you don't want the cost or hassle of having a boat to get everywhere, Elbow Cay, Man-O-War Cay, and Great Guana Cay all have ferry service and varying attractions. I really like Elbow and Guana Cays for the beaches and other attractions. Man-O-War beaches don't seem quite as nice, but I haven't spent much time there. I haven't made it to Green Turtle Cay, which also has ferry service, so others will chime in.

Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay on the "mainland" (Great Abaco) have more infrastructure. Treasure Cay has a beautiful beach, although it is not on the ocean, but rather on Abaco Sound ("Sea of Abaco").

For attractions, just look outside! Snorkeling is great, right off the dock in many areas. We got my 6 year old niece into snorkeling very rapidly, and she started out not wanting to try, even though she swims. Find a calm day or sheltered bit of rock/reef, and colorful fish will be found! We had a blast on a guided kayak/snorkel tour of some of the creeks and mangroves with Abaco Outback in Marsh Harbour. We went down to Sandy Cay Park and dove the reef there, and a formerly 'fraidy-cat 6 year old was soon bobbing in the open water, pointing out all the different parrot fish, tangs, sergeant-majors and even nurse sharks under her. There are kid-friendly diving/snorkeling guide boats also. With all that daytime activity, the kids were sacked out pretty fast at night, so the lack of conventional kid entertainment was not an issue.

If you don't mind fending for yourself, I think the better deals tend to be in rental cottages, especially on the outer cays. There aren't a lot of hotels, but there are a couple on Elbow Cay with nice beaches right there. Others will have inputs for other areas. Go to the lodgings info links on the front page of this forum.

[biggy]

Every place I can think of on the out-islands are kid friendly.You really need to kick-around a bit to find the place you may like the best.However, as a father I will tell you that Hopetown is probably the best balance, for your piece of mind and activities for both you and your child.For a first visit,the Abaco Inn,Hopetown Harbour Lodge,or Seaspray Resort,would all be great places to stay.Seaspray in particular because of the tremendously helpful, friendly staff,and quiet area.Brenda and Junior @Seaspray,Wilma@Abaco Inn,or Tom and Ray@the Lodge,all tremendous hosts. Tony