Info on Abacos
Mar 16th, 2000, 03:38 AM
#2
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Garry, <BR>Be sure to visit the Abaco Community Message Board (www.oii.net) -- a very active message board with lots of experienced post-ers. They can answer all of your questions, and then some. I am going to the Abacos for the third time in a few weeks (we'll be chartering a catamaran), and can assure you that you will have the time of your life. Be sure to get those boat reservations made (if you haven't already), because they go fast, and its the only way to travel. Some favorite spots: Tilloo Bank, Nipper's on Great Guana Cay; climbing the Hopetown Lighthouse; Tahiti Beach on Elbow Cay; the sail shop at Man of War. Pick up Steve Dodge's Cruising Guide and you'll have a good start.
Apr 28th, 2000, 03:07 PM
#4
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Congrats on the best choice in destinations! Hope Town is a must on Elbow (known as the hub of Abaco)wal;k around and if its still there check out the straw hat factory. You may find a bit of limitation in that rental boats may not be taken out at night. That being said, the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay (all Cays are pronounced Key!) is GREAT. Wally's in Marsh Harbour is the best lunch resaurant and may be the best dinner now. For a rustic experence of the way it used to be go to (my spelling of this is wrong, I know, but they will know the right one) Mother Merles in Dundastown. Make sure to tell the taxi driver to pick you back up. It is a bit rough around the edges but has GREAT food and is the real deal. Pelican Reef is a nearby Nat'l Park under water and the barrier reef outside of Man-O-War is great for diving. Lunch at Taloo Bank on the boat is a great view!!! Man-O-War is the best of the Abacos. They are very conservative there so do not bring Alchohol into town and were a shirt over any bathing suit, particularly on Sunday. The beaches at Man-O-War (try the local bakery's bread!!!) are outstanding and you will probably be the only one on them. Some hurricane damage took place which hurt Boat Harbour, but that may be fixed up now. If so, it is a great pool/bar for an afternoon! Good luck!
Jul 20th, 2000, 06:18 AM
#6
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Garry; Been to Abaco numerous times since late 1980's, helping to save the Bahamian Parrot and diving in the reefs. Great snorkeling on the northern, Atlantic section of Great Guana Cay, a 7-mile long cay 9 miles off of Marsh Harbor. In the Sea of Abaco, you can catch spiny lobster and conch, but obey all the laws and regulations. Definately rent a boat and explore among the many cays lining Abaco's 110 mile shore. I'd suggest going with a dive op first, to become familiar with the waters. Try Dive Abaco or Froggies...both reputable. The dive op at the Conch Inn Marina is best for you, since it's in downtown Marsh Harbor. Then, rent a boat from Riches Boat Rental; I recommend a Boston Whaler or similar type over 18 feet. Great Guana Cay is still isolated and you will feel like Robinson Crusoe as you hit her northern shores. Beautiful 7 miles of beaches, with no foot prints on them but yours. Here's a best-kept secret: On Great Guana's northern shore in the Sea of Abaco, there is Baker's Bay and Spoil Bank Cay. This area was dredged for cruise ships in the 1980's. Spoil Bank Cay was an artificial island creaated by the dredging, and is now covered with growth. But, IT's Great For Shelling!! Go to Baker's Bay, and you'll see the old moorings from the cruise lines. Weave through them and throw anchor in Baker's Bay. Only 7-8 feet of water with small sandy humps here and there. It's beautiful there, great for spiny lobsters and conch. You will most likely be the only ones around. The cruise ship line's hired engineers to build this landing site, but they never listened to the old time Bahamians say the winds through the ne cut and tides will be too much for the cruise liners. They ignored them and tried their adventure any way, and after several cruise ships were depositied on the shallow banks in the Sea of Abaco, the corporation closed its doors. So, you now have the beautiful Baker's Bay all to yourself. Also, another best-kept secret: about a mile south along the shoreline of Great Guana Cay is another isolated bay, called Crossing Bay. Just recently, a small and friendly resort called Great Gauna Seaside Village Resort was built. They have docks so you can dock there and have a few Kahlik beers and lunch. You can also snorkel at the Fowl Cay Reserve further south from Great Guana Cay, but I recommend you go with a dive op first. Many sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks, and although they won't bother you, it's good to see them with an experienced dive master the first time. Then, do it yourself. I could go on and on. Let me know if you have specific questions on Abaco. Robert
