WILLIAMFRA

I am planning a short (5/6 days) relaxing trip with my parents (80 years old).
I am debating between St Croix or Abaco,
I am looking for nice white beach, blu water, slow relaxing pace....maybe some snorkeling.
Any suggestions between the 2 locations ?
Is it better to rent a house or an hotel ?

Thanks

Callaloo

When are you going? Where are you going from?

In general, I prefer the Out Islands of the Bahamas for sheer relaxation and laid-back mood, with spectacular beaches. However, if you are looking for guaranteed-to-be-warm weather and water, the Abacos are iffy between late November and mid-March.

Also, depending on where you are traveling from, the trip to and from the Abacos can be a challenge, especially since your best bet for places to stay is the outer cays (and not Great Abaco island), which requires a ferry ride after getting to Marsh Harbour (though these days, I'm not sure how easy it is to get to STX, either). If you are traveling from Florida, it's much easier than traveling from the West Coast.

It's been too long since I've visited St. Croix, so I won't presume to make any recommendations on lodging. In terms of the Abacos, you can't go wrong with either a cottage rental or a small inn (ALL of the inns are small!); the only question is whether or not you want/require kitchen facilities.

WILLIAMFRA

Thanks Callaloo for the quick response.
I am going at begin of April.
We will fly from east coast and currently looking at Abaco Marsh Harbour. It seems that we could easly fly there from Miami area...
Last year we went to Nassau and stayed at a large hotel..it was a nice experience but would like to try the true Bahamas.
How are the beach around Marsh harbour ?
If we stay there do we need to rent a boat or go out on excursions or rent a car to find a nice beach ?
Thanks

virginia

i'd say st croix. love outislands but getting to them can be a trial - for short trip with older folks i think it would be too much.
you might look at the buccaneer or carambola on st croix.

Callaloo

If you are flying from MIA, it's a quick flight on American Eagle to MHH -- an easy trip that will get you to the Abacos by lunch time. (There are also flights on other carriers via Ft. Lauderdale.)

The beach around Marsh Harbour isn't much to speak of; you'd either need to drive to Treasure Cay or down south to Little Harbour to find nice beaches on Great Abaco. Or you could take the ferry to one of the outer cays. Given that, I would just catch a ferry to Elbow Cay (it's a 20 minute trip) and stay there. The beaches on Elbow Cay -- especially the ocean beach near Hopetown, and the Sea of Abaco side beach at the south end of the cay (Tahiti Beach) are especially nice.

You don't need a rental boat to enjoy the beaches, but it's fun to have one to explore (if you are comfortable with boats). Alternatively, on the cay, you can get anywhere you want to get via golf cart.

I took my own parents to the Abacos a dozen years ago, and they were completely charmed. We stayed at the Seaspray Resort on Elbow Cay, which is a tiny inn that has cottages with small kitchens. The beach there is great for walking but not for swimming. For a more swimmable beach, consider Hopetown Harbour Lodge on the edge of Hopetown -- oceanfront, but within a hop and a skip of all that the town has to offer.

edwinfloyd

Firstly,It would be better to rent a hotel as you r coming for 5/6 days.
You must visit Abaco island.There are diving spot,snorkeling, visit Marsh harbour etc.You will definitely enjoy your trip.