lenlu

Has anyone been there to just sit on the beach? Is it worth the visit from Fort Lauderdale? We're thinking of adding Nassau or Bimini. We have two boys, 4 and 6. The water looks calm and although it looks sleepy, is it nice? Or should we stick with Nassau (hustle and bustle doesn't interest us which is why I'm thinking of changing plans). I'd like to plan an out island if it's worth it. We don't fish and would just play on the beach and snorkel. Thanks for any advice.

BeachGirl247

How many days do you have to travel to an out island? Are you flying or taking a ferry? Any budget concerns?

We have looked at Bimini but passed it over for now as it is known as a fishing island -- world-class bone fishing in fact. It isn't known for white, sandy beaches and snorkeling which is why we've gone on to other out islands.

Nassau is easy to get to from Ft. Lauderdale by boat or air so that is doable but a time frame would help us out as would price ranges.

lenlu

Well, we were thinking around 3-5 nights at an out island and we've been to Grand Bahama but will pass this time. I was hoping to find something calm and tranquil and wondered if Eleuthera or one of the other islands might offer such an experience. Been to Florida many times, Naples, Key West, Miami but sort of wanted that Caribbean feel if possible to add to the trip. We'd hoped Turks and Caicos would come down in air but from the West coast it's more than we want to spend in July. I realize it's hurricane season, my husband is a meteorologist. We would fly as I get seasick. I'd like to keep hotel under $400 a night if possible. I know Atlantis is the big draw and the Tower is most affordable there but not sure if it's worth bothering. The thing is, I didn't like Grand Bahama so if they are all the same, I suppose I should just stay in Florida this time and plan a Caribbean vacation next time. Still, any thoughts or advice on a nice island would be great. Thank you!

mnag

Eleuthera is very laid back and has wonderful beaches. I would highly recommend Eleu based on your criteria. You may also want to look at Treasure Cay - not sure if its a direct flight from fort lauderdale.

BeachGirl247

I flew Continental to Treasure Cay (flew into Marsh Harbour and out at Treasure Cay -- all on the same island, lenlu.) I think there are more flights to Marsh Harbour airport than Treasure Cay but that may have changed. (Treasure Cay isn't a true cay but actually a peninsula.)

I sometimes pick the out island to visit by what flights are available so you might give that a try to see what you can get. Elbow Cay would be another good out island (also Abaco).

We love Eleuthera, too. You have 3 airport choices depending which part of the 110-mile island you wish to visit. Lots of pink sand beaches to explore.

Callaloo

Rest assured that the Bahamas are not all the same (and the rest of the 700 islands outside of New Providence (Nassau) and Grand Bahama (Freeport)) couldn't be any more different.

For families with younger kids, I always suggest the Abacos, as there is a nice combination of laid-back tranquility as well as some modest activity. In the summer, there are other kids around (but not packed, like some of the kid's clubs at large hotels), and the island kids are out of school. You'd be hard pressed to spend $400/night here.

Here is a video put out by the Out Islands. It's a collage of many of the islands, but really captures the vibe nicely (and has me aching to return). The scenes with the candy-striped lighthouse are Hopetown, Elbow Cay in the Abacos: http://www.youtube.com/realbahamas.

BeachGirl247

Excellent video, Callaloo.

GeorgeW

I have visited Bimini and Green Turtle Cay of the Abacos. Bimini had better food while Green Turtle was better in all the other ways. Worse, under suspicious circumstance, the old Compleat Angler burned to the ground a couple of years ago.