tdelano

I just found a deal for two free tickets from Nassau when you book at participating Out Island resorts. There seems to be many choices of islands so I thought it may be best for me to start with my top priority which is snorkeling from the beach. Our ideal vacation is drving around exploring and finding great places to snorkel. Our first Out Island was Eleuthera and we loved it. We found good snorkeling, and enough interesting sites to keep us entertained (cave, few tourist shops, wonderful beach after wonderful beach day trip to HI) . The fewer people we encounter the better. Suggestions? THANKS!

blamona

You did Eleuthera, the only other 2 out islands with decent snorkeling is Andros and San
Salvador. San Salvador has a Club Med which includes snorkeling, but it goes by boat twice a day. (only 5 to 10 minute ride ).

The beach at San Salvador is to die for, and food is excellent, but be warned, there is nothing else on that island!

Other out islands are better for other things x( beach exploring, restaurants, ambience, sailing) but not really snorkeling.

ishkribbl

Looking at your choices on the "two fly free" deal, I think I would post for info on Cat Island (one of the out islands where I have not been so I am no help) because I do think it would fit your idea of driving around exploring and there are many nice options for accommodations there on the deal. I know from my trip research for Cat that there are nice beaches, places to explore, the lack of tourists you say you want, etc. - just need more info on snorkeling from shore. You do seem to have Andros choices though, too.

ghutch

My brother in law goes to The Abaco Islands frequently and LOVES it.

BeachGirl247

We very much enjoyed Cat Island and I posted a report from a few years ago that may be of some help. It is one of our favorite islands as it has a variety of beaches and it still feels undiscovered.

We did not snorkel but Greenwood Resort offered diving and they may offer snorkeling as well.

http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-june-2008.cfm

StanKase

Andros Island that we visited has the third largest barrier reef in the world after Belize and much is still Healthy. The Small Hope Lodge is reasonably priced but I would advise if you go to request one up from the least expensive or above. The rooms are better furnished based on a visit 3-4 years ago. They take you out snorkeling daily included in a package as i remember of 5 or 7 days. In my opion, it beats Abaco by far because of the bleaching of the coral in Abaco in the Bahamas and Caribbean over the past 6-8 years, unfortunately.

belted_galloway

Stan

Where have you experienced bleaching in Abaco? We have snorkelled every day for a month in many areas between TC and Little Harbour. Just saw a lot of very healthy coral and huge amounts of healthy sealife. There a reports of Bakers Bay have effected very small areas of the reef on Great Guana but this is very local.

Knowing

OK the snorkeling isn't the best, but if you don't find anything else that appeals to you, try The Rock House out on Harbour Island in the Bahamas. It is a bit challenging to get to but you are just a few minutes from a great beach. Harbour is one of the truly wonderful out islands and "The House" only has ten suites so there is never a crowd.