Abaco Advice Needed
 

My husband and I are looking forward to a week Abaco, staying in Treasure Cay, not till May, 2004. It looks like there are several small airlines that fly directly there from several Florida cities. Any particular one you can recommend?
Although we plan on a quiet vacation I know we won't want to just sit on the beach the entire time we are there, but we are novices when it comes to snorkeling and boating.
With such little experience we don't know if we should rely on ferries and guided trips or try our hand at renting a boat and doing it ourselves. As far as snorkle equipment goes we also wonder if we should just rent it or buy our own? We would like to hear from anyone else regarding a first time experience and advice on the best way for beginners like ourselves to go. Thanks.

The most comprehensive source of Abaco information (including answers to all of your questions), can be found at www.abacoboard.com -- in fact, your boating questions are answered in a sidebar article.

To help you with the questions that I can answer: Yes, there are a number of small airlines, and many frequent travelers swear by them. Some are more reliable than others, so be sure to ask specific questions. Note that almost all of them have baggage weight limits, so be sure you can bring everything you plan to bring within the limit. Also, some of the major carriers fly in to TCB (USAir and Continental/Gulfstream, I believe). Also, American flies into Marsh Harbour, and then you can take a cab ride (long) to Treasure Cay.

Lots of novices rent boats and live to tell of the experience, so don't rule it out. Especially since you are staying in Treasure Cay, where the ferry service is more limited (Green Turtle Cay is about it). You will need to taxi to the ferry dock in Marsh Harbour to reach other cays, or rent a boat. For a first time visitor interested in really getting around, you may consider a stay in the "Hub of Abaco" instead -- Marsh Harbour, Elbow Cay, Lubbers Quarters, Man-o-War, Great Guana. All of these locations are more central and more easily reached by ferry or rental boat.

There are a number of really good dive companies that run tours to snorkel sites and combine them with deserted beach trips. Be sure to check them out.

As far as snorkel gear goes, I ALWAYS recommend getting your own snorkel -- remember,it goes in your mouth. It's also nice to have your own mask, fitted to your face; fit makes a huge difference in terms of comfort and leakage. However, if you don't anticipate doing a lot of snorkeling after this trip, it may not be worth it. And with respect to fins, even though I own my own, I often rent instead of bringing them -- it saves luggage space and weight.

I always enjoyed flying Continental's Gulfstream or American Airlines' American Eagle, twin props with experienced pilots. The landing at the Abaco airport can sometimes be tricky due to changeable winds. Do not take a flight with a private airline with no experience in flying into Marsh Harbor airport. As you know, singer Aaliyah and 8 others were killed taking off from Abaco airport, but the plane was overloaded. A real trajedy, but the incident could have been prevented if they weren't so dangerously overloaded with weight. Stick with a reputable airline that flies there frequently. You'll love the beach at Treasure Cay, but definately rent a boat and explore the Sea of Abaco. Visit the northern section of Great Guana Cay, called Baker's Bay. Also, dock in the Guana Cay settlement dock on the Sea of Abaco and walk to Nippers on the Atlantic Ocean side of Guana, especially for their Sunday pig roasts. Hint: a beautiful coral reef lies just 70 feet off the Nipper's beach; you can snorkel there and enjoy their drinks as well. I agree with Callaloo, visit the Abaco Community Message Board, and read the sidebars. They'll answer all your questions about boating. It is a little scary to rent a boat for the first time, but stick in the Sea of Abaco, and don't venture out into the Atlantic Ocean, and you'll be fine. Robert

I just remembered another venture for you. Rent a car and travel the Great Abaco Highway (GAH) south of Marsh Harbor. There is 20,000 acre preserve set aside for the Abaco parrot. Robert

We are also planning our trip either in April or early May to the Abacos.

I asked an earlier question about "Bahama Beach Club" if anyone has stayed there or have any opinions.

We went to Harbour Island about 3 years ago and although the beach was pretty, we've decided we would like to see another area of the Bahamas.

How would you compare the Abacos to HI.

thanks

The Abaco Board is 'The' source of information on the Abacos. There was a recent domain name problem so if the above doesn't work try this link:

http://coconuttelegraph.net/cgi-bin/...ds/abacos.cgi?

The Abacos can be enjoyed without a boat but a rental boat greatly expands the areas that you can experience. Bakers Bay became one of my favorites from our last trip. If you decide to rent a boat by all means get a copy of Steve Dodges' 'Cruising Guide to the Abacos' from White Sound Press.