Abaco Question
Jan 26th, 2002, 08:27 AM
#3
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You can take the Albury's Ferry to Man-of-War Cay, Hope Town, Scotland Cccay and Guana Cay daily, but I'm not sure if they go to GTC. I believe Albury's has a website, so look them up. We took Albury's Ferry for $7 one-way to Great Guana Cay, from the the Conch Inn and Marina docks in Marsh Harbor. Also, try Green Turtle Ferry which departs to Green Turtle Cay from the Airport Ferry Dock on a regular basis throughout the day. Thier number is 1-242-365-4166. Have fun on GTC. Robert
Feb 2nd, 2002, 07:33 PM
#4
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I forgot. Nippers has a Pig roast on Guana Cay off of Marsh Harbor on sundays, and a man named Captain Ozzie Hall leaves Treasure Cay every Sunday for it. His operation is called Abaco Adventures, and I bet the go to Green Turtle Cay also. Check it out. Robert
Feb 2nd, 2002, 07:52 PM
#5
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Cynthia; you be in luck! The Green Turtle Ferry Service goes between Treasure Cay Airport and Green Turtle Cay, departing Green Turtle Cay For Airport Ferry Dock at: 8AM, 9AM, 11AM, 12:15PM, 1:30PM, 3PM & 4:30PM
The 4:30PM.Trip will be made from New Plymouth only.
The 9AM. &12:15PM. trip is at a minimum charge.
It departs the Airport Ferry Dock For Green Turtle Cay at 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM, & 5:00PM. The rates are $7 per person one way from New Plymouth and
$8.00 per person from White Sound
yes, it is called Abaco Adventures
Have fun, Robert
The 4:30PM.Trip will be made from New Plymouth only.
The 9AM. &12:15PM. trip is at a minimum charge.
It departs the Airport Ferry Dock For Green Turtle Cay at 8:30AM, 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM, & 5:00PM. The rates are $7 per person one way from New Plymouth and
$8.00 per person from White Sound
yes, it is called Abaco Adventures
Have fun, Robert
Feb 8th, 2002, 09:46 AM
#7
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Abaco's beaches, especially the ones on the ocean side of the outer cays, can run for miles and miles; there are also small pocket beaches. They are all lovely and largely empty, blessed with some of the clearest and most beautiful waters anywhere. Lots of great places to snorkel. Accomodations are pretty moderately priced, and run the gamut from small resorts to private villas ... but all tend to be small and intimate. This is one of the safest destinations in the Atlantic/Caribbean basin ... the resorts I've stayed at don't even have room keys. Where to stay depends on your interests; many visitors stay on the outer cays (Green Turtle, Great Guana, Elbow) and island hop by rental boat or ferry. My personal favorite is Elbow Cay.
Feb 9th, 2002, 05:14 AM
#8
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Here's a Best Kept secret. On the northern end of Great Guana Cay, about 8 miles off Abaco, is an abandoned and isolated bay called Bakers Bay, I believe. Years ago, a cruise ship line dredged out some of the beautiful coral to create another stop off for tourists. Well, local Bahamian fishermen said they were stupid and not to due to the ne winds and currents coming in between Green Turtle Cay and Guana. Well, the cruise ship lines listened to their engineers, instead of the "dumb" fishermen, and built thatched roof shelters, a dock area, etc. on Baker's Bay. Three years later, after huge cruise ships were buffeted by the currents and winds, they closed up shop. Now, you can kayak or take a boat there, and snorkel around the pillons and bathe on your private beach. Also, the dredge formed an island just offshore from Baker's Bay, and it is not overgrown with palm and seagrapes, and is excellent for shelling too! I've got more details if you'd like. It's all for free and is, like mentioned above, a desolate and beautiful beach. Thanks cruise lines!! Robert
Feb 12th, 2002, 11:21 AM
#9
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Thank you for the information. Would you give us recommendations on where to stay. We love to be on the beach night life close by if wanted, snorkeling off the beach would be great we experienced a room with a fridge and microwave when in Turks & Caicos which we really enjoyed are there places like that? Is there a tour company that specializes for these islands?
Thank you!!
Thank you!!
Feb 14th, 2002, 08:42 AM
#10
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Robert--
You seem to know the area quite well. I've travelled the Caribbean a bit, but in the Bahamas I've only been to Nassau. Can you recommend someplace quiet and remote where one can experience the "old" Caribbean? We'd like to take a our grandchildren. They don't need programs, etc., just a beach with lots of shells. Thanks,
Brad
You seem to know the area quite well. I've travelled the Caribbean a bit, but in the Bahamas I've only been to Nassau. Can you recommend someplace quiet and remote where one can experience the "old" Caribbean? We'd like to take a our grandchildren. They don't need programs, etc., just a beach with lots of shells. Thanks,
Brad
Feb 14th, 2002, 03:17 PM
#11
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to Miriam and Brad posts; Miriam, since we are talking solely about Great Guana Cay, I would recommend the Dolphin Beach Resort, which is about a 4 minute golf cart rental ride from the Guana setlement of less than 100 people. It's on the Atlantic Ocean side of Guana, but has a beach and close to the settlement village, where Nippers and another night club-type spot is. Also, Nippers has great seafood for prices that are inexpensive. Also, off Nippers shore, about a 100 feet out, is a great shallow reef to snorkel in. Nippers is on a steep hill overlooking this gin-colored water with turqoise reef, and watched snorkelers spend hours hovering over the coral, watching reef fish. I also saw, in a half hours time, two caribbean reef sharks cruise by, between the snorkelers and the beach. I never said anything, because I didn't want to panic the snorkelers, who were from NYC. Caribbean Reef sharks are pretty harmless, anyway. Anyhow, that resort also has a dive op on the premises, across the coral and sand "highway" on the Sea of Abaco side. it's call Froggies, and is a class operation, with experienced dive masters who take you to Fowl Cay off of Abaco. We accidentally ran into a pod of 40 dolphins on the way out to Fowl Cay, and stopped the boat to interact with them. Didn't dive in because of several babies; dolphins are wild animals and moms and dads will ferociously defend their young if the perceive a threat coming.
Brad; you may enjoy the Guana Seaside Village resort, which is more remote, and is on the northern part of Guana Cay. Rent a golf cart with big wheels from "Donna" at the settlement. It's 6 miles north, past the Dolphin Beach Resort, and is on the calmer Sea of Abaco. It has a neat beach and I id'd dozens of reef fish around the docks while snorkeling. No TV in the room, but a nice open air bar, laid back, and free kayacks to Bakers Bay, a deserted cruise ship attempt with remnant docks and thatched huts. You could also rent a Boston Whaler from Riches Boat Rental in Marsh Harbor, and explore the Sea of Abaco with its calm waters with your grandkids. Great shelling on a deserted island manmade from the cruise ship dredgings. Let me know if you want names and specifics. Robert
Brad; you may enjoy the Guana Seaside Village resort, which is more remote, and is on the northern part of Guana Cay. Rent a golf cart with big wheels from "Donna" at the settlement. It's 6 miles north, past the Dolphin Beach Resort, and is on the calmer Sea of Abaco. It has a neat beach and I id'd dozens of reef fish around the docks while snorkeling. No TV in the room, but a nice open air bar, laid back, and free kayacks to Bakers Bay, a deserted cruise ship attempt with remnant docks and thatched huts. You could also rent a Boston Whaler from Riches Boat Rental in Marsh Harbor, and explore the Sea of Abaco with its calm waters with your grandkids. Great shelling on a deserted island manmade from the cruise ship dredgings. Let me know if you want names and specifics. Robert
Feb 15th, 2002, 09:18 AM
#12
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Robert,
Thank you for the information. Are there any websites that would have further information? Is there a particular tour company/airline to get there? Also, do these rooms have their own kitchenette? How expensive are we speaking of? Also, is the beach public where if you wanted to bring your own beer on the beach it would not be a problem? Is there a town/village we can do some shopping? What type of transporation is there except for a golf cart? Where would be land in the Bahamas to get there? Are there trips to other outer islands from here? Thank you so much for your information and patience in answering my quetions.
Thanks!
Miriam
Thank you for the information. Are there any websites that would have further information? Is there a particular tour company/airline to get there? Also, do these rooms have their own kitchenette? How expensive are we speaking of? Also, is the beach public where if you wanted to bring your own beer on the beach it would not be a problem? Is there a town/village we can do some shopping? What type of transporation is there except for a golf cart? Where would be land in the Bahamas to get there? Are there trips to other outer islands from here? Thank you so much for your information and patience in answering my quetions.
Thanks!
Miriam
Feb 15th, 2002, 10:57 AM
#13
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Miriam,
I can address some of your questions...
As for websites, there is a very active Abaco message board at www.abacoboard.com (which is tied to www.oii.net -- both have lots of useful links regarding lodging, transportation, FAQs, etc.) Also, try www.go-abacos.com and www.bahamasvacations.com.
I'm not aware of any particular tour company which covers the Abacos. Many airlines, both the majors and smaller, charter operators, fly to the main airport at Marsh Harbour, on Great Abaco Island, and the secondary airport at Treasure Cay, also on Great Abaco. American Eagle flies out of Miami, USAirways out of a few Florida gateways, Continental/Gulfstream, etc.
Many of the resorts, including Dolphin Beach Resort (www.dolphinbeachresort.com) have units with kitchens or kitchenettes. Check out each individual property for info about amenities and pricing. Whether its "expensive" is a question only you can answer ... different people have different budgets. Overall, however, I consider the Abacos to be moderately priced, though you can certainly find "budget" accomodations.
All of the beaches in the Abacos are public to the high water mark, so you can bring a picnic, have a beer or a goombay smash, dance in the surf -- whatever -- to your heart's content. Just be respectful of the people who live there and you will be fine. (Be aware that the Abaconians, while laid back, are generally conservative people).
You can find shopping and other activities in the settlements on each of the cays. The largest variety can probably be found in Marsh Harbour, followed by Hopetown on Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. The settlements on Great Guana and Man-O-War probably offer the least, but you can certainly get basics like groceries and baked goods. The Abacos are not a shopping mecca.
Except for Marsh Harbour, where you can rent a car to tour Great Abaco Island, land transportation for visitors on the other cays is by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Rental cars are not available, and are hardly necessary, since none of these islands are more than a few miles long. Many restaurants offer shuttle service in any event. A great many visitors get around the cays by rental boat, which is often quickest and easiest. You can also get around the cays by the very reliable, inexpensive and frequent ferry service -- you can even charter a ferry for less than $75 if the schedule doesn't match yours. However, I'm not aware of any day trips or ferries which take you beyond the Abaco group.
Abaco is a very special place, and a great many visitors keep coming back again and again (my 4th trip is in June). But it is not for everyone, so do yourself a favor and read the "Abaco is not for Sissies" item on www.abacoboard.com. While Abaco is paradise for me and many others, if you are looking for glamour, casinos, duty-free shopping and discos, it is not for you.
I can address some of your questions...
As for websites, there is a very active Abaco message board at www.abacoboard.com (which is tied to www.oii.net -- both have lots of useful links regarding lodging, transportation, FAQs, etc.) Also, try www.go-abacos.com and www.bahamasvacations.com.
I'm not aware of any particular tour company which covers the Abacos. Many airlines, both the majors and smaller, charter operators, fly to the main airport at Marsh Harbour, on Great Abaco Island, and the secondary airport at Treasure Cay, also on Great Abaco. American Eagle flies out of Miami, USAirways out of a few Florida gateways, Continental/Gulfstream, etc.
Many of the resorts, including Dolphin Beach Resort (www.dolphinbeachresort.com) have units with kitchens or kitchenettes. Check out each individual property for info about amenities and pricing. Whether its "expensive" is a question only you can answer ... different people have different budgets. Overall, however, I consider the Abacos to be moderately priced, though you can certainly find "budget" accomodations.
All of the beaches in the Abacos are public to the high water mark, so you can bring a picnic, have a beer or a goombay smash, dance in the surf -- whatever -- to your heart's content. Just be respectful of the people who live there and you will be fine. (Be aware that the Abaconians, while laid back, are generally conservative people).
You can find shopping and other activities in the settlements on each of the cays. The largest variety can probably be found in Marsh Harbour, followed by Hopetown on Elbow Cay and New Plymouth on Green Turtle Cay. The settlements on Great Guana and Man-O-War probably offer the least, but you can certainly get basics like groceries and baked goods. The Abacos are not a shopping mecca.
Except for Marsh Harbour, where you can rent a car to tour Great Abaco Island, land transportation for visitors on the other cays is by golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. Rental cars are not available, and are hardly necessary, since none of these islands are more than a few miles long. Many restaurants offer shuttle service in any event. A great many visitors get around the cays by rental boat, which is often quickest and easiest. You can also get around the cays by the very reliable, inexpensive and frequent ferry service -- you can even charter a ferry for less than $75 if the schedule doesn't match yours. However, I'm not aware of any day trips or ferries which take you beyond the Abaco group.
Abaco is a very special place, and a great many visitors keep coming back again and again (my 4th trip is in June). But it is not for everyone, so do yourself a favor and read the "Abaco is not for Sissies" item on www.abacoboard.com. While Abaco is paradise for me and many others, if you are looking for glamour, casinos, duty-free shopping and discos, it is not for you.
Feb 16th, 2002, 05:27 AM
#14
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Yes, tap into Yahoo under "Abaco Community Message Board." There are no tourist-type dolphin swims(thank goodness!), yellow banana boats or para-sailing on Abaco or her outlying cays. You make up your own "schedule" since one will not be scheduled for you. The area is so unscheduled, unplanned, laidback, and non-touristry that you lose track of time after awhile. In addition to the snorkeling sites and lodgings I suggested in the above post, you may want to rent a boat from Riches or any other boat rental place, and explore the Sea of Abaco and the other cays such Man-of War, Green Turtle, Hopetown, etc. There are some neat shallow, patch reefs in the area which would be great snorkeling. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT, spear fish in the waters, unless you do with an experienced person. A dinner bell for sharks. There are isolated beaches where yours will be the only footprints on them. Robert
