Bahamas dilemma in November
 

Hello all.
My husband has won a trip to the Cove Atlantis in November. We will be taking our four year old with us. I know he will love what Atlantis has to offer but it isn't our style of vacation. It seems a lot like Disney, which we love but in small doses. Where else can we go after the trip ends....we aren't gamblers/nightlife kind of people. I would prefer an island that is calmer with authenticity, nature and cute villages.

I know nothing about the Bahamas, so I would appreciate any advice you may offer.

Thank you!

Since you'll already be in Nassau, you'll be able to hop over to one of the Out Islands pretty easily. The various commuter airlines that service the Out Islands leave from the domestic terminal of the Nassau airport.

For "beginners" I usually suggest the Abacos in general, and either Elbow Cay or Green Turtle Cay in particular. You will need to take a ferry over to these cays after you've landed (either Marsh Harbour -- MHH -- or Treasure Cay -- TCB). Each of these tiny cays has a charming settlement (Hopetown and New Plymouth, respectively), intimate inns and rental houses, beautiful beaches, and basic necessities for visitors (grocery stores, restaurants). Most people get around by golf cart on-island, and by rental boat among islands.

November is a great time to visit (with a small risk of hurricane or tropical storm activity). The water and weather is still warm, and in between the summer and winter seasons so it's pretty quiet.

Most of all, the islands are among the safest destinations in the West Indies (Nassau notwithstanding).

There are certainly other Out Islands you can reach from Nassau, but with a young child, you may be more interested in a destination with more amenities.

Harbour island sounds perfect for you

Bookmarking

Jsut focusing on your words regarding authencity, nature and cute villages I would recommend Long Island bahamas (check out cape santa maria resort on the N end of the island). Simple rooms or condos on a stunning beach (shallow for many yards so perfect for your 4 yr old). LI is a bit more green than the other out islands. Cute little villages dot the entire 80 mile long island. Alternatively to me Eleuthera has a very authentic feel as well. I also think Hopetown mentioned above is lovely but requires flight to Marsh harbor and then a ferry transfer over.

As someone who loves the out islands and goes as frequently as possible, I agree with Callalou's suggestion and think both Hopetown or GTC would be an excellent choice for "a first look". I liked Harbour Island years ago when I first went there in the 1990's but it has gotten way too developed for my tastes so imo you would get more of what you say you want on one of the other out islands.
Even though you would have a flight (very short) and a ferry ride, also 20 minutes or so, over to one of the outer Abacos, it is closer to Nassau than Long Island so I bet the time is about the same and your little boy would enjoy the ferry ride, I bet.
As Callalou said, you can get around on Elbow Cay (Hopetown) or GTC via rental golf cart which kids always love whereas on a larger island you would want to rent a car or a guide for a day to drive you around to do some sightseeing.
Depending on how long you wanted to stay, you could, as others have said, rent a house or there are several small inns that would be good choices.
www.abacoindex.com is a good place to start looking for information and photos to whet your appetite!
I bet once you visit the out islands you will be back and want to see more and more of the islands!

Funny how tastes are subjective--

Exumas are some of my favorite islands in the world! Obsessed with them.

For me Abacos are my least favorite, I liked them did love them (I've to quite a few Out Islands numerous times each)

I feel that with a 4 year old, to really explore Abacos you need a boat and that can be a chore with a 4 year old.

On the other hand, because Harbour Island is a little more built up (By no means is it built up, just compared to all to yourself other Out Islands, when compared to other Island destinations it's not built up!)

HI is not quite off the beaten path yet, and has a GORGEOUS little town to explore with a golf cart.

Only a 15 minute taxi ride gets you all of Eleuthera, with many little towns, and tons of exploring beaches by car (not boat for 4 year old)

When child is older, then maybe start with more off the beaten path?

My now 13 year old has been to quite a few Out Islands, and Atlantis (which is like disney) and quite frankly with little one in tow you might want to start easier!

Please i mean no offense to Abaco lovers, just thinking with 4 year a little harder to get around (unless they stay put on Elbow Cay which defeats the purpose of Abacos because they're sailing meccas)