Looking for a few suggestions on which out island would fit our needs best. Our number one thing is great snorkeling, good restaurants, nice beaches. Nightlife isn't huge, but we do enjoy friendly beach bars. Condo would be nice so we can do our own breakfasts & lunches....then dine out at night. We hated Nassau.....But love places like St John.

Any help is hugely appreciated to get us started looking for lodging, etc....

The Abacos or Eleuthera (Harbour Island) would fit the bill nicely. On Harbour Island there are houses to rent for reasonable prices and the beach there is one of the 10 best in the world.

The Abacos is even a bit more laid back with some nice places to stay, amazing beaches and warm welcoming locals.

Try these websites

www.coconuttelegraph (The Abacos)
www.myharbourisland.com
www.briland.com
www.eleu.net

Valentine's on Harbour Island has some condos, on the harbour side of the island, and has a lovely pool with a restaurant and onsite dive shop.

Also Romora Bay has villas so you can have breakfast/lunch in, although you might want to have breakfast at Arthur's Bakery.

There are 2 grocery stores on island so you can get what you need and the town dock is where to get fresh fish daily.

Have a GREAT trip.

I recommend Grand Cayman!! Some of the best snorkeling and Food in the Caribbean Great beaches, very friendly people!
Check Out:
caymanactivityguide.com
caymanislands.ky/

We love Eleuthera. We are not big snorkellers but hear that snorkelling is great especially in the palemetto point area. Many villas to choose from if you book in advance. There are some restaurants but only 3 or so "good" restaurants in Eleu. The beaches in my opinion are to die for...for a better restaurant selection with some nightlife you should look into Harbour Island. Very small island with one really nice beach. Abacos is also nice but its more of a sailing destination.

Many thanks folks, I will check into Harbour & the Abacos. Much appreciated!!

Harbour Island is a great spot if you can handle the cost.

Great Guana cay is fun, try http://www.abacos.net/guana.html for info.

Treasure Cay is nice as well, particularly if you can rent a boat.

Have a great trip.