I am trying to decide on an Out Island destination for late August(20-26). Under consideration is the Club at Pineapple Fields on Eleuthera and February Point on Great Exuma. I will be travelling with my husband and 2 daughters,ages 12 and 21.

We all love water sports, snorkelling in particular. Hubby and 21 y/o are scuba certified. We also like to explore off the beaten path. Nightlife and shopping are not big priorities. Good food is always looked forward to at the end of a full day, maybe in a venue with light entertainment

Any feedback on these two island choices is greatly appreciated.. In particular, how diffcult/expensive is it to access the Land and Sea Park from Great Exuma.

Thanks in advance, everyone!

If you are at all interested in snorkeling you should go to Eleuthera because Exuma really has none except 1 spot that is not that accessable. further, with the children of 12 and 21 I think based uponvisits to Exuma in 2006 and eleuthera in 2002 and 2005 Eleuthera hasa bit more to do though not a lot. I liked the beaches more on Eleuthera. Idid not go to the Sea Park so I cannot help you on that. Though both do not have direct fkights I think it is a bitt easier to get to Eleuthera.

I have trip reports for both destinations at http://islandtime.homestead.com/. While I prefer the Exumas for beaches and snorkeling, this is from the point of view of someone who spent much of her trip on a boat in the middle and northern Exumas -- locations which are not easily accessible to a visitor to Great Exuma. If you are a landlubber, it's much easier to rent a car and have access to a great many attractions on Eleuthera; in Exuma, you would have to charter a boat or plane to get to many places.

I've been to both, love them both-
I agree with above, for first time, Eleuthera might work better for you. Eleuthera has better snorkeling, and easier to explore all the beaches by car (or water taxi to Harbour Island--do not miss it!) Across from Pineapple Fields is Tippy's restaurant-the best on the island. Another excellent restaurant is the one at The Cove resort. Do keep in mind, it's a quiet destination, so don't expect ANY nightlife whatsoever, unless you just linger longer at night at Tippy's after dinner.

Exumas has, in my opinion, slightly prettier beaches (this is being picky, they're all stunning!) but it's a lot harder to get around to the different cays. To get to the Land and Sea Park, you're better off staying at Staniel Cay to get to it-which requires a flight. From time to time, excursions can be made from Georgetown, but they are expensive. There is no decent snorkeling around the Georgetown area, really need to travel up to L&S Park.

I think for what you seek, Eleuthera would work better for you. I actually recommend splitting it with a stay at Harbour Island-easy to do, great vacation!

I am not sure where calloo found snorkeling off the Exuma's equal to Eleautha, though even there it is not top-notch. it turns out the next island chain over from the Exumas has the third largest barrier reef in the world and some very good snorkeling, namely Andros. It is very quite with only a few resorts and no off-the-beach snorkeling because the reef is out 1/2 a mile. The Small Hope lodge though makes daily snorkel trips to the reef but it is a rustic place with home cooking and the people in the kitchen are cooks not chefs so it can be hit or miss as with Exumas. You best shot is still one of the more established resorts that attracts 50-75 guests on Eleuthera, in my opinion.

Stan, there is some great snorkeling in the Land and Sea Park, and even Thunderball Grotto off Staniel Cay. The Land and Sea Park is a "No Take" zone, so the sea life tends to be abundant and fearless. But that's not really accessible to visitors based in Great Exuma unless they do a pricey charter.

Agreed that Andros is a much better bet than either Eleuthera or Exuma for those interested in diving/snorkeling. But, at least as far as Small Hope Bay Lodge goes (my only experience on Andros), the beaches of Eleuthera and Exuma leave it in the dust.

So many islands, so little time.

Callaloo/Blamona

OP - We all love water sports, snorkelling in particular. Hubby and 21 y/o are scuba certified. We also like to explore off the beaten path. Nightlife and shopping are not big priorities. Good food is always looked forward to at the end of a full day, maybe in a venue with light entertainment

Hopetown? - how does it compare with Exumas/Harbour Island. Elbow Cay certainly covers most of the above.

Markrosy...I'd actually like to know the answer to that one too!

Our family has pretty much written off the Exumas for this trip. so now it's either Eleuthera or the Abaco islands. Which would have the better snorkelling opportunities?

I agree with Callalou that we found great snorkeling in the same areas of the northern Exuma chain that she mentions. The "aquarium" at the Land and Sea Park was awesome. We did not hit the weather right on our one trip to Eleuthera so we were disappointed in the snorkeling there but plan to give it another shot in the future.
I love the Abacos but the snorkeling is not great. There is very good snorkeling off of Great Guana though.
Personally, with the ages of your kids, I would think Hopetown is a better bet as far as their having something to do and a little freedom (and safety) to roam without needing a car. If you can drive a boat then I would say the Abacos for sure- you can do a lot of exploring that way.
I don't think you can go wrong anywhere in the out islands- have a great trip!

Maybe my experiences were different but we did snorkel Thunderball grotto and thought it was fairly good but nowhere near as good as Andros or say St.John. The Abacos were very good 30 years ago but on our last visit 9-10 years ago it was a disappointment both on Grand abaco and South Abaco. I would look into Small Hope Lodge on Andros if you really mean you do not care about social life for the chilren because there in NONE. If not stick with Eleuthera, INO.

Stan, I think we'll have to agree to disagree on the Exuma v. Eleuthera snorkeling question; but I'll give you Andros for sure. But if someone is willing to subsidize me, I'll be happy to undertake an expedition, preferably long-term, to determine the definitive answer....

As for the Abacos, I think most of us will agree that they have weakest snorkeling of the 4 groups under discussion. I won't say the snorkeling is bad, but it simply doesn't compare favorably to Exuma/Eleuthera/Andros. But there are compensating factors in that the Abacos will give you the most choices in lodging and dining. The Abacos are also probably the easiest to reach of all of the Out Island destinations.

Just to stir the pot a little -- Watermakers Air has a package that combines 3-4 days in the Exumas (Staniel Cay Yacht Club) with 3-4 days in Andros (Small Hope Bay Lodge). Once you get to FLL, all of your flight arrangements to, from, and between the islands are covered. Meals are included in the package. The Exumas will give you a great beach experience (which you get by going from cay to cay in the Whaler that is included in your package, including the famous swimming pigs at Big Major), while Small Hope Bay Lodge will give you the best snorkeling/diving experience in the Bahamas.

A big thank you to everyone for the informative input. Looks like we'll go with Eleuthera/HI. However, before a final decision is made, I'll look at that package from Waterman's Air that Calloloo mentioned.
Have a great day all!