Great Guana Cay Lodging
 

After a long discussion with my wife, a Negrilaholic, we have decided to change things up this year and go somewhere we have never been. After a bit of research, Guana Cay sounds perfect for us. A simple, no frills, quiet escape with fantastic beaches. We are boaters and the thought of island hopping each day on our own itinerary with our own rental boat sounds fantastic! We will be taking our 2 year old boy, as well. There appears to be two "resorts" to choose from on Great Guana Cay. I have accessed both websites and both look like nice places with the few amenities we need. Any input from Fodorites who know which place, Dolphin Beach Resort or Guana Seaside Resort, is better....I'd really appreciate any feedback! We are going in mid-November. Thanks in advance!

They're both nice and have their own flavor. You'll land at Guana village dock via Albury's Ferry from Marsh Harbor. Both places are north of the village. Dolphin Beach is a short walk while Guana Seaside is far to the northern section of Guana, and is more isolated. At GS, you have a dock right in front of your room. The place is U-shaped, with two rooms facing the Sea Of Abaco, the rest face the inner U area, where the outdoor pub is located. GS is situated on the Sea Of Abaco, which is usually calmer with nice snorkeling around their dock area. DB is on the Atlantic side of Guana, with a beach at least 5 miles long. The cottages of DB are nestled by themselves in nicely-manicured areas among the native vegetation, which is nice. However, the beautiful Baker's Bay is just north of GS, and is isolated and beautiful in the northern tip of Guana Cay. You can walk to it when the tide is out from GS, but be back before high tide. Or, you can use their complementary kyaks to paddle to Bakers Bay. Unfortunately, some swine land developers are hopping to bulldoze hundreds of acres around GS for a private golf course, and dredge out Bakers Bay for a huge marina and dock area. The pristine area will be ruined, and the coral reef which is large, will not be able to withstand the runoff pollution and dredging. They locals may win a lawsuit to prohibit this. If you walk from your cottage at DB across Guana Island to the other side (700 feet), they have a wonderful restaurant and lounge, with a top notch dive and snorkel operation just behind it. You'll notice huge boulders to the left of the dive op; I've snorkeled this breakwall, and the reef fish are abundant. I believe you can rent a boat from DB at the dive op. Both places offer great food. Rent a golf cart (a must) from "Donna" in the settlement. GS will meet you at the dock and transport you to their resort. I'm sure DB will too. Robert

While both Dolphin Beach and Guana Seaside are nice resorts I would not rule out staying at a rental house on Guana. This is a very good choice of units there. For exploring by boat I personally prefer a more central cay such as Elbow or Lubbers, which are more to the south. If you opt for Guana definitely take advantage of Baker’s Bay since there is the possibility that it will be developed and unfortunately changed forever.

There are two excellent research sources for the Abacos:

http://coconuttelegraph.net/forums/

http://www.drralph.net/index.html

Normally I would recommend reserving a boat as soon as you confirm your dates but there should be plenty available in November. I would still reserve the boat early since it is a key part of your trip. Order Steve Dodge’s Abaco Cruising Guide (http://www.wspress.com/books.htm) so that you’re familiar with the waters.

Enjoy your planning and the trip.

Thanks guys! I have been researching some of the rental houses available on Guana Cay and definitely feel that is or best and most affordable option. I have read some about Elbow Cay and will research that some more. Is Elbow Cay a bit more populated than Guana? Are there more restaurants? How do the beaches compare?

We visited Elbow Cay a couple years ago and did a day trip to Great Guana Cay. I regretted not staying at Guana instead of Elbow. I found Guana to be more picturesque/pretty/quaint. Elbow is nice also but I preferred Guana. I think both cays have beautiful beaches. Guana Cay is bigger so more exploration opportunities on the golf cart. The restaurant selection is better on elbow and elbow has a nice lighthouse. Also as Robert mentioned Elbow is more centrally located. Have fun wherever you choose to go.