I've just recently concluded a 7-month sabbatical, 6 months of which was spent living aboard my boat. We spent 4 months of that time sailing around the Bahamas, including the Abacos, Eleuthera, the Exumas and Cat Island.

Here is the first blog post from the Bahamas:
http://sabrecalypso.wordpress.com/20...e-turned-left/
For more, just follow the blog.

It was the experience of a lifetime -- one which I hope to repeat again and again.

You sound like the best person to ask a few questions. I'm planning a trip (next month) to the Bahamas and would like to go to the Out Islands to experience culture and crystal clear waters. I will have about nine days. Which island or islands would you recommend? I'd love to mingle with the locals a little and experience the true Bahamas.

tlynns, any of the Out Islands would probably satisfy your wishes. At the same time, each of the island groups is a bit different, so it's up to you to decide what you want out of your trip above-and-beyond the water and the cultural experience. Your budget, your experience, your willingness to travel by car or boat or ferry, your interest in solitude v. a more social experience, etc. -- all factor into choosing the right place. Tell me more, and I can tell you more!

We are quite adventurous, some solitude sounds good, although my husband is afraid we could get bored. I guess we would like a mix of social and solitude. We would like to avoid renting a car and prefer to walk or bike where we need to go. I've looked into renting a private residence but feel like it might be too secluded so we probably would prefer a small, intimate resort. Of course on the beach. Crystal waters is key. And getting with some friendly locals to explore their medicinal plants sounds amazing. I've not determined a set budget for accommodations probably between $2-$3,000 for the nine days. Thanks!

Walking or biking being your wish (and not wanting to drive), I would advise against the long islands (i.e. Cat, Eleuthera, Long), as the only good way to explore them is by car.

In the Exumas, the islands are quite small, but you might feel trapped on an island as small as Staniel Cay; Great Exuma might work better -- there are a lot of beaches in and around the capital, Georgetown, as well as many choices for lodging, activity, dining, shopping. But you can get away as well.

The Abacos could work, too. The outer cays are small enough to get around by bike or golf cart. Many people find the Abacos a bit busy (like Florida East), but I think that depends on where exactly you choose to stay. I only spent on day in Hopetown recently, and that's kind of busy. But Green Turtle Cay and Great Guana Cay are less so (and, of course, if you have a boat, you can really escape -- lots of people rent boats to do just that). Lots of choices. And don't rule out a villa/cottage -- some of them are right in town.

Finally, I might have suggested Harbour Island, but I'm not sure budget would stretch to fit that.

Callaloo, thanks so much for taking me back to my favorite place on earth. The Out Islands of the Bahamas is mind boggling beautiful and I dream until I can get there again which is in May. My best friend and I hired Captain Wayde and he took us EVERYWHERE! You prompted me to do some research and I discovered "cabin charters" on small catamaran's and the like. Perhaps that will be the way to go next time.

Tlynns, I was going to recommend Harbour Island as well for you but it is an expensive island but I would think you could find something if you do your research. Another favorite of mine in the Out Islands. There is that beautiful, dreamy beach and nightlife and awesome restaurants. Rent a golf cart and explore as much or as little as you like. We stay at the Dunmore and they do have moderately priced rooms. They treat us like family and we absolutely love it there.

I discovered Augusta Bay in Georgetown which seems like a nice fit for my friend and I, but a car is a must as Great Exuma is pretty long.

Nothing beats the Out Islands and although we do change it up a bit (going to Jamaica Inn next month) we always return to the Bahamas!

I'm not an expert but I have been to the Out Islands many times and will tell you that once you go you know and most return time and time again!

Good Luck and Happy Planning!

Alison

We have travelled all over the Caribbean and also keep coming back to the out islands. Nothing beats the combination of serenity and picture perfect beachs.
Tlynns, agree with the others - Abacos (maybe Hopetown) fits your needs best.

Callaloo

You just completed what we only hope we will achieve some day.

I haven't time now but I will read your posting with immense interest.

We have been to The Out Islands twice and are going to Staniel Cay next Easter. Once our son has left home we aim to base a boat in Charleston and cruise down to The Bahamas each spring.

If we make it through the next 9 years!!

bookmarking

What a great adventure, Callaloo! You would have to pull me away kicking and screaming after 6 months sailing the Out Islands.

How was Cat Island? We were there before the hurricane and I was curious how well they have recovered. Such a beautiful, quiet island.

Always enjoy reading about your adventures, especially when they motivate me to book our next Out Island getaway.

"Nothing beats the combination of serenity and picture perfect beaches."
@mnag - so true!!

BeachGirl, Cat Island was just fine. We rented a car, and drove all around, and it was just as we remembered it from past visits. Of course, the beaches always change shape a little, but that's a given. Frankly, our week in Cat Island was probably the best of our entire sabbatical -- I hate to say that things throughout the Bahamas were a bit more crowded that I'd hoped, with the exception of Cat Island. (The Out Islands are still blissfully uncrowded for the most part, so this observation needs to be taken in context!)

I'm glad to hear Cat Island is good. That was a favorite island of mine -- blissfully peaceful and serene. It's like we went back in time. I remember on a Sunday we passed everyone wearing their Sunday best -- beautiful hats and girls in dresses with gloves. A gentle was riding a old-style bicycle in his Sunday clothes on the way to church. I'll never forget that trip.

"blissfully uncrowded" -- perfect description for the Out Islands! If we see 2 other couples on the beach we comment "wow, it's busy today"!