Snorkeling around Abacos
 

We are thinking about heading to the Abacos for a long weekend. Since I enjoy snorkeling, I was hoping that someone could tell me if the snorkeling is good here or if I should look elsewhere. Thanks All

Where in the Abaco's? Great Abaco Island is over 100 miles long, with many cays bordering her eastern shore, from Walker's Cay in the north all the way south of Lubber's Cay off of Marsh Harbor. Many neat snorkeling sites and patch reefs in the Sea of Abaco, but must know where you plan to stay. Robert

We plan to stay at the Abaco beach resort in Marsh Harbor, Its my understanding that its fairly easy to catch ferrys from marsh harbor to the cays. Any thoughts or suggestions? THanks

Nice place; you'll have fun at Abaco Beach. OK, here's a Best Kept secret. Across the island, which takes about 10 minutes to walk, you'll find an access road opposite the Jib Room(just ask around to find Jib Rm.)and a short public path will take you to Mermaid Reef in the Sea of Abaco. There isn't a beach and it's rocky to wade in, so wear booties to put your fins over. The water drops gradually, and a short snorkel out will take you to Mermaid Reef. This area is full of reef fish, and you can even see plenty on shore, with your mask dipped in the shoreline.Everyone is so friendly in Marsh Harbor, so if you rent a car, you could park it in the Jib Room's parking lot; no one will care. OK, when you snorkel in Mermaid Reef you will no doubt encounter.....RAMBO! Yes, he's been there for years and loves to follow the snorkelers around like a curious pet, which he has come to be. Don't worry about the huge and long body and ferocious teeth, this barracuda has never hurt anyone. I've snorkeled there many times, and he was always my "swim bud." If you weren't aware of RAMBO, you'd do the fish on the beach after you ran across the surface to get away from him. Now that you know he's a gentle puppy, it will be a fantastic snorkel experience...bring a underwater camera. Since you're there for a short weekend, here's the next best kept secret. Take your snorkel gear with you on Albury's Ferry which sails from the Conch Inn Marina, to Great Guana Cay. Every Saturday (or is it Sunday?) they have a hell of pig roast at Nippers. OK, about 65 feet off the beach from Nippers is a beautiful snorkeling reef. You will see myriads of angel fish, damselfish, moray eels, trigger fish, grouper, sargeant majors, grunts, spiny lobsters, octopus, and many hard and soft fan corals of all colors. Those two experiences will fill your weekend. Robert

We just jumped off our boat and kind of snorkled wherever looked good. <BR><BR>I highly recommend renting a boat for your stay if you aren't already. The Abacos are too wonderful to hangout at a resort all day.