We visited Eleuthera this past May. This was our first trip to the Bahamas. We really loved Eleuthera! Stayed at a beautiful home on the beach. We do plan to go back to Eleuthera again. We just wanted to try another island this time. So if anyone has an opinion on Exumas vs Green Turtle Cay. We do like to snorkel. Enjoy having restaurants and bars somewhat close by. Wanting to rent a boat for exploring other Cays. Any info would be appreciated!!

You can't go wrong with either, so just toss a coin! Go to one on your next trip, and go to the other on your next trip. You've clearly been bitten by the Out Islands bug, so you will be back again and again...

But, seriously, there are some differences.

Green Turtle Cay is my favorite of the Abacos, with just the right blend of seclusion and socializing opportunities. It's a tiny cay -- you'll get around by golf cart -- but provides ferry or rental boat access to other cays (including Manjack Cay, which allows you to fantasize about being shipwrecked on a desert island). There are lodging choices that range from simple rental cottages to the clubby Green Turtle Club (which has some of the most creative cuisine in the Out Islands). There are several restaurants, some bars, shops and gorgeous beaches.

Exuma is harder to pin down, because you're not asking about a particular cay. There are over 350 of them, but only a handful are inhabited. On Great Exuma, where the largest settlement (Georgetown) is located, you'll have the most access to amenities. On tiny Staniel Cay, your choices are much fewer, BUT you'll have access to uninhabited beaches that you'll never stop dreaming about. You could also find yourself on Little Exuma, Black Point (Great Guana Cay), Compass Cay, Fowl Cay, etc. So to get a more precise answer, you might want to narrow your question down a bit.

Thank you for the information. After looking at the Cays you mentioned, even though any one of them would be great, I think Great Exuma or Great Guana Cay would be more of what we are looking for. And you are right. We clearly have been bitten. Can't wait to explore!

Ok. Decision made! Green Turtle first, then Exuma. Now we just have to decide on which rental on Green Turtle Cay. Thank you for your input. It really helped in making a decision!

Great! If you need more destination specific-advice, you'll find two fairly active Abaco forums out there: http://www.abacoforum.com/ and http://abacomessageboard.com/ -- the denizens can provide advice on rentals and other Abaco details. (The Bahamas forum on Trip Advisor is fairly active as well.)