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Squanderbucks · 30-08-2017, 13:05

Another way to look at this is to decide where you would not like to spend time and the rest is all good. Any of the Abacos from Grand Cay on down to Little Harbour are all nice places to stay for a while before moving to the next. Grand is more rustic and Green Turtle, Hopetown, Man o War are all nice but pretty similar. Any is worth time spent there. If in need of bigger places with access to airport, larger groceries, or movie theater then Marsh is a place for a stop over.
Spanish Wells is nice but just gives you the choice of Harbour Island as a change of scenery close by.
Places not likely to want to spend much time are West End, Freeport and Bimini. Not that there is anything wrong with them except they are either not close to anything else or you have to be after something specific that they offer such as casino, tuna fishing, etc.
The Exhumas would be a nice trip depending on the time you have to dedicate to the voyage. For a first trip I vote with the others for the Abacos. I have spent time in them all since the 1960's and still enjoy going back time and again.

nautical62 · 30-08-2017, 13:50

For me it would depend on the time of year. I personally love the Abacos and think Hope Town and Green Turtle would both be wonderful choices, with Hopetown being a more convenient ferry Ride to Marsh Harbour.

In winter, however the water temps in the Abacos are a bit cool for swimming and a single week can be monopolized by cold fronts. For a winter week, I might pick Georgetown or Staniel Cay both in the Exumas for those reasons.

The Abacos are very close cruising ground to the U.S., the Little Bahama Bank just a day sail away and a great choice for a first cruise, so I think that's a possible reason to get to know that area first.

I think a week on Harbour Island could be a fantastic week vacation, which might get your wife excited about spending more time in the Bahamas, but in my opinion, it's not very representative of cruising the Bahamas.

As with many decisions, much depends on your personal priorities and objectives.

AJ_n_Audrey · 30-08-2017, 17:30

Hopetown is beautiful, but the people on Green Turtle are really wonderful. Hard to choose.

**GordMay** · 31-08-2017, 04:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vasco

https://www.stanielcay.com/

I’ll second Staniel Cay.
In addition to SCYC, contact:
Nikki @ https://www.bahamas.com/vendor/3-ns-...ces-enterprise
Or
Berkie/Vivian @ http://www.mwpr.com/islesinn.html

NakedCity · 31-08-2017, 05:08

I've been going to Abaco for 40 years. While Green Turtle is one of my favorite places , for a one week commercial plane fly in trip I would choose Hope Town as my base. You fly to Marsh Harbor , 10 minute cab to ferry dock, 10 minute ferry ride to Hope Town, drop off right at Hope Town Harbor Lodge. MUST RENT A 20' +/- CENTER CONSOLE OUTBOARD MOTORBOAT FOR FULL WEEK & GOLF CART. If budget is no problem you might want a rental house instead of Lodge, but lodge is so easy.

With Hope Town as your base & your rented boat, any place between Little Harbor in the south and Green Turtle in the north is no more than a 30 minute boat ride.
March & April are my favorite months. ENJOY !

dpddj · 31-08-2017, 05:15

Interesting so many folks say Hopetown. Hopetown is the kind of place I try to stay away from, except perhaps Captain Jacks.
Green Turtle is nice. Folks at Staniel are nice, but don't try to stay on the docks in a westerly blow - you'll get booted off, understandably.
Marsh Harbour - too busy, but the Jib Room has good food.
Lot of places up and down the islands that are different experiences.
No one has mentioned Great Harbour Cay in the Berrys. Maybe I'll keep my mouth shut so it doesn't get more crowded.
Everyone likes something different - pick a spot and go for it.

puffcard · 31-08-2017, 06:08

I second that the Abacos can be right chilly in Jan, cold fronts can push thru with ease. Late March and April the Abacos are the best. If you can move your date. If not go further south to Exumas.