Abacos vs Grenadines

[Leopardstar2002]

Thinking about bareboat chartering in either the Abacos in the Bahamas or the grenadines over Christmas.
We have been to the grenadines twelve years ago and were wondering what the snorkelling, fishing and anchorage's are like there and in the abacos now.
Also how busy are they both?

[dougweibel]

Have been to both within the last year. Very different cruising grounds.

The Abacos are usually relatively windy in December. The best snorkeling in the Abacos is on the barrier reefs on the east side, but they are often churned up if the wind is up. Temeratures, both water and air, will be significantly cooler in the Abacos than the Grenadines. Advantages will be that most all of your sailing will be protected. Other than briefly when passing a cut, or if you go around "the Whale" from the northern Abacos to the southern or visa versa, you will be sailing in the lee.

The trade winds will be blowing in the Grenadines in December as well and you will have open ocean sailing between islands. Distances are greater so you will spend more of your time traveling. It is more likely the snorkeling will be better as there are lots of good spots that are on the lee sides; I'm thinking of Bequia, Mustique, Union, Mayreau and Cariacou. The Tobago Keys are hit or miss depending on the wind. However, keep in mind the recent hurricane damage. It is likely that Union and Caricou will have many businesses still trying to get going again. There may be issues with wrecks in the anchorages, etc.

[MicHughV]

Tough call. For my money, I'd take the B'mas. I'm guessing your charter base will be located in Marsh Harbor or Hope Town, either of which is located in a prime spot with many locations available for sightseeing and diving.
Not clear what kind of diving you want to do or your experience with this sport, but snorkeling spots are most everywhere.
Your charter company is in the best position to recommend where to go depending on the weather, but there are quite a few spots out of the way of the prevailing wind.

[SailFastTri]

Not the Abacos in December. Been there. Go south. This is a no-brainer.

[MicHughV]

In my day, there is probably not a reef in the Abaco's I havn't dove on.
Few people, if any, know about or where there are a multitude of reefs in the bight of Abaco, between Marsh Harbor and Guana Cay. I've snagged dozens and dozens of lobsters in this area and elsewhere, plus harvested a lot of conch. Same holds true for the stretch between Hope Town and Little Harbor.
There is a beautiful protected reef just north of Little Harbor for sightseeing.
But...each to his own. You can't control the weather, it will be what it will be, and a one week charter provides little time for exploring.

[Kettlewell]

My two cents. Very different sailing and cruising. In the Abacos you will usually be in less than 20 feet of water, and often in less than 6 feet. The water is crystal clear for the most part, so you often navigate by just looking at the bottom and the water color to judge where the water is deep enough. Some people say the Abacos are too cold in December, but if you come from a northern climate they will seem blissfully warm. The Grenadines and the Caribbean in general feature deeper water, big wind and waves, and open ocean sailing. It can be intimidating if you haven't done that type of sailing for awhile or ever. In the Abacos you might never go out in deep water, and you will rarely see more than a chop even on quite windy days.

[Tin Tin]

Have done both on our own cat in December/Jan. Abacos had cold northern fronts come through and was quite unpleasant at times - they are way better in March - May. Grenadines, Bequia in particular was very nice in the western bays, as noted above, Tobaggo Cays is spectacular in the right weather.