bahamas one week vacation

[mnh]

This is sort of sailing related. We are cruisers, like most of you, but have stayed on the East Coast of the US for our cruises.
My wife and I plan on sailing over to the Bahamas in the next 1-1/2 years or so....and that's another story for another day.
I want to go over there though this coming Jan. by plane, and stay for a week in a house rental or hotel etc.. It's also a surprise birthday gift for for my wife. My idea is to get a feel of the Bahamas before going over by boat. So, we are not fans of all-inclusive places, as you never really get to experience the culture of the place you are at. And not a fan of Nassau. Been to San Salvador diving too, so we can cross that one off.
Having said that, can anyone recommend " hang out" place for a week, that we will likely put into by boat? Places where you may have hung out on YOUR boat for a while, and really enjoyed? Out islands? Green Turtle key?
Thanks, in advance, for your responses, much appreciated...
mnh

[fahtcha]

We rented a house on Green Turtle a couple of years ago and loved the place. Also rented a 21' boston whaler motor boat and really had a blast. It is small enough that the people are really friendly.

[Wannabes00n]

I second Green Turtle. Only place other than Nassau I have been in Bahamas but it is small, local feel, and likely a good cruising ground.

[Vasco]

https://www.stanielcay.com/

[flyingfin]

Marsh Harbor or Treasure Cay - rent a car for a day and see the whole island, then rent a boat for a couple days to get a feel for shallow water navigation

Fly in via Orlando or FLL on Silver Airways, or from Nassau via BahamasAir
Depends on where you are coming from
Check VRBO for house rental, or the Abacoforum.com for hotel

[s/vPainkiller]

In the Abacos, I'd recommend Treasure Cay, Green Turtle or Hopetown. If you want to get a feel for the Exumas, try Staniel Cay or Georgetown. Spanish Wells is a unique experience, also Harbour Island on Eleuthera has some beautiful beaches. Rentals are available in all these places.


Scott

[SailingBo]

Hopetown, Hopetown, or Hopetown.

We've cruised both the Abacos & Exumas for 3 months each of the last couple years, and if we were to get a rental house for a week, there's no question about where it'd be.

Fly into Marsh Harbor, then take the ferry to Hopetown. Stay at either one of the local hotels or one of the many AirBnb type places. Rent a golf cart for the week & enjoy.

[mnh]

Thanks to all. Much appreciated, and very helpful!
mnh

[compassrose88]

I second Sailingbo! Hopetown provides safe mooring field (anchoring in the back) and lots of options to explore by golf cart, ferry to Marsh Harbor and all the other Abaco islands.
I've been going there for years! Hands down HOPETOWN!
Treasure Cay is ok but nothing charming there! Ferry service is available at the airport vs. Hopetown is right there in town!

[Scaramanga F25]

I would also choose Abaco. lived there so... You cannot be withought a rented 16 to 24 foot power boat.

[Tingum]

Another vote for Green Turtle Cay, but then we live there! Check out the rental homes on island Property Management site. Elbow Cay is another good choice as is Guana. There is more to do on GTC. I would avoid Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay. PM me if you have specific questions

[Cheechako]

There are a couple places around Georgetown. Not sure if it's still there but one was called "the Ecologic Place" it was on the island across from Gtown. Pretty much your own private beach over there. May be too isolated for what you want , if so, then there are a couple hotels in G town.

[davecalvert]

We love the Abacos and were married on Green Turtle Cay. But, if you want to see the real, old school Bahamas, come to Cat Island!

[lesterbutch]

40 years of sailing the Bahamas and the comments here sum it up! Go, explore and enjoy as much as you can, if your around in October just get on your VHF and call for Southern Star, perhaps we can meet for a beer!⛵️

[hlev00]

We had a wonderful week chartering a cat from Cuise Abaco in late March. Some Bahamas are pretty far North so you could get a week of cool or beautiful weather January.