Heading up from the Keys I'd consider one of two options:
Depart Angelfish Creek for Bimini, the Berry's and then head up and
cruise the Abacos with the prevailing winds, returning to the U.S. at either Palm Beach, Stuart of Fort Pierce.
Personally, I much prefer the Bahamas to the
Florida Keys and would probably skip the keys all together and depart Palm Beach or Lauderdale depending on the
weather and head straight to West End, but that's just me and my priorities.
Or, jump off at either
Miami or
Fort Lauderdale for West End for West End and the Abacos and cruise as far down the Abacos as time allows. The northern Abacos offer some great cruising, especially for a cat. For a first trip, this minimizes the crossings you need to do.
I have some nice photos of the southern Abacos in my link below that may help you figure out what islands appeal to you as well as notes from the times I've crossed the
Gulf Stream.
The Abacos really do have a great deal of variety. Often on any given night, you can choose to be the only
boat anchored at an uninhabited island or tucked away in a well-protected harbor enjoying one of the quaint towns. You
draft will give you a great deal of flexibility with both of these options.
Some of my favorite Abacos stops:
For uninhabited islands: Double Breasted, The Carter's Cay Group,
Fish Cays, Powell, Manjack, Spoil Cay.
Snorkeling: Pelcian Cay, south of Green Turtle,
Reefs just off the NE point of Great Guana, Fowl Cay near Man-O-War,
Reefs just north of
Elbow Cay, Sandy Cay.
Towns: Marsh Harbour has most everything including late night
laundry,
internet cafes, the best grocery stores,
airport, etc. Green Turtle and Hope town are my two favorite smaller communities, both of which have basic grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
At little Harbor, I've enjoyed Pet's Pub and the Foundary and also enjoyed the "creek" dingy ride behind Deep Sea Cay.
Anchoring is easy, I rarely, if ever stay in a Marina or pick up a
Mooring.
Have a great trip - I'm jealous I won't be heading back as soon.