Exumas advice

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Would like to take the admiral and, perhaps, another couple to the Exumas by air. It's part of my "Honey, see the kind of places we could go if we had a larger boat" campaign. Would probably get one of the houses from "Vacation Rentals by Owner" dot com for a week or so.

Any advice on the best time(s) of the year to do this would be appreciated.

Thanx...Kim
 
Staniel Cay has some interesting package deals for their bungalows, incl. meals and 13' whaler... between now and the start of the season in december, they also have free companion air fare when you book a bungalow for 3 days on their airline. they fly out of Ft Lauderdale Executive, witha brief customs stop at Andros. it's about $600 RT but with the free companion air fare it comes down to $600 RT for 2.

it's the most convenient way to get to the exumas, short of usign your own boat or charterning.

you can also fly to Georgetown from Miami or FTL international. Great Exuma is nice but not quite as nice as Staniel, there is a "real" resort at Emerald bay if you're into that kind of thing but Staniel Cay Yacht club bungalows will give you a better taste of the real exumas.

weather wise, the fall has more unsettled weather, but late nov/early dec is very nice and still the off season.
 
Third for Staniel Cay. Fowl Cay is right next door but I like Staniel better, you get the boat which is good to have in that part of the world.
 
You might also think of taking them to the Abacos, maybe Green Turtle Cay or Elbow Cay. There is much to do, quaint villages and you can rent a 20 ft boat and get to several of the islands.

Although we love the Exumas, I am not sure how it would be for a week without a bigger boat. The Exumas are fabulous to island hop and anchor but there is very little to do that is not boating, water or marina related. We did two week trips to both the Exumas and the Abacos this year, its a tough choice, they are both beautiful but have very different character.

The Abacos are more villages, lightly populated islands, nice beaches and turquoise water, whereas the Exumas are undeveloped and largely uninhabited islands with even more spectacular turquoise water. To get a nice taste of the Exumas Staniel Cay is a good choice, well located.

-Rick

Viking Sport Cruiser 50 FY
"Silver Lining"
 
I have no Exumas experience (but hope to in another 10 months). However, we've boated to the Abacos the last 3 years. Rick might have a point that the Abacos could be good for a first trip. I'd suggest Elbow Cay for a more "local" experience, or Treasure Cay for a more "resort" experience (not too resorty though). Boats or rent are available at each, and there's plenty to see and do. However, Pascal and Bill know both much better than I so they can shed more light.
 
this is why Staniel is really nice since a small whaler is included with the cottages. the whole area is well protected, there are numerous protected cuts and passages between the islands, protected from the sound and a lot to explore even with a small whaler. you could spend a week there and not have to go to the same beach twice, even without a "big" boat.
 
I guess where you would want to take your guests would be determined by what experience you want your wife and guest to have. And what kind of experience they are looking for.

The Abacos are a bit more like the States in that there are charter boat fleets, lots of boats from the US, more to do on shore like shopping, places to eat and drink, etc.. And the settlements are populated with white Bahamians.

While the Exumas are a bit more laid back, get away from it, make your own fun kind of place. With some of the prettiest water and topography in the world.
And swimming pigs. :-)
 
Think Elbow or Guana Cays. Rent a 25 footer. Take day trips to Little Harbour, Green Turtle, Man O War etc.. Be ready to spend money on fuel. If you don't have cash for boat gas, don't go. We found Treasure well out of the main stream Abacos experience with Hopetown being a hub.
There are several good snorkel and dive shops. Brendal, Dive Guana etc..
 
quote:
Originally posted by boatbum

There are several good snorkel and dive shops. Brendal, Dive Guana etc..

Click to expand...


...Froggies...
 
A few years ago my girlfriend and I stayed at Staniel Cay Yacht Club and really enjoyed it. We booked the package deal which makes the most sense if you go. The food there is very good and not really anything else around, and it's cheaper with the package than paying per meal. Plus you really need the Whaler to get around. There's not a whole lot to do on the island but with the boat you can go out and have an island and a beach all to yourself. Plus there's the swimming pigs, snorkeling at Thunderball Grotto, etc.

It's not a fancy resort, but the cottages are kept up nicely and everyone there is very nice. As far as when to go, we went in November (about a week before Thanksgiving) and I think next time I go I'll wait till the spring. It wasn't bad when we were there but the water was a little chilly and the weather was somewhat unsettled with some rain and thunderstorms. The days are also very short that time of year so we needed to have the boats back fairly early and there's not much to do there at night. On the flight back another couple was with us who were supposed to be staying longer but the forecast was so bad for the coming days that they left early. On the plus side they do have deals at that time since it's quiet and we practically had the place to ourselves. We're thinking about going back next May depending on what else we have going on.

John
 
I really appreciate all the advice and insight. We are not into the "resort" scene. Warm, clear water and a chance to explore by boat is what I'm looking for. Thunderball and the pigs are bonuses for the admiral.

Now we just have to figure out when to go.

Thanks again.

Kim
 
If that is the case then Staniel Cay should fit the bill nicely.

Pick up a copy of the Explorer Chartbooks series: "Exumas and Ragged Islands" chartbook before you go. Even if it's a used out of date copy. That will give you a great idea of what the area is like.
 
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