USVI-On-Line

I know many of you are often looking for another place to go for a little change of pace. For anyone who loves the vibe of St. John, I can wholeheartedly recommend the cays alongside Abaco, an out island in the Bahamas. It has that same laid back, non resort vibe, is very natural, and lacks anything resembling a crowd....ever.

Getting there is tricky and is probably the reason it is sparsely visited, even at peak times, but it is also why I love to go. It is very common to have a 2 mile stretch of gorgeous beach to yourselves all day. We have a Piper Seneca and fly down on our own, so I can't offer much information on commercial flights. Many people sail over from FL. Also, USAir flies to Marsh Harbor (MHH). It's an expensive flight, but if you can get a deal, it's worth a trip. There are also small flights you can take from FL, but I have never been a fan of piecing flights together. I think many do it successfully, though.

Once you arrive on Abaco (MHH), you take a ferry to one of the small cays that run alongside the island. Each cay is very unique and special, with beautiful beaches and it's own personality. The cays are very small, making cars unnecessary. For the best experience, you rent a golf cart to get around your own cay and a boat to visit the others. The world's 3rd largest barrier reef runs along the length of the cays, making the snorkeling excellent. The settlements on each cay are also very cool. With colorful old wooden cottages, great little beach bars, bakeries, and restaurants, you can spend a whole day exploring any one of them.

A few pics from a trip last week so you get the flavor of the place:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N ... 495746207/

Great information can be found at either Abaco forum:

www.abacoforum.com

www.abacomessageboard.com

Only one word of caution: Watch out for the Frozen Nipper, the house drink at the famous Nipper's Bar on Guana Cay. The recipe is a secret, and I am pretty sure whatever is in it is illegal.

V.

great photos Vicki!

Vicki - Where did you stay? Your photos are beautiful? We have looked at the Out Islands but just weren't sure (it's flat). How about the dress at night? We love St. John and the BVI's and how you can dress do casual. Thanks, Debbie

WOW Vicki...those shots are beautiful!!
We're going on 6 years of living in Southern FL
and we've had in the back of our minds to
visit the Bahamas and Out Islands (Abaco in
particular) since they're sooo close by.

I believe those shots just sealed the
deal!!!

Thanks so much for sharing.

Kathy

Thanks. Really nice photos. Looks great. Looks like more research for me.

Are the reefs out a ways or is there good snorkeling off the beach? Similar to the STJ experience?

Do you have any experience with Andros?

DELETED

Vicki,
Thanks so much for posting. Abaco has been "on the list" for awhile, but getting there is a hassle. I may have to suck it up and do it anyway. I LOVE your photography. Keep it coming.

You are just a fantastic photographer, Vicki!

Linne

BasUR: We have always stayed on Guana Cay. There are lots of houses right on the ocean side and it’s a great little island. As far as dress goes, I consider the cays alongside Abaco to be even more casual than STJ if that’s possible.

Lex: Most of the really great snorkeling is a short distance from shore, but just far enough to need a boat. It is an amazing and extensive reef. However, I am pretty sure each cay offers some spectacular snorkeling right off the beach. Guana Cay has an amazing spot just off the beach called High Rocks that rivals Waterlemon in my opinion. I think the others have some areas of reef you can get to from the beach as well, just not as much as STJ. There may be one or two spots accessible from the beach, where STJ has many more. I wish I could help you with Andros, but don’t have any experience with it at all.

Jorge, Jorge, Jorge......

Jan, Ms. Lola showed up in her cart the second my feet stepped off the dock! It's like she could sense my need for sticky, sweet, baked goods!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/2723274205/" title="Miss Lola shows up to ask if I want her baked goods. by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3081/272 ... 6182_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Miss Lola shows up to ask if I want her baked goods."></a>

She makes a mean cinnamon roll!!

Vicki, I was looking at your photos on flickr before coming over here--so gorgeous, as always.

That poor woman you were with! She wrecked her face! I hope she is OK now??

Just curious, can you fly your plane into St. Thomas, or is that too far?

Liamsaunt - Too chicken to fly that far, just yet. Maybe someday! And my friend Teresa and her face were a tragic story. She was trying to walk across some pretty jagged limestone that lined the beach and just busted it. She landed on her face. Thankfully, her sunglasses protected everything that was important. She was bruised, but nothing more than that. Her pride hurt more than anything. She bounced back quickly. She was laughing about it by the next day. She's a trooper.

Jan - I have been to Hopetown twice and have not been able to get to Vernon's when it's open! I just say that's a reason to go back.....