Things to do here on Elbow Cay
For a couple of great websites that provide an abundance of things to do, information, contact numbers, and other pertinent advice to make your stay here in Hope Town beyond you greatest expectations check out:
I Love Hope Town and Visit Hope Town
I Love Hope Town and Visit Hope Town
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
Like the rest of the Bahamas, Hope Town is surrounded by colorfully, striking coral growths, a plethora of vibrant fish and other aquatic critters. Right off the beach in front of Windward, the reefs abound with turtles, rays, the occasional dolphin and octopus, eels, barracuda, and the occasional reef shark if you're willing to swim a little further. Every day you'll see something different and chances are you won't see the same rare fish or creature twice in your trip. If however you'd prefer to expand beyond the easily attainable and explore the other stunning aquatic retreats in the area check out this map of great snorkeling/diving on other areas in the Abacos.
If you lack your own boat and are unable to bring the gear necessary to fully tour these marine environments Froggies Out Island Adventures have the equipment (both snorkeling and scuba diving), guides, tours, and boats to make your aquatic experience here in Hope Town truly memorable. Some of their expeditions include the Aquatic Nature Preserve. This Preserve is home to an abundance of large and small aquatic beauties including Eagle Rays, barracuda, sharks and a myriad of fish. They also charter trecks to some minor ship wrecks in the area to explore the sea's ability to recolonize human kind's footprints. Froggies can also be used for a little island hopping, allowing you to explore other islands in the Abacos.
If you lack your own boat and are unable to bring the gear necessary to fully tour these marine environments Froggies Out Island Adventures have the equipment (both snorkeling and scuba diving), guides, tours, and boats to make your aquatic experience here in Hope Town truly memorable. Some of their expeditions include the Aquatic Nature Preserve. This Preserve is home to an abundance of large and small aquatic beauties including Eagle Rays, barracuda, sharks and a myriad of fish. They also charter trecks to some minor ship wrecks in the area to explore the sea's ability to recolonize human kind's footprints. Froggies can also be used for a little island hopping, allowing you to explore other islands in the Abacos.
Explore the Island of Elbow Cay
Despite its small size, Elbow Cay hosts a variety of sights and beach fronts. The northern point of Hope Town is mostly residential and provides a great daily walk. Head out past Jarrett park and make a right before you walk out into the Sea of Abaco. The road continues on, winding through dense vegetation and larger rental and local homes. Though it's much more sequestered to the north there is still a good bit of traffic on the road and with hidden turns make sure you stay to the left whatever your means of transportation happens to be. The road circles around the north most point and allows access to a very quiet beach that's great for a picnic.
Elbow Cay sprawls another four miles of paved road to the south of the settlement. South is more comfortably explored by bike or golf cart. If you'd like to grab either there are a number of places that rent by the day or week. Reserve your transportation before you arrive or check availability upon your arrival. Here's a list of rental groups. With wheels at your disposal, the road is yours. Stop off at On Da Beach for lunch, or make it your Happy Hour end to your day of exploration. Tucked within the area known as Turtle Hill, On Da Beach has some tasty treats made by Mama, delicious drinks, and jovial staff to enhance the stunning views of the white sandy beach and stronger waves no longer buffered by the reef.
Continuing on you'll head to White Sound. Careful on the road, the high road has suffered a bit of erosion in hurricanes over the years. Before the Sound you'll pass the Abaco Inn. They have some great drinks and are one of the more elegant restaurants on the island. Recently revamped, the Inn offers a delectable menu, a tasteful bar, live music, and a stunning view of a popular surfer spot. Further down the road you can stop off at Sea Spray Resort & Marina. The Boat House Restaurant is another fine dining experience with outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the Sound. For another quick drink or a great spot to catch up on sports and international news, the Garbanzo Bar is the place to spend an hour or two and meet some locals. Sea Spray also sports the only land based gas pump to keep your golf cart running.
Continuing on up the hill you'll come to more residential areas. At the southern-most tip of the island you'll reach one of many tucked away jewels of Elbow Cay, Tiloo Cut and Tahiti Beach. This arresting beach is made more fun by an extensive sand bar. At low tide sandy Tiloo Cut juts out 50 yards between the Sea of Abaco and an inlet from the Atlantic. Its a great place to wade, snorkel, and search for sea dollars, sea stars, and rays. Have a picnic, watch a sunset; Tahiti beach is a striking spot to spend an afternoon.
Elbow Cay sprawls another four miles of paved road to the south of the settlement. South is more comfortably explored by bike or golf cart. If you'd like to grab either there are a number of places that rent by the day or week. Reserve your transportation before you arrive or check availability upon your arrival. Here's a list of rental groups. With wheels at your disposal, the road is yours. Stop off at On Da Beach for lunch, or make it your Happy Hour end to your day of exploration. Tucked within the area known as Turtle Hill, On Da Beach has some tasty treats made by Mama, delicious drinks, and jovial staff to enhance the stunning views of the white sandy beach and stronger waves no longer buffered by the reef.
Continuing on you'll head to White Sound. Careful on the road, the high road has suffered a bit of erosion in hurricanes over the years. Before the Sound you'll pass the Abaco Inn. They have some great drinks and are one of the more elegant restaurants on the island. Recently revamped, the Inn offers a delectable menu, a tasteful bar, live music, and a stunning view of a popular surfer spot. Further down the road you can stop off at Sea Spray Resort & Marina. The Boat House Restaurant is another fine dining experience with outdoor seating on the deck overlooking the Sound. For another quick drink or a great spot to catch up on sports and international news, the Garbanzo Bar is the place to spend an hour or two and meet some locals. Sea Spray also sports the only land based gas pump to keep your golf cart running.
Continuing on up the hill you'll come to more residential areas. At the southern-most tip of the island you'll reach one of many tucked away jewels of Elbow Cay, Tiloo Cut and Tahiti Beach. This arresting beach is made more fun by an extensive sand bar. At low tide sandy Tiloo Cut juts out 50 yards between the Sea of Abaco and an inlet from the Atlantic. Its a great place to wade, snorkel, and search for sea dollars, sea stars, and rays. Have a picnic, watch a sunset; Tahiti beach is a striking spot to spend an afternoon.
Lighthouse Tours
The Elbow Reef Lighthouse is one of three kerosene lit, manually operated lighthouses known to remain in the world. All three are found in the Bahamas. This iconic red and white striped lady boasts a long history and is now a well known entity. The folks of Hope Town take pride in their girl and encourage visitors to explore the lighthouse and learn about how it works and what it was used for over the years. A historic artifact, the lighthouse is something worth seeing. If you don't plan on having access to a boat, Albury's Ferry is happy to shuttle folks across from the main Post Office Dock or the Lower Public dock over to the lighthouse.
Bonefishing and Deep Sea Fishing
Whether you're an avid fisherman or just want to try something new, Hope Town offers a variety of opportunities to fish the bountiful waters of the Bahamas. Please check the Island of the Bahamas website for fishing regulations and information. Below is a list of the various fishermen in the area who run fishing operations.
A Salt Weapon - Deep Sea Fishing
(242) 366-0245 Contact Ira Key Day's Catch - Reef Fishing (242) 366-0059 Contact Will Key Down Deep - Deep Sea Fishing (242) 366-3143 Contact Michael Schreiner Local Boy - Deep Sea Fishing (242) 366-0528 Contact Justin Russell |
Lucky Strike -
Deep Sea or Reef Fishing (242) 366-0101 Contact Truman Major Sea Gull Charters Deep Sea Fishing (242) 366-0266 Contact Robert Lowe Wild Pigeon Charters Bone, Bottom, or Reef Fishing (242) 366-0234 Contact Maitland Lowe |
Shopping
Abounding with quaint shops, Hope Town supplies a variety of tropical mementos for yourself or friends and family back home. There is much overlap, but every shop has something unique and a unique different so don't be shy to check out each shop.
Here are the shops just on Elbow Cay:
Here are the shops just on Elbow Cay:
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Happy Hours and Nightlife
By now you have realized Elbow Cay is not an Atlantis Island and is not Nassau. Fear not, these locals still know how to have fun. Just about every night of the week a restaurant is having their "bar night" which usually includes live music or a DJ. The festivities usually start anywhere from 8:00pm or 9:00pm and last "'til". The legal drinking age is 18 here in the Bahamas and is enforced.
Tuesday - Abaco Inn
Wednesday - Cap’n Jacks
Thursday - Harbour's Edge
Friday - Cap'n Jacks
Saturday - Harbour's Edge
- Sea Spray Resort and
Marina
Full Moon - Cracker P's (on Lubbers)
Happy hours vary but most run 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Tuesday - Abaco Inn
Wednesday - Cap’n Jacks
Thursday - Harbour's Edge
Friday - Cap'n Jacks
Saturday - Harbour's Edge
- Sea Spray Resort and
Marina
Full Moon - Cracker P's (on Lubbers)
Happy hours vary but most run 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Kayaking
Sea kayaking and standing paddle boarding are great ways to explore the waters just surrounding the island. Take them out over the reef or explore the harbour or the Sea of Abaco. Abaco Eco Kayak Adventures, the main guys, do group tours or equipment rentals. They rent surf boards, wake boards, paddle boards, and kayaks. They're a recent addition to Hope Town and offer great ways to get a little exercise, meet some new people, and discover the stunning waters of the Bahamas.
Personal Wellness
Pamper yourself in paradise. Hope Town now offers a variety of massage therapies, salon services, and yoga classes.
Back to Basics
(Massage and Yoga) 366-0722 contact Rachael Aberle Bodywork by Tania (Massage) 366-0091 abacospice@yahoo.com Chopping Block Hair Salon (Hair and Nails) 366-0052 |
Massage by Joli
(Massage and Facials) 366-0440 Certified Beauty Therapy Swedish Massage Aromatherapy Massage Reflexology Indian Head Massage Facials Waxing Manicure & pedicure |