Bahama Trip 2021 Summertime

sharkduck

I am new to this forum and searched for a lot of threads but couldn't find anything post Dorian and exactly what I was looking for.  I will be crossing with my new 31' Prowler somewhere around Ft. Lauderdale and looking for the best islands/places to stay.  It will be a 2 week trip.  First week with my following family and 2nd trip will be with 5 couples. I want to meet my family(4 kids under 9), Sister's family(3 kids 11-16) and Brothers Family(3 kids 18-22) somewhere over in the Bahamas.  mixture of beach hoping. fishing, and snorkeling  I typically run out of the Texas Gulf Coast to fish and my average daily fishing trip is 70-90 miles each way with some overnight trips around the floaters at 140 miles out.  The distance doesn't scare me and I am very seasoned.  I would like to be fishing for Billfish and Tuna when I can.

Based on the above info, where would you recommend?  Would be excited and happy to explore a 2nd location on the 2nd leg of the trip.

Thanks!
Taylor

Schweidee

You have asked a pretty open question which might be why you have not gotten a lot of responses.  

I think a lot of your decision is going to depend on how much you and your various "crews" need in the form of land support.  You want to fish and dive the outer/smaller island are probably better but access and support for non-water activities can be little or none.  Out islands don't have shopping, fancy restaurants, casinos and the like.  To support the number of people your talking about you probably need to stick with bigger islands with more distractions and better air service.  I would give you two options to consider both pretty accessable from Ft. Lauderdale.

First one is the "Northern" option.  You can do Grand Bahama and Abacos.  First week in Grand with shopping and beaches and big hotels to satisfy the family.  Second week in Abacos.  You can setup a home base in the middle (Hope Town or Marsh Harbor) and run around and explore many of the surrounding islands.

Second option is the "Central" option.  Spend the first week in Nassau with the family.  Again, lots of shopping, beaches and some amazing resorts.  Second week head down the Exuma chain.  Lots of option in Exuma depending on how far south you want to run.

Good luck planning it out and do remember when your covering lots of miles in the ocean weather can play a huge factor.  70 miles in the gulf is not the same as 70 miles in the open ocean when the weather turns on you so plan some flexibility in your schedule.

sharkduck

Thanks for the response.  Pretty open ended but I know a lot of you guys really enjoy doing the bahamas trip every summer.  We are looking forward to it.  I am really trying to let the lodging options guide my direction.  We would rather stay in 4-6 bedroom houses that dont cost an arm and a leg.  If anyone knows of any bahama's lodging options, please let me know.