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<h2>Choosing the Perfect Island</h2><p>When planning a rustic Bahamas getaway, the first step is to choose the perfect island. The Bahamas is made up of over 700 islands, each offering unique experiences. For a truly rustic escape, consider the Out Islands, such as Eleuthera, Andros, or Cat Island. These less commercialized destinations provide a serene and authentic Bahamian experience.</p><p>Eleuthera, known for its pink sand beaches, offers a tranquil environment perfect for those looking to unwind. Andros, the largest of the Bahamian islands, is ideal for nature enthusiasts with its blue holes and extensive coral reefs. Cat Island, with its rolling hills and historical ruins, provides a blend of adventure and relaxation.</p><figure id="figure-uphayh8ohm40kz82b"><img id="uphayh8ohm40kz82b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1140549600/photo/drone-bird-view-of-exuma-in-the-bahamas-summer-vaction.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=HLt0n9C3jNhXI3LhS6A5roqmXXsUpJZsF7yk3Yq6cfY=" alt="Bahamas island" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Accommodation Options</h2><p>For a rustic experience, consider staying in locally-owned guesthouses, cottages, or eco-lodges. These accommodations often provide a more authentic feel compared to larger resorts. Many of these options are nestled in nature, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere.</p><p>Look for accommodations that emphasize sustainability and local culture. Eco-lodges, for example, often use renewable energy sources and promote environmental conservation. Staying in a guesthouse or cottage run by locals gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the community and learn more about Bahamian traditions.</p><figure id="figure-aohkdkjci5m40kz82b"><img id="aohkdkjci5m40kz82b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2000209567/photo/old-restaurant-from-the-20s.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=R7gMjT3xNsXAO3DJM-jhJVMCpy8Jbv5SwjF_I4KHjEU=" alt="rustic lodging" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Activities to Enjoy</h2><p>The Bahamas offers a plethora of activities that align perfectly with a rustic getaway. From exploring nature trails and hidden beaches to engaging in water sports like snorkeling and kayaking, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the opportunity to visit local markets and sample traditional Bahamian cuisine.</p><p>For those who love fishing, the Bahamas is a paradise. Consider hiring a local guide for a bonefishing trip, a popular activity in the Out Islands. If you prefer land-based activities, hiking trails such as those in the Leon Levy Native Plant Preserve on Eleuthera provide a chance to explore the island's flora and fauna.</p><figure id="figure-28ubqme0dm40kz82b"><img id="28ubqme0dm40kz82b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/831459576/photo/underwater-photo-happy-family-snorkelling-in-tropical-sea.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=PjoB6-kmoO9Uj1OMe3Xn0GluJjgfE7o5ASgFBKhIxOE=" alt="Bahamas activities" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Packing Essentials</h2><p>When packing for your rustic Bahamas getaway, it's important to bring essentials that will enhance your experience. Lightweight, breathable clothing is a must due to the warm climate. Don't forget to pack a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.</p><p>Since you'll likely be spending a lot of time outdoors, bring comfortable walking shoes and water shoes for exploring beaches and trails. A reusable water bottle is also essential to stay hydrated, and a waterproof bag can help protect your belongings during water activities.</p><h2>Respecting Local Culture and Environment</h2><p>One of the most important aspects of a rustic getaway is respecting the local culture and environment. The Bahamas is home to a rich cultural heritage and diverse ecosystems. Be mindful of your impact and strive to leave no trace during your visit.</p><p>Engage with the local community by supporting small businesses and participating in cultural activities. Learn a few phrases in Bahamian Creole to show respect and appreciation for the local language. Additionally, follow guidelines for sustainable tourism, such as avoiding single-use plastics and participating in beach clean-ups.</p><figure id="figure-0m3ths98lm40kz82b"><img id="0m3ths98lm40kz82b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/87300765/photo/portrait-of-a-judge.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=ZUE--iFiGTQsJyCPPv_aT0wHof2GIxsd6JdI7MjnXek=" alt="local culture" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Best Time to Visit</h2><p>Timing your visit to the Bahamas can greatly enhance your rustic getaway experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this period, you'll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer chances of rain.</p><p>However, visiting during the shoulder seasons, in late spring or early fall, can also be rewarding. You'll encounter fewer tourists and may find better deals on accommodations and activities. Just be mindful of the hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and plan accordingly.</p><h2>Travel Tips</h2><p>To make the most of your rustic Bahamas getaway, keep a few travel tips in mind. First, plan your transportation in advance, especially if you intend to visit multiple islands. Inter-island flights and ferries are available but can fill up quickly during peak seasons.</p><p>Additionally, consider renting a car or bicycle to explore the islands at your own pace. Public transportation options may be limited, and having your own mode of transport allows for greater flexibility. Lastly, always carry some cash, as smaller establishments may not accept credit cards.</p><figure id="figure-d9zbh3c3nnm40kz82b"><img id="d9zbh3c3nnm40kz82b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1130399708/photo/retro-camera-with-toy-plane-map-and-passport-on-white-background-travel-tips-concept.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=PkQCMiX7l_-y_w1bzfASUpbj3quqGnM_OEJr078lDNE=" alt="travel tips" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure><h2>Creating Lasting Memories</h2><p>A rustic Bahamas getaway offers the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature and yourself. Embrace the simplicity and beauty of the islands, and you'll create lasting memories that you'll cherish forever.</p><p>Whether it's watching a breathtaking sunset, savoring a delicious local meal, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves, these moments will stay with you long after your trip has ended. So, pack your bags, set your out-of-office reply, and get ready for an unforgettable rustic adventure in the Bahamas.</p>

Tips for Planning a Rustic Bahamas Getaway

<p>Green Turtle Cay &nbsp;, The Abaco's&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The Abaco islands located slightly more than 100 miles north <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: calc(16px * var(--body-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--body-fontStyle, normal); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;">of Nassau and 200 miles northeas of Miami, are gradually outgrowing their status as "out" or Family Islands in the Bahamas. Marsh Harbor, on Great Abaco, is a developed commercial center. Walker's Cay and Treasure Cay are luxury resort areas. But Green Turtle Cay, a short ferry ride from Treasure Cay, retains much of the charm of its late-18th-century origins, especially in its main settlement of New Plymouth, a storybook village with narrow streets and old New England-style clapboard buildings painted in bright whites and delicious pastels. New Plymouth provides a delightful trip back in time, while other aspects of Green Turtle Cay are perfect for the vacationer who wants to enjoy the water activities of the Bahamas, without the high life of shopping and gambling.</span></p><p>Like much of the Abacos, Green Turtle Cay was settled in the late 1700s by British Loyalists who exiled themselves from the United States after the revolutionary war.</p><p>Descendants of the Loyalists and their slaves are the main inhabitants of the island today, where such family names as Lowe and Sawyer are still predominant. Again in the Abaco tradition, Green Turtle was once known for its fine boat building. Pineapple farming was also a major activity. But today the restful island depends largely on fishing, services, and the small tourist trade.</p><p>New Plymouth is situated on a small peninsula with a main harbor at one end and the smaller ferry dock facing in on Black Sound. As we approached the town on the tiny Green Turtle Ferry, we could have been sailing into an old fishing village on the northeastern coast of colonial America. On every little immaculate street, hand-painted signs request Keep GTC Clean, and people comply with such thoroughness that it leaves a modern city dweller dumbfounded. A stroll through this genuinely quaint village takes you along tidy, paved streets that are essentially broad sidewalks, past the whitewashed picket fences that surround private gardens ablaze with colorful flowers.</p><p>Neatly appointed houses sport gaily painted dormers and gingerbread trim. Children, many of whom look very much alike because of the close family ties, ride by on bicycles.</p><p>And a few tiny cars and minivans move slowly down the streets. The town includes several stores, a few restaurants, a fascinating museum, and a half-dozen churches representing several different denominations.</p><p>Much of the tourist trade is concentrated on White</p><p>Sound, across the bay from New Plymouth, where the Green Turtle Club and Bluff House welcome the largest number of aquatically inclined guests. From New Plymouth it is a short ride on the Green Turtle Ferry or a long, hot walk around Black Sound. But if you walk, you can take a detour to the ocean side of the island for the best shelling.</p><p><br></p><p><br>(Note: if you walk, be sure to ask for specific directions to wherever you are going. And ask again until you are sure, for Green Turtle's roads branch off in many directions. We walked in circles on the way to Bluff House, ending up at the back of the Green Turtle Club three different times.) Just beyond the two resorts, crescent-shaped Coco Bay sits with calm shallow waters in a palm-lined cove.</p><p>Activity peaks on Green Turtle on New Year's Day, when locals celebrate the capture of "Bunce," a folkloric figure who hid in Abaco's forests; in May, during the annual fishing tournament; and during the week of July 4, for the sailing regatta. But for most of the year, the sense of harmony and well-being is undisturbed on this Bahamian Family Island. You step into a way of life that is determined not by the whims and fancies of high-rolling tourists, but by the modest needs and traditional patterns of Green Turtle Cay's peaceful residents.</p><p>NOTEWORTHY</p><p>Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar, in New Plymouth on Parliament Street, is famous for the Goombay Smash, a fruity rum drink that Miss Emily blends according to her own secret recipe.</p><p>The simple two-room bar is the most popular watering hole in New Plymouth, and hundreds of off islanders have left their business cards tacked to the walls. And the ice-cold Goombay Smash is as delicious and potent as Miss Emily is charming.</p><p>The Albert Lowe Museum is housed in a pretty, 150-year-old, green-trimmed white building near the New Plymouth Club and Inn. It is owned by Alton Lowe, a renowned Abaco painter whose work depicting the Abaco people and their way of life is featured on the island's stamps. Exhibits include artwork, shell collections, artifacts from the earliest days of settlement, and ship models built by Alton's father, Albert Lowe.</p><p>The Loyalist Memorial Sculpture Garden, across the street from the New Plymouth Club and Inn, was dedicated on November 14, 1987. It features 24 bronze busts of early Loyalists, arranged in the pattern of the Union Jack around a central pedestal with two female figures, one white and one black. The garden is testimony to the degree that this settlement reveres and stays close to its historical roots.</p><p>Rooster's Rest Pub and Restaurant, on a low hill on the outskirts of New Plymouth, is the hot spot on weekend nights.</p><p>The local band, the Gully Roosters, plays Caribbean dance music, mostly soca and reggae, that keeps the spacious bar jumping with a large, integrated crowd of dancers. The energy of both the band and the patrons seems boundless, but anyone needing a breather steps out on the broad deck and rests beneath a black sky studded with millions of shimmering stars</p><p><br></p><p><br>FROM MY JOURNAL</p><p>A traveling Pentecostal crusade has set up its striped tent on the vacant corner lot across from the New Plymouth Inn. Only two dozen worshipers attend the Saturday night revival. More curious onlookers are standing around in the street. The village's established churches are holding their own services tonight, as well, the sermons and choir music wafting from open windows into the warm night air.</p><p>Walking down the dimly lit streets, we arrive at Miss Emily's Blue Bee Bar. Here's the action. We order our Goombay Smashes and continue walking under the moonlight. Over the hill at Rooster's Rest, the crowd is feverish. Dancing to the Gully Roosters. We watch, dance, then step outside for air and watch the stars. We walk again, out along the still harbor and through the tranquil back streets of New Plymouth. Homemade ice cream at Laura's. It's wondrous that places like this even exist. The air is like velvet, the night is magical, the sense of peace carries us away.</p><p><br data-mce-bogus="1"></p>

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<p>Green Turtle Cay is a hidden gem in the Abaco Islands of the Bahamas. With its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and charming colonial architecture, this small island offers a perfect getaway for those seeking relaxation and adventure. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind, Green Turtle Cay has something for everyone. Here is a list of things to do on this beautiful island:</p><h2>1. Explore the Stunning Beaches</h2><p>Green Turtle Cay boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in the Bahamas. From the powdery white sands of Coco Bay Beach to the secluded beauty of Gillam Bay, there are plenty of spots to relax and soak up the sun. Don't forget to pack your snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant underwater world just off the shore.</p><figure id="figure-ueki7chxfpll2q5g8r"><img id="ueki7chxfpll2q5g8r" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2060932684/photo/woman-in-swimsuit-relaxing-and-walking-on-tropical-white-sandy-beach-with-turquoise-ocean.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=licquDH5E5SjRQrLikxdDjvvVRZQO5ixsUYFi3Q82GY=" alt="Woman in swimsuit relaxing and walking on tropical white sandy beach with turquoise ocean water. Aerial view" title="Woman in swimsuit relaxing and walking on tropical white sandy beach with turquoise ocean water. Aerial view" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2060932684/photo/woman-in-swimsuit-relaxing-and-walking-on-tropical-white-sandy-beach-with-turquoise-ocean.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=licquDH5E5SjRQrLikxdDjvvVRZQO5ixsUYFi3Q82GY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>2. Visit the Historic Settlements</h2><p>Take a step back in time by exploring the charming historic settlements on the island. New Plymouth, the largest settlement, is known for its colorful colonial buildings and quaint streets. Visit the Albert Lowe Museum to learn about the island's rich history and maritime heritage.</p><figure id="figure-c0znostuill2q5h12"><img id="c0znostuill2q5h12" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13c6vLjh44XidAszcpA5VtE7opnkgeBSjLHlACM3wQ4pQChbjlqCBVjfMeKJgvdV.jpg" alt="colonial architecture bahamas" title="colonial architecture bahamas" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13c6vLjh44XidAszcpA5VtE7opnkgeBSjLHlACM3wQ4pQChbjlqCBVjfMeKJgvdV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>3. Indulge in Water Sports</h2><p>Green Turtle Cay is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the crystal-clear waters at your own pace. For the more adventurous, try your hand at bonefishing or deep-sea fishing. The island is also a popular destination for sailing and boating.</p><figure id="figure-qxawhms5mull2q5hun"><img id="qxawhms5mull2q5hun" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1388738903/photo/a-woman-exercising-on-a-stand-up-paddle-board.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YR4CHjG-rHuqeqUySeP_oL-TiEgjheGofE-jVvsyUgY=" alt="A woman exercising on a stand up paddle board" title="A woman exercising on a stand up paddle board" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1388738903/photo/a-woman-exercising-on-a-stand-up-paddle-board.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=YR4CHjG-rHuqeqUySeP_oL-TiEgjheGofE-jVvsyUgY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>4. Sample Local Cuisine</h2><p>No trip to Green Turtle Cay is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. Head to one of the island's charming restaurants or beachside shacks to savor fresh seafood, conch fritters, and other Bahamian delicacies. Don't forget to try the famous Goombay Smash, a refreshing tropical cocktail.</p><figure id="figure-8mpu24m2pjll2q5j2l"><img id="8mpu24m2pjll2q5j2l" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511688878353-3a2f5be94cd7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxiYWhhbWlhbiUyMGZvb2R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkxNTI0NzM1fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="bahamian food" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1511688878353-3a2f5be94cd7?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHxiYWhhbWlhbiUyMGZvb2R8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkxNTI0NzM1fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>5. Explore the Abaco Cays</h2><p>Green Turtle Cay is the perfect base for exploring the nearby Abaco Cays. Take a boat tour and visit the famous Pig Beach, where you can swim with adorable pigs. Discover the stunning beauty of the surrounding cays, such as Man-O-War Cay and Elbow Cay, each with its own unique charm.</p><figure id="figure-5osxeq5idhll2q5jyu"><img id="5osxeq5idhll2q5jyu" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/467367561/photo/bahamas-aerial.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eunVyba2H2kTq9XYVqK2PFzgjMQLajl8RecJH76l6QE=" alt="Bahamas aerial" title="Bahamas aerial" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/467367561/photo/bahamas-aerial.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=eunVyba2H2kTq9XYVqK2PFzgjMQLajl8RecJH76l6QE=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>6. Relax and Unwind</h2><p>Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and simply relax on Green Turtle Cay. Find a quiet spot on the beach, read a book, or take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. The laid-back atmosphere of the island will make all your worries melt away.</p><figure id="figure-zedin1p1f4ll2q5l2s"><img id="zedin1p1f4ll2q5l2s" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23BQqmNmBVnOEIQ25XXxwoBSpPRM7YiWMsZ82vPlIaxUIa1wNppgXmQQCjJ75Z2h.jpg" alt="beach relaxation" title="beach relaxation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/23BQqmNmBVnOEIQ25XXxwoBSpPRM7YiWMsZ82vPlIaxUIa1wNppgXmQQCjJ75Z2h.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>7. Take a Golf Cart Tour</h2><p>Explore the island in style by renting a golf cart. Cruise along the scenic coastal roads, stop at the various beaches, and discover hidden spots off the beaten path. It's a fun and convenient way to see all that Green Turtle Cay has to offer.</p><figure id="figure-bf1ko2onu6ll2q5lut"><img id="bf1ko2onu6ll2q5lut" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559956144-83a135c9872e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxnb2xmJTIwY2FydCUyMGJhaGFtYXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkxNTI0NzM4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="golf cart bahamas" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1559956144-83a135c9872e?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxnb2xmJTIwY2FydCUyMGJhaGFtYXN8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkxNTI0NzM4fDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>8. Dive into Underwater Adventures</h2><p>Discover the vibrant marine life that surrounds Green Turtle Cay by going scuba diving or snorkeling. Explore the colorful coral reefs, swim alongside tropical fish, and maybe even spot a sea turtle or two. There are diving centers on the island that offer guided tours for all experience levels.</p><figure id="figure-ejh24dm8dll2q5mo4"><img id="ejh24dm8dll2q5mo4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/24DbVgE7b2BgI43U8tkTya516vMTj6iu4Z9NBzcnQrf5tRnTYEBriJqaC5z9WiNl.jpg" alt="scuba diving bahamas" title="scuba diving bahamas" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Green Turtle Cay is the perfect destination. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and warm hospitality, this little slice of paradise will leave you with unforgettable memories.</p>

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Tips for Planning a Rustic Bahamas Getaway

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List of things to do on green turtle cay abaco Bahamas