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Is there a section on the site about the Bahamas or is this the best place to ask? Made my first bareboating trip as captain on a Moorings 433 power cat in Aug/Sept. I'm now thinking about next summer. Trying to decide if I do the BVI trip again or the Mooring's base in the Abaco's for a change. Been there a few times all land based except for renting small powerboats for the day. The itinerary seems pretty easy and I think it's a little cheaper. Not sure when you factor in fuel, provisions, lack of mooring balls, etc. Only things I see making the Abaco's a little more challenging is the shallow depth and the fact that most over nights would be marina slips or anchoring.

Been there. Done that. The BVI is more fun.

Abacos = Skinny water, less wind for us sailors, but as you are a stink potter, Not much of a bother for you!

Good variety of destinations, easy anchoring, ok flights, less expensive moorings than BVI. Equally good provisioning. Friendly folks in both destinations.

We enjoyed Abacos, but one and done is enough for us.
BVI = Four and more to go.

I posted a "BVI and Abacos Comparison" report on TTOL following our charter in March 2015. You can find it here...

BVI and Abacos Comparisons

Our family video from that trip can be viewed at Abacos Youtube Video

For we BVI-lovers, I'd still consider going back to the Abacos for the water. Damn, that water is beautiful. Also amazing coral (Sandy Cay). I also still stay in touch with the team at Cruise Abacos and have become facebook friends with them and often exchange messages. Great team and you would not go wrong with them.

Shout if I can help with any questions. Have fun!

We did the Exumas (I know you asked about Abacos) 2 years ago for 6 weeks and it is so much prettier than BVI, the water and beaches. But it is a whole lot more effort due to tide, current and shallows. Would I do it again, in a heartbeat. But it took us about 3 weeks to figure the place out, 1 week would not have been as much fun as our stress level was much higher due to the tide, current and shallows.

Many of my cruising friends go to the Abacos every Winter and love it more than BVI.

Thanks for all the info! Great video! Makes the decision hard!

http://abacoforum.com
Good resource I used for planning

Surprised that Eva hasn't weighed in on this topic, but she must be busy. Suggest you send her a PM..

We've looked at The Abacos several times and have found it significantly more expensive than chartering out of St. Thomas.

Still, I'd like to go some day.

This is like comparing two beautiful women. So many intangible factors apply. I have skippered in both places many times, and all I will tell you is that if you love sailing, perfect beaches, shallow snorkeling, beautiful small towns and goombay bars, do not miss the Abacos. Screw the tides and shallow waters - it is not that difficult to figure out. The BVIs are my favorite, but I still love making out with the Abacos.

Which charter companies recommended in Abacos besides Cruise Abaco?
Just looking for options...

And how much of a problem dept/tides for 40ish foot Cats?

I think the Moorings has a base in Marsh Harbor.
At least they did many years ago when we were thinking about going there.

Moorings Sunsaill combined base in Marsh Harbour. First class, Nice facility. Good provisioning, easy distances, plenty to do. Again, abacos forum is a good resource.