Getting Around
While Meridian and its environs are fun places to spend your time, and Hope Town is within a few minutes by golf cart, there are many other activities and places to visit that something besides feet for transportation will add immeasurably (and memorably) to any vacation.
Boats
The waters and surrounding cays are a boater's paradise. Most areas of interest are protected and safe even for those of limited boating experience. Several companies rent a variety of boats and are accustomed to educating newcomers in the safe enjoyment of the area. Ask the boat rental agents for recommendations based on the number in your party and your boating experience.
Many prefer the Albury 23 rented from Island Marine which are designed and built on the neighboring island of Man-O-War. These roomy, well-built boats are perfectly designed for enjoying the surrounding waters and will comfortably carry 6 adults and 6 children. Island Marine, which has five of these boats, is very organized and professional. Their boats are exceptionally well maintained, probably the best of all the rental boats. Please note, the Albury 23 is a very popular boat and reservations should be made well in advance. Having a good boat, like having a good house, will greatly enhance your enjoyment of the area.
Boat Rentals on Elbow Cay:
Cats Paw 242-366-0380 Island Marine 242-366-0282 Sea Horse 242-367-2513 Boat Rentals in Marsh Harbour:
Blue Wave 242-367-3910 Concept Boat Rentals 242-367-5570 Rainbow 242-367-4602 Laysue 242-367-4414 Pier One 242-367-3587 Power Cat 242-367-4620 Rich's 242-367-2742 Sea Horse 242-367-2513 Concept 242-367-5570 Boat Rentals in Man-O-War
Conch Pearl 242-365-6059 Water Ways 242-365-6143
Golf Carts
Nothing beats the convenience of having your own golf cart. These have become quite popular on Elbow Cay, and allow you to visit the more distant parts of the island as well as providing a convenient way to transport groceries, people and gear. Gas and electric carts are available, and both have the same top speed. The electric carts are quieter, but must be charged and are slower going uphill. The gas carts don't require charging and have more power going uphill, but are slower going downhill and much noisier. Most people that can remember to charge the cart when it's not in use prefer the quiet of the electric carts, as do most of the locals.
Hopetown Cart Rentals 242-366-0064 Island Cart Rentals 242-366-0448 T&N Cart Rentals 242-366-0069 A word of caution: Golf carts don't have seatbelts or any other safety devices to protect passengers. Young children can fall out with surprising ease. A serious injury can easily be life threatening due to the difficulty in receiving urgent medical attention on an island in a foreign country. Use good judgment in cart operation. Dangerous operation may result in the rental company taking the cart.
Bicycles
These are great for those that prefer a more aerobic way of getting around. For older children, bicycles can be a ticket to freedom as long as they are cautious… driving on the left side of the road goes against most people's experience.
Bike Shop Bicycle Rentals 242-366-0292 Harbour's Edge 242-366-0087 Abaco Inn 242-366-0133 Hopetown Harbour Lodge 242-366-0095 Sea Spray Marina 242-366-0065 Sun Dried Tees 242-366-0616
Cars
There are no cars available for rent on Elbow Cay. Ownership and operation of cars on the island is limited to those with a business need and full-time residents. This is a good thing and helps preserve the island's unique ambiance.
Ferry
The Albury and Abaco Ferries can take you between the major islands, but you must adhere to the published schedules. It is the one service in the Bahamas that actually runs on time!
| Albury's Ferry (Ch 16) | 242-367-0290 |
| Abaco Ferry (Ch 16) | 242-365-8749 |