Planning a Trip

Getting There -- You can reach Elbow Cay in about 20 minutes via regularly scheduled ferry service from Great Abaco Island's Marsh Harbour. Albury's Ferry Service (tel. 242/367-0290; www.alburysferry.com) makes the trip three times daily. One-way fare is US$15 for adults; a same-day round-trip costs US$25. Children 6 to 11 pay half-price.

Getting Around -- Many visitors rent boats to get around the island, snorkel, fish, and explore nearby cays. But if you're not interested in playing sea captain, you can still move easily around Elbow Cay. Hope Town's quiet, narrow streets are reserved for pedestrians; you can walk to many other parts of tiny Elbow Cay, too. You can't rent a car on the island, but that's not a problem, as Hope Town has banned all motor vehicles. Bicycles are available at or near most accommodations, which often loan them out free to guests.

If you'd like a golf cart delivered to your hotel, call Island Cart Rentals (tel. 242/366-0448 in the U.S.; www.islandcartrentals.com); these gas or electric carts cost US$45 per day or US$270 per week. Hotels provide shuttle vans to and from town, and some restaurants offer pick-up and drop-off service at dinnertime if you call ahead. Taxis meet incoming flights at Marsh Harbour Airport, as well as arriving ferries at the docks. The staff at your hotel can call for one when you need it.

Fast Facts -- If you need medical attention, go to Marsh Harbour. A local post office (tel. 242/366-0098) is at the head of the upper public dock, but expect mail sent from here to take a long time. Hours are Monday through Friday from 9am to noon and 1 to 5pm.