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 $15 for adults; a same-day round-trip costs $25. Children 6 to 11 pay half-price.

Fast Facts

Elbow Cay's long, secluded white-sand shores, some backed by dunes, are some of the most stunning in The Bahamas. Though accommodations are located on or near beaches, the strands remain virtually vacant because the hotels are small and few in number.

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 $45 per day or $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.

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