Travel Notes
You need a valid passport to enter the Bahamas. If you an American citizen, a
valid birth certificate and identification is sufficient although we would recommend
bringing a valid passport.
Arrival at Marsh Harbor
The first thing to do upon arrival at the Marsh Harbour airport is to pick up a rental
car. Usually the rental car company will meet you at the airport with the car. If not,
you can take a taxi to their office in Marsh Harbour, which is a 10-minute drive. We
recommend Sea Star Rentals as they are the most service minded
and will pick you up at the airport. If you arrive on a Sunday you will have to call
them and they will leave a car for you at the airport as they are closed on Sunday.
Renting a Boat
Having a boat is great but sometimes it is a bit tricky getting to Little Harbour, especially
if the wind is blowing hard. Along the way to Little Harbour there are portions
of the waterway that are exposed to the ocean and there can be a heavy swell so you
really need a lot of boating experience to safely negotiate these waters under such
conditions.
Many people who rent a car upon arriving then come back the next day and return to
the rental villa with a boat for three or four days and then return and take the car
again. We do not recommend returning the boat the same day that you have to leave
to return to the airport. If you’re staying at home due to financial reasons and are in need
of short sale help than check out that site.
It is great to have a boat as there are some wonderful places to explore. For example
there is an underwater marine reserve half way between the rental house and Marsh
Harbour. There are moorings where you can tie up to and snorkel from the boat.
For those renting a boat in Marsh Harbour, theGPS coordinates of Little Harbour
and Bahama Backroads Villa Rental:
26.19 N
77.00 W
Money
There is a cash machine in Marsh Harbour at the Barclay’s Bank at the main
intersection in town. There is also a cash machine at theScotiabank. But both machines
issue Bahamamian currency, which is useless in the U.S.
Grocery Shopping
The next step is to go grocery shopping. Currently there are two food markets in
Marsh Harbour. One is called Sawyer’s Abaco Market. The other isPrice Right.
Sawyer’s Abaco Market has a better meat selection. It is located just off the main
thoroughfare (Don McKay Blvd.) on the left just past the Texaco gas station (which
is on the right) as you travel into Marsh Harbour.
To get to Price Right turn right at the ESSO gas station and then make your first
left, which should be Stratton Drive. Both food stores accept VISA. Sawyer’s Market
is open on Sunday until 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on other days.
The best place buy beer, wine and spirits is A & K Liquors on Queen Elizabeth
Drive. To reach the store turn right at the main intersection (where the Barclay’s
Bank is on the left hand side of the street) and go a quarter of a mile or so. A & K
Liquors is located between Soldier’s Road and Stede Bonnett Road. You can pay with
a credit card at this liquor store. Tip: The Chilean wines against the wall in the wine
room are the best value. The California and European wines are more expensive
because of import duties.
About 100 meters before the A & K liquor store is a small store in a little shopping
center called OII where it is possible to send e-mail. There is also a small store
called the Fish House where fresh fish can be purchased. It is located just down the
street and to the left of the road from the A & K liquor store. It is just across the
street from the water. The Fish House is also next to Triple Jay Marina, where boat
rentals are available.
For more precise details or clarifications about directions ask at the rental car office
where maps of the town should be available. Also, you can ask at the Texaco gas station on right as you drive into town. The town is quite small and easy to find your way around.