Second trip to a Bahama out island, 1st was Abaco. I have never seen such gorgeous shades of blue! Beaches are absolutely beautiful. Bahamian people are warm, friendly and very helpful. Dined everywhere on conch until we were "conched" out. Stayed at February Point, villas are outstanding. If able, try to visit one of the out islands, it's a really great experience. You will not be sorry! And getting there is half the fun! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Yes, LBI is my Long Beach Island home. Bring lots of ice next week, the heat has been horrendous! We did fly out of PHL on USair but never again. We had to deplane twice due to mechanical problems, got to FLL late and missed our first connection and just made the 6pm out. Luggage never came with me, received 36 hours later. Anyway, we loved Exuma and the laid back atmosphere. Most of the out islands are much the same. Most of your dining is local food (conch) which we loved.Locals are great, warm and friendly. Very little crime, if any. Always felt safe. Would I choose Exuma over SXM? No, they are very different in so many ways. We happen to like SXM, it fits our style and there is no better dining anywhere than SXM. We have been all over the Caribbean but we still go back to SXM twice a year.

Philly to FLL. Then a Continental Gulfstream (19 seater) non-stop to Georgetown, Exuma. Flight took approx. 1 hour and 10 mins. Flew at 19,000 feet but the view below is absolutely breathtaking!

There are nice small hotels much less expensive than Sandals. Augusta Bay seems nice, we ate there one evening and had a great dinner. Also Peace 'N Plenty in Georgetown looks neat, ate there also. From what I have read, I'm not sure I would even stay at Sandals, they assign you a butler and I understand you are to tip him (at least $20 per day). I'm just not in to that type of vacation.

Sorry, no pics, can you believe we forgot our camera! I do have one picture in my mind that will stay with me forever. Looking out of our small plane window at the sea below. I have never seen anything so absolutely beautiful!! Colors were unbelievable. Tropic of Cancer beach was stunning! Don't miss Stocking Island, feed the sting rays right on the beach while you are swimming. Chat 'n Chill Sunday pig roast is a must do. Unfortunately we were unable to rent a boat as the wind conditions were not good. Most of the better beaches are accessible by boat only. Very laid back island, enjoyed every minute. I have read most of your trip reports, have you been to Exuma? There are so many cays to the north, it must be a sailors haven. Missed Johnny Depp, ha-ha. Running out of adjectives trying to describe just how gorgeous it is. Did I leave anything out?