Local Information

HJ

If you rent Milkyberry Bay Cottage  we are sure you will have a truly wonderful stay.  We hope you will find the following notes useful, but if there is anything else you would like to know, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Local Caretaker:  Our caretaker is Mrs. Frances Sands. 

VHF Call Sign  ‘Sweet and Sour’  (She is, however, always sweet and never sour!!)

Frances will meet you off the ferry and take you to the cottage where she will show you around and make you feel at home.

Ferries:  The local ferry company is called Alburys Ferry and runs at the following times:-

From Marsh Harbour to Great Guana Cay: - 10.15AM,  1.30PM,  3.30PM &  5.45PM

From Great Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour: -   8.00AM,  11.30AM,  2.30PM &  4.45PM
 

Money  The local currency is the Bahamian Dollar which is of equal value to the US dollar and is interchangeable. There are several banks in Marsh Harbour on the island of Great Abaco. Most credit cards are accepted on Great Guana Cay and Great Abaco but we would advise bringing some US$ in cash and/or travellers cheques as well.

Medical There are NO medical facilities on Great Guana Cay.  In an emergency, the local Guana Rescue team (who have first aid training and can administer oxygen) will charter a boat or ferry to take the injured party to the Marsh Harbour, where there is a clinic, staffed by qualified doctors and nurses. We strongly advise that you take out appropriate medical insurance.

Telephones  We do not have a telephone installed at our cottage.  However, there are several pay phones located in the village (known as the settlement). Overseas calls can be very expensive.  We suggest that you give our caretaker's telephone number as your emergency contact number but please stress that it is for emergencies only.

Internet There are several wireless hotspots on the island, where connection to the Internet is free. Ask for details from our caretaker on arrival.
 

VHF Radio  Local communication can be done by VHF radio, which is installed in the cottage.  Our caretaker will show you how to use it.

 Electricity and Water These are very precious commodities on Guana.  Please use very carefully.  Our water is pure rainwater, collected from the roof, into the cistern under the front of the house, during the rainy season. If that runs out, we have to buy in water, which will arrive, probably by boat and is VERY expensive!

Groceries There is a small but very well stocked general store on the island which is open every day except Sundays and Bank Holidays. There is also a small liquor store and gift store.  In Marsh Harbour you will find several large supermarket type food stores and also some large liquor stores.

Diving and snorkelling  Some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world is on your doorstep!  We suggest you contact Troy and Maria Albury of Dive Guana at their very pretty base next to Blue Water Grill -  www.diveguana.com for details.

Fishing  Also there fantastic fishing opportunities to be taken.  Contact Troy and Maria, as above or Edmund Pinder or Henry Sands, who also live on Guana.

Boat Rentals The Abacos are known as one of the best sailing areas in the world and there is so much to explore by boat.  Motor boat rentals can be found in Marsh Harbour and Man O War Cay .   Try Troy and Maria Albury at Dive Guana (www.diveguana.com), who have several nice boats to rent or who can arrange rentals for you, from other places. 

Places to Eat Out  There are some great places in which to eat out, namely:-

Nippers  -very informal perched on top of the dunes, overlooking the Atlantic www.nippersbar.com

From the Menu:
Coconut Conch - marinated and fried in a fluffy batter
Chicken “whatever” – boneless chicken breast marinated and grilled to perfection
Fish Nipper – Chefs special - marinated and cooked in a foil pouch with butter, garlic, bell pepper and onion
Fried Fish by the Reef – Grouper fried in a light better
Grilled Fish by the Sea - Dolphin, Wahoo or Tuna marinated and grilled to order
Charbroiled NY Strip Steak Marinated and grilled to your liking
Grilled Lobster tail - Seasonal availability- cooked with butter Onion and garlic
Swim and Surf - grilled Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo with a charbroiled New York strip
Surf and Turf - Seasonal availability - grilled Lobster with a charbroiled New York strip
 

Sunset Grill at Guana Beach – very informal, outside only, by swimming pool and sheltered palm fringed beach, fabulous sunsets.

Orchid  Bay Marina – inside restaurant, glorious views, air conditioned, a touch more formal  www.orchidbay.net

Blue Water Grill – also inside with air conditioning and glorious views. Delicious food.

Check out which ones need to receive your booking and order before 5.00pm.

 






Climate  The Bahamas sub tropical climate makes the islands a wonderful place to visit all the year round. The Gulf Stream and the Trade Winds help to maintain even temperatures throughout the year, ranging from approximately 68 to 86 degrees F during the day and 62 to 72 degrees F at night.  The sea water temperature varies between approximately 73 degrees F in February and 82 degrees F in August/September.

Check the current weather conditions from Barometer Bob, North Man-O-War Cay, Abaco, BAHAMAS  HERE

Visa Information All visitors to the Bahamas must have a passport valid for at least six months, as well as a return ticket.  Visitors from EU countries do not require a visa for stays shorter than three months. If you are travelling via the USA, you will need a US Visa or Visa Waiver.