If you’re craving a destination that still feels like a secret—where boats outnumber cars and shoes are more optional than required—set your compass for Elbow Cay, a small, soul-restoring slice of the Abacos in the Bahamas. Think pastel cottages, salty breezes, and the most beautiful water. The perfect spot for a family Bahamas trip, Elbow Cay offers a slower rhythm, a perfect place to unwind and spend time with family on the boat and the beach.
Where to Stay on Elbow Cay
You won’t find high-rise hotels here—and that’s the point. Most visitors book private homes in Hope Town or along the island’s quieter southern end. We rented on the Turtle Hill area through Elbow Cay rentals. You can also stay at Firefly Inn, Abacos Inn and Hope Town Inn. We visited all 3 places and loved them all.
To make the most of your time, you’ll need to rent both a boat (we used Blue Water Marina) and a golf cart. The golf cart handles everything on land, while the boat is your ticket to explore nearby cays, sandbars, and beach bars. Without both, you’ll miss the best parts of the Abacos experience.
Don’t-Miss Spots Around Elbow Cay
Pete’s Pub – Little Harbour
This open-air beach bar is worth the boat ride south. Pull up to the dock in Little Harbour, grab a Blaster (the house rum drink—so good), and leave your mark. Pete’s is everything a beach bar should be: unpolished, legendary, and loaded with character. Don’t forget to bring a t-shirt from home, coozie or something to sign and hang on the ceilings! We left a mark from our family Bahamas trip!
Grabbers – Great Guana Cay
Fresh conch ceviche made on the dock- amazing! Try their signature drink and then walk to Nippers. The vibe is effortlessly casual—think conch fritters, frozen drinks, and hammocks under the palms.
Nippers – Great Guana Cay
You’ve heard of it for a reason. Nippers isn’t quiet, but it’s iconic. If you’re in town on a Sunday, the beachside pig roast draws a crowd from across the Abacos. Live music, dancing, and technicolor drinks all flow freely—though you’ll need to make peace with the fact that you’ll probably lose track of time. Bring your sense of humor, a fan and your Advil.
Tahiti Beach – Elbow Cay (South End)
Our fav- this is why you rent a boat! If you want proof that paradise still exists, this is it. Tahiti Beach is where white sand, sea stars, and shallow turquoise water create one of the most idyllic settings in the Bahamas. Make sure to take a picture on the swings. There’s even a floating bar, the Thirsty Cuda, (yes, floating) that serves up tropical cocktails (the pina colada was my all time fav I’ve ever had) and cheeseburgers!
Scotland Cay – Private and Peaceful
Though it’s a private island, Scotland Cay is worth a visit when the tide is right. We anchored and swam with sea turtles. Make sure to walk the pink sand beach, we found the most perfect starfish and lots of conch shells.
What to Pack and Wear
Bring light linens, a wide-brim hat, sandals you don’t mind getting wet, and swimsuits you’ll actually swim in. Add a breezy button-down, a few sun-faded tees, and a sweater to layer while on the nighttime golf cart rides after a day in the sun. Make sure to grab a bag from HopeTown Canvas or Man-O-War as a memento.
From bathing suits to casual dinner styles, check out all of my Bahamas looks here.
A few things to do/thoughts:
People tell you to pack a bunch of food, but we brought way more than we needed. We enjoyed eating at the local spots, it is pricey, but you really get a feel for the place this way. You can also stop at Maxwell’s grocery store in Marsh Harbor when you arrive for essentials.
There seems to be themed nights at all of the local places. Check them out and plan accordingly.We went to Cap’n Jacks for Bingo on Monday night (get there early, it’s a local’s fav). You can play trivia while eating dinner at On Da Beach, which was located directly next door to the home we rented. We started the days with the cinnamon rolls from Vernon’s and Sea Biscuit, both were delish!
Elbow Cay has so much to offer and is the perfect spot for a family Bahamas trip!
