About Hopetown and Elbow Cay     

Elbow Cay

Elbow Cay (pronounced "key") is a 4 mile long barrier island located in the northeastern Bahamas off the larger islands known as the Abacos. Far enough away from the States to discourage weekend visitors, yet still easily accessible via the international airport in Marsh Harbour (the third largest Bahamian city), the island offers natural beauty and civilized comforts without over-development. It is private without being isolated. With a year-round population of a few hundred people, Hopetown is the largest settlement. 

Hopetown

Founded in 1785, Hopetown is clearly the most scenic settlement in the Bahamas. The harbour and its famous lighthouse, which must be toured, are stunningly beautiful. The quaint, vibrant-colored houses reflect simpler days. Motorized vehicles are restricted from town, so the streets are quiet and a pleasure to walk. There are excellent restaurants, grocery stores, liquor stores, a museum, and interesting gift shops.

 

Climate

The climate is subtropical in nature, with temperatures stabilized by the vast amounts of surrounding water.  Fall and spring are delightful, with warm days and pleasantly cool nights. Summers are quite warm, but comfortable due to constant ocean breezes. Winters are quite pleasant, with temperatures typically in the 70s during the day, and upper 60s at night. A light sweater or jacket is the extent of needed winter wear.  Click here for temperature data. 

The Residents

Many local residents are descendents of British Loyalists that left the southern US in Revolutionary War times, hence they are fiercely independent (even of their own government), and their accents still retain vestiges of their British ancestry. More recent residents were attracted by the lifestyle and natural beauty of the island. In general, local residents are sincere, unobtrusively friendly, and appreciative of visitors. They do not exhibit the surly attitude toward visitors typical in the more populous, resort-oriented areas. 

Local Economy

The focus of the local economy is catering to second home owners and visitors renting those homes. There are no big businesses or factories, no cruise ships, and no mega resorts. With almost 100 rental homes and a few small island "hotels", virtually every resident is involved, one way or another, in assuring that visitors have an enjoyable time while on the island. 

Safety

Hopetown is one of the safest places in the Bahamas, and the local residents work hard to keep it that way. Crime is nearly non-existent. One can walk safely anywhere on the island at any time. Occupied houses are rarely locked. 

Medical Care

Hopetown has a Fire and Rescue Department for emergencies, with more involved care available in Marsh Harbour, about a 30 minute boat ride away. With numerous commercial flights and air charters available in Marsh Harbour, serious medical conditions are usually treated in Florida.

Food and Drink

Elbow Cay has 4 grocery stores, 3 liquor stores, and 8 restaurants. The grocery stores are surprisingly well stocked for small stores. (After all, they have to meet the diverse needs of several hundred residents and visitors.) Wine, beer, and liquor selections are very good. The restaurants are typically casual with fare ranging from simple to gourmet. None will disappoint. Almost every restaurant has an associated bar, which may be quite lively at night. 

Money Matters

Bahamian currency and US currency are equal in value, and either is readily accepted.  Most every business accepts credit cards, so large amounts of cash or traveler’s checks are unnecessary. (There are no ATMs on the island, but several at Marsh Harbour.)

Communications

Despite being an island and a long way from the US mainland, there are telephones, fax machines, computers, the internet, and cable TV. 

Water

Drinkable water on the island comes from rain collection via gutters/cisterns or reverse osmosis water makers. It is perfectly safe.  As the water supply is either finite (cisterns) or manufactured (RO systems), conservation is always prudent. 

Power

Electrical voltage is the same as in the US. In years past, brownouts and blackouts were common, but are now of short duration and infrequent. Still, there may be outages and the best way to deal with them is to maintain a good attitude.