Cerulean, an extraordinary new home on Man-O-War Cay

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Where is Man-O-War?
MOW is one of the Abaco Cays, a chain of small islands that run down the eastern edge of Great Abaco Island, the 100 mile long northern stretch of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Cays are separated from the mainland by the Sea of Abaco, a comfortably shallow (12–20’ ) deep sound. The distances across between the islands range between 2 & 5 miles.

How do I get there?
One can fly into Marsh Harbour (MHH) or come on your own vessel as our dock will accommodate most vessels under 60'. Boats with significant draft can anchor at the marina but the house does have a mooring in the harbour close to the house dock. Flights are available from Miami, Nassau, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona and New Smyrna and connections from all major airlines are available. Major carriers include American, Continental, US Airways, Delta, Bahamas Air, and some smaller carriers, which frequently prove more pleasant and accommodating including Craig Air Center (http://craigaircenter.com/) out of Jacksonville, Florida.

Once in Marsh Harbour, get a taxi into town. You can make some preliminary grocery and beverage stops in route to either the Ferry Docks or wherever your party or boat rental representative is going to meet you. Note that Man O War is "dry" so you must purchase your alcohol in Marsh Harbour. Alcohol is not prohibited on MOW, by any means, it is simply not sold on the island.

The boat ride over to Man O War is a beautiful 15-20 minute jaunt.

Is renting a house in the Abacos for me?
If your idea of a great vacation is centered on room service, waterslides, Vegas-style entertainment, or wait staff offering tropical drinks, there are other places we've enjoyed and can recommend. At Cerulean you will not have the "waited on" experience but you will create your own day, relaxing in this lovely home with magnificent views and maybe exploring the Bahamian waters and nearby islands in your boat. Fishing abounds from the simplest to the serious.

Safety
Man of War Cay and all of the Cays are some of the safest civilized places on earth. The biggest risks are those we create ourselves (intoxicated boating, sunburns, falls, fish hooks, and cuts). Bring flip flops or sandals, sunscreen and some bandaids and you are largely covered for most risks.

How many people will the house accommodate?
This house will sleep more people than you want to vacation with and, quite frankly, more than we want there at one time. The extra beds on the ground level and in the boat house are meant to enlarge options for families, particularly for the kids who want some space from their parents (and parents who might appreciate that space as well). Realistically, our experience is that vacationing in one house, no matter how big, with more than one or two other families at a time is "too many."

Cerulean will sleep two large families with beds to spare.

Must we rent a Boat?
The Abacos is a boating, water-oriented destination. The numerous beaches are spectacular but you'll need a boat to explore the nearby islands. It is possible to visit the Abacos, not rent a boat and have a relaxing, wonderful time, but our experience is that being in the Abacos without a boat is a bit like being in Los Angeles without a car.

For cruising around Man O War and the wonderful harbour and local beaches, you will have full use of a 13 foot unsinkable Boston Whaler Dauntless at the house ( you pay only for the fuel and oil use). It is the perfect boat for getting to town quickly to purchase your groceries and fresh bread from Lola, or indulge in an afternoon ice cream cone. This boat is NOT permitted on the Atlantic side, nor to be used for island hopping.

You will enhance your vacation by renting a full size boat. Rentals range from 18' to 23' or so. This will enable you to experience the Abacos and island-hop to Elbow Cay ( Hopetown, White Sound Tahiti Beach), Marsh Harbour (shopping, dining, Mermaid Reef snorkeling), Great Guana Cay (Nippers, Bakers Bay, Shell Island) and beyond. There are several reliable boat rental companies in area including Waterways Rentals, owned and operated by Jay and Samantha Sands on Man O War.