We are busting out in a few weeks for salt water. Not sure where yet; Tortugas or Abacos. We have not been to the Abacos since the big storm. Usually take a straight line from Ft Pierce to Great Sale Cay. Has anybody been over the Matanilla Shoals lately? Still have water? Or, any docks left in Ft Myers? Rose Marina still open on Marco Island? Fort Jefferson still navigable?
The keys are awful unless you re into strip malls and cheap motels. Tortugas are ok but it s really just a couple of anchorages. Same distance, same fuel will get you to the Exumas. No brainer Abacos are ok but to me don’t come even close to the Exumas. Yeah it’s closer for you but out of where you are the distance difference is nothing. Go for the gold. we ve been here for a couple of weeks… even after am ost 20 years we still find new spots.
I'd do the Exumas as well. But have an Abacos trip next week. Green Turtle Cay is nice, Elbow Cay is really nice, boat harbor too, all the marinas and resorts at them have been rebuilt. Rose is open on Marco, inlet needs special knowledge. Some docks left in Ft. Myers. Bank North of Freeport is fine. Fort Jefferson is still navigable.
