Nestled in the turquoise waters of the Sea of Abaco, Elbow Cay offers a different flavor of the Bahamas. Flashy mega-resorts, cruise ships and rowdy spring breakers will be all but a distant memory as you discover the true meaning of tropical paradise. The pastel cottages, candy-striped lighthouse and fragrant bougainvillea create a charming New England vibe in the cay's largest settlement of Hope Town, an 18th-century village that's home to most Elbow Cay vacation rentals. The unspoiled White Sound and Garbanzo Beaches serve up plenty of reasons to explore further along the coastline.
For a culture fix within easy reach of your Elbow Cay vacation rental, Wyannie Malone Museum fits the bill perfectly. Dedicated to a South Carolina Loyalist, who fled her home amid the American Revolution and subsequently helped found Hope Town, the museum is tiny but delightfully engaging. Like to learn about Elbow Cay's whaling past? The Cetacean Museum is well worth a visit. With culture ticked off your must-do list, you can enjoy a stroll through the Byrle Patterson Memorial Garden, a tranquil space that offers a pleasant change of pace from the cay's beaches.
With just the right number of amenities, the charming village of Hope Town delights travelers with its small-town vibe. If you don't plan to cook up a storm in the kitchen of your Elbow Cay vacation rental, tucking into a Bahamian breakfast burrito or a guava-banana muffin on the breezy outdoor patio of a local restaurant is a satisfying way to start the day. Later, you might do a spot of sightseeing or browse the village's stalls and boutiques, perhaps choosing hand-dyed Batik gifts for those back home. Why not pop into one of the local bars for a fruity rum cocktail and traditional conch cake?
Elbow Cay boasts a pleasant climate all year round. Over the summer months of July through September, sunseekers can bask in temperatures that often soar past 90 degrees. That said, the threat of hurricanes makes summer in Elbow Cay a definite low season, with most travelers preferring to bag their Elbow Cay vacation rental during the high season of November through mid-April instead. Temperatures in the high season don't differ all that much from the summer months, with high 70s to low 80s par for the course, and a light sweater about all that is needed in terms of a winter wardrobe.
When you're not settling back and enjoying the view from Elbow Cay's beaches, you might choose to get out on the water. Boat rentals and charters are readily available from the harbor, with hour-long trips and full-day excursions among the available options. Trips to the surrounding green spaces are a popular choice, especially to Fowl Cays National Park, an almost 2,000-acre reserve with a colorful reef, and Tilloo Cay National Park, a smaller reserve, but one that is lauded for the presence of yellow-crowned night herons amid its array of tropical birdlife.
Elegant condos, tranquil houseboats and cozy cottages — everyone's ideal place to stay is different. Whatever you're into, you're sure to find something you love among our top vacation rentals in Elbow Cay:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Elbow Cay vacation rental for you.
Strapped for time but eager to get away? A weekend break is just what the doctor ordered. Reserve a couple of nights at one of these rental properties and get ready for sleep-ins, good food and relaxation:
If you're looking for something with more personality than a boring old hotel room, you'll love our studio apartments in Elbow Cay. Whip up a meal in your kitchenette, scroll through social media on the lounge and feel completely at home. Take a peek at some of our coziest cribs:
With Vrbo's fantastic range of short-term rentals in Elbow Cay, you're bound to find a property that's a perfect match. Whether you're on the lookout for somewhere to relax on your own or to reconnect with family and friends, these options are tough to beat:
If your idea of the perfect trip away is to bring along all your friends, you're going to need a whole lot of space. Luckily, there are many vacation rentals in Elbow Cay that cater to large groups, starting with these sprawling retreats:
You'll have your pick of houses with a pool in Elbow Cay, so pull on your swimsuit and get ready to spend your days splashing around. Here are some top-rated options guaranteed to entice you:
Get cracking on your guest list, because Vrbo has tons of family vacation rentals in Elbow Cay that'll roll out the welcome mat for your gang. Here are some of our top picks:
From tiny homes to sprawling villas to everything in between, we've got rental properties in all sizes and shapes. If you don't need a lot of room, one of these one-bedroom vacation rentals might be just the ticket:
Whether you're on the hunt for a two-bedroom property for an extended vacation or just one or two days, we'll help you score the perfect pad. Here are some of our favorite options in Elbow Cay to give you some inspiration:
It's so nice to have a big family or friend group — that is, until you have to find a vacation rental that'll fit you all in. Fortunately, Vrbo has plenty of three-bedroom options in Elbow Cay ready to welcome your gang: