WELCOME

Thanks for Choosing to Stay at Rooster Beach

Pierre and I would like to personally welcome you to Rooster Beach and hope you have a wonderful time while visiting the island of Elbow Cay.

To make your stay an enjoyable one, we’re providing some additional information which we feel will assist you in having a safe and happy holiday.

We do our best to keep this ‘Guest Information Guide’ current in terms of local businesses and information that you will find useful.

If there’s anything you need to make your stay with us more enjoyable, please don’t hesitate to contact us prior to your arrival or during your stay. We also have a team in Hope Town who help us manage the property – we will do our best to solve any issues that may arise.

Questions Prior to Your Arrival or During Your Stay

Property Owners

Dawna & Pierre

Toronto: 416-705-8079 WhatsApp™

Toronto: 416-455-0013 WhatsApp™

Hope Town: 242-816-0152 WhatsApp™ Roosterbeach.com

roosterbeachco@gmail.com

Local Property Manager

Caroline Key

Hope Town: 242-458-6996 WhatsApp™

TV & Internet

The Internet Network: Rooster Beach

Password: Trucking01

We provide complimentary high-speed Internet (STARLINK™) access to all our guests. We do not provide cable TV, but we do have a large SmartTV™. You can catch ‘Sports TV programming’ at both the Firefly and The Abaco Inn.

Air Cond. & Electricity

Electricity is the same as the USA and Canada/ 110 volts-60 hrs. Production on the island is not very reliable and it’s super expensive. Should you leave your suite for more than one hour, please turn off all lights and fans. You can leave the AC units on as they are high efficiency units. The ‘Generator’ out front will kick in automatically when the city power goes out. It will take a couple of minutes so please be patient. The Generator will automatically shut off when the city power returns. Again – it will take a few minutes to adjust. NEVER TOUCH THE GENERATOR. IF THERE IS A PROBLEM, PLEASE CONTACT THE PROPERTY

MANGER or call us – phone #s below.

Local Phone #s

Emergency: Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue: 242-801-9991 or htvfr.org
Police: 242-377-8213
Hope Town Marina: 242-366-0003
Firefly Resort: Local: 242-366-0145 or U.S: 843-492-5344 / 843-492-4332
Gypsy Seafood: Rick & Caralee: 242-359-6991
Abaco Inn: 242-699-1368
Museum: 242-366-0293
Emerge Car Rental: Marsh Harbour: 242-827-1067
Bike Rental/Hope Town Canvas™: 1-242-577-1615
The Ferry: 242-822-0290
G&L Ferry: 242 -359-6208 or 242- 577-0611

Arrival in Marsh Harbour

A couple of days prior to your arrival please send us an email confirming your arrival time into either Marsh Harbour or Hope Town. roosterbeachco@gmail.com

Marsh Harbour Airport to Elbow Cay/Hope Town

Taxi Pick-up at Marsh Harbour Airport:

Peter Pratt 242-825-9325

Lisa Moss – 242-475-2814 / Earl Moss – 242-475-9175/ earlmoss16@hotmail.com

Take a taxi from the airport to the Ferry Landing in Marsh Harbour. Taxis are approximately

$25-$28.00 ($US or $BD) per person CASH ONLY! The Ferry will take you to Hope Town where we will meet you at the ‘Harbour Lodge’ dock. This ferry ride takes approximately 20 minutes from

G&L Ferry: gandlferry.com & The Ferry: theferrylimited.com

The Ferry: (242)-822-0290 or G&L Ferry (242) 359-6208 or (242) 577-0611

Please make sure to check the departure times as the ferry has very specific schedule. If you miss the last ferry to Hope Town, you will need to charter a ferry at your expense at a cost of

$150.00 US – CASH ONLY!

Arrival to Hope Town – Harbour Lodge Dock

TAXI: Reserve a few days ahead of your arrival – Abaco Inn – 242-699-1368

$10.00 Flat Rate – will take your party and luggage to Rooster Beach. You can then have the golf cart rental deliver your cart to the house

GOLF CART

We highly recommend you reserve a golf cart as soon as your travel plans are in place. If you wait even two/three weeks prior to your holiday you may find yourself without transportation. This is especially true in high season.
Inform the golf cart rental company that you wish to have the golf cart waiting for you upon your arrival at ‘Harbour Lodge Dock’. Some of the golf cart companies will provide this service and some will not. Either way you MUST ARRANGE TO GET YOURSELFS AND YOUR LUGGAGE TO OUR PROPERTY. Our property manager will be there to meet you and escort you to our property.

· Be aware you cannot rent a car on Elbow Cay. Only golf carts and bikes.

Departure from Hope Town – Harbour Lodge Dock

Make sure you pre-arrange to return the golf cart to the ‘Harbour Lodge Dock’ when you leave the island. The golf cart vendor will meet you there so you can return the key and sign off that it has been returned.

Golf Cart Rental Companies

elbowcaycartrentals.com
lighthousegolfcartrentals.com
hopetowncartrental.com
getawaycartrentals.com
islandcartrentals.com

Note: We’re not affiliated with any of the above companies

Boat Rentals & Fishing Charters

getmyboat.com/boat-rental

Hope Town Guide

facebook.com/Hopetown guide
hopetownguide.com
facebook.com/groups/HopeTownBulletin

Boat Dock Rental

Rooster Beach has a dock for rent. It is located right across the road from the house. It does not have electricity or water hook-up. Please let us know if you require docking privileges. We charge $3.00 U.S. per foot per day. You can also rent space at Hope Town Marina, Sea Spray (when it opens) or Lighthouse Marina at a higher price.

Rooster Beach Location

Rooster Beach is in White Sound which is in the south part of Elbow Cay. Just 100 meters south of the Abaco Inn. The house faces the ocean - east – the Atlantic Ocean. Golf Cart Parking is abundant on the property.

Garage Doors

When you leave the suite, please close and lock both glass garage doors. Lock all additional doors.

Restaurants & Take- Out

Abaco Inn – just north of Rooster Beach – make reservations -– cash & credit cards
Firefly – off main road – make reservations – cash & credit cards
Skoops & Things - coffee & ice cream
Willies – cash only
Mackey’s – cash & credit cards
Cap’n Jacks – cash & credit cards
Sweet Island Delights – cash only
On Da-Beach - cash & credit cards
Munchies – Hope Town Settlement - cash only
Sea Biscuit - Café & Bakery: 242 -804-1516 – cash only
Nestled in Turtle Hill Resort right across from On Da-Beach
Hope Town Marina – 242-366-0003 - cash & credit cards Call for water shuttle to pick you up at the ‘Harbour Lodge Dock’

Fresh Fish

If you would like to order fish to cook at home

Gypsy Seafood – Rick & Caralee: 242-359-6991 – WhatsApp™

Beaches

Elbow Cay is surrounded by beautiful beaches. Rooster Beach is right on the Atlantic Ocean. We do our best to keep the beach clean but unfortunately trash does wash-up – it comes all the way from Africa. Both Tahiti Beach and the City Beach in the Hope Town Settlement are just a 10-minute golf cart ride away. You cannot rent a lounge chair or umbrella at any of the beaches so makes sure you bring what you need in terms of shade. We provide beach towels for your convenience.

Other Cays to Visit:

Private Boat or Rented Car

Marsh Harbour - Pete’s Pub: petespub.com
Marsh Harbour - Treasure Cay: abacoescape.com/TreasureCay.html
You can rent a car on Marsh Harbour and visit the above attractions

Private or Chartered Boat Only:

Turtle Cay - abacoescape.com/GreenTurtleCay.html
Lubbers Cay – Lubbers Landing - thelandingabaco.com

There are no direct Ferries from Hope Town to either of these two Cays. The Ferries to both these Cays depart from Marsh Harbour.

Guana Cay - Nippers: nippersbar.com & Grabbers: grabbersatsunset.com
Man-O-War - (Museum & Café open till noon on weekdays & Saturday)

Eco-Friendly Sunscreen

The Bahamian oceans are very healthy and some of the cleanest waters in the world, so it’s in all our best interests to keep it that way. We encourage you to purchase ‘eco-friendly’ sunscreen as part of a preservation effort which helps protect the coral and sea life.

We recommend ‘ThinkSport™’. Any sunscreen that is not marked “eco-friendly” will bleach/harm the reef and contributes to its demise. Please help us keep our oceans healthy. You can purchase ‘eco-friendly’ sunscreen at Whole Foods™ or most health food stores. It works just as well as the major brands.

Seashells

The beautiful and delicate shells and coral bits seen along the beach are what creates the sand itself. As you may know, the beaches around the world are eroding at an alarming rate, so please be environmentally conscious and not take shells, starfish, or sand dollars from the beach or in the ocean. If they are in the ocean, it is highly likely they are still alive. Furthermore, they are an essential food source for marine life and a critical part of maintaining our island ecosystem.

Screened in Porch

The screened in veranda has comfortable seating and a mini-Weber™ BBQ just outside for grilling fresh fish which you can purchase from one of the island fish mongers.

The veranda door does not lock from the outside so please do not leave any valuables on the veranda when you go out for the day or evening. Also make sure you lock the French doors and garage doors when you retire for the evening. You are free to keep the bedroom window open while you sleep if you don’t want to turn on the Air Conditioning. Many guests opt to do this as the evening temperatures in the winter season are quite pleasant. Never bring the propane tank, or the BBQ unit into the suite. Please turn off and tighten the knob on the propane tank after each time you are finished using it until it is firmly closed. Cigarette flicks can damage the veranda screens so please do not smoke.

Pantry Kitchen

Feel free to use anything in the pantry free of charge. It’s there for your convenience. No need to tell us what you’ve used. It’s fine to leave groceries in the fridge or supplies in the pantry when you depart Rooster Beach. We will collect any leftover items and give them to families in need on the island.

We have tried our best to equip the kitchen so you can prepare a great meal. If there’s something you need that’s not there, please don’t hesitate to ask. Hopefully we will be able to accommodate your request. If something breaks, please let our Property Manager know upon check out – so we can replace it for the next Guests.

Garbage

Please place your garbage out on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – Best to leave it out the night before as they collect it around 7:30AM. Place the garbage bags in front of the Generator stand. Unfortunately, they do not recycle here so everything goes into one bin.

Food Shopping

There are three small grocers on the island. They all take cash and credit cards. Please check times of operations as they may close early on Sundays.

Vernon’s - Hope Town Settlement. You cannot take your golf cart post the entrance to the settlement
LVA – Middle of island off main road
Quality Convenience– On main road beside ‘Sweet Island Delights’

The selection of products at the grocery stores are limited and expensive. Items you might consider bringing with you include wine and spirits, cereal, crackers, fine cheese, bread, peanut butter, your favorite snacks, vacuumed sealed meat(s), only vacuumed sealed sandwich meats, etc. Please Note: bringing in fruits, vegetables or fresh meat into the Bahamas is prohibited by law. You will pay a huge fine, so please do not chance it.

If you want to do a big shop, Marsh Harbour has two very large grocery stores – ‘Maxwells’& ‘Abaco Groceries’. Some Guests do a big shop prior to getting on the Ferry upon arrival in Marsh Harbour or take the Ferry to Marsh Harbour the next day. You will need to take a taxi from the Marsh Harbour ferry dock to each of the grocery stores. Abaco Groceries has a liquor store attached to it. Make sure you bring ID if you’re purchasing groceries in Marsh Harbour with a credit card.

Wine & Spirits

There are three liquor shops on the island. All take credit cards.

Cap’n Jacks – in Hope Town Settlement – cash & credit cards
Abaco Spirits - just west of Willie’s Takeout – cash & credit cards

Wine selection is limited, so if you have a preferred brand that you enjoy, we suggest you bring a couple of bottles along with you. You can also purchase bottles of wine from both the Firefly, Abaco Inn and in Marsh Harbour.

Cleaning Services

The cleaning fee you were charged up-front is for the cleaning of your suite upon your departure. If you require additional cleaning services while you are here, we would be happy to arrange it. Each cleaning session is between $150.00 – 250.00 USD depending on the level of cleaning you want - and must be paid in cash directly to the cleaner.

Sand Management

Please rinse your feet of all sand each time you enter your suite. Sand in the shower and kitchen drains may result in clogging of the pipes and could require plumbing. PLEASE DO NOT RINCE THE SAND FROM YOUR FEET IN THE SHOWERS. If you need it, there is a broom and dustbin located in the kitchen pantry cupboard.

Lock Up!!!

Please lock the door and close all windows in your suite each time you leave. The island is very safe, but don’t make it easy for petty thieves. It only takes a matter of seconds to lock and unlock the doors. The glass double French doors leading from the living room to the deck only lock from the inside. Lock the smaller glass garage door and the white single door next to it with a key. When you go out for the evening, please make sure you don’t leave anything of value on the veranda. Always better to be safe than sorry. Also close all the windows as rain can come without notice.

Security

There is no ‘safe’ currently available.

Bikes

Can be rented at Hope Town Canvas™ in the Hope Town Settlement - 1-242-577-1615

Transportation

You’re not in Kansas anymore. Here in the Bahamas, they drive on the left-hand side of the road. Foreign drivers’ licenses are accepted for golf cart rentals and bike rentals. No

Car rentals on the island.

Water

We’re happy to provide you with unlimited fresh, filtered water drinking water and fridge ice at no additional charge. The tap water is fine for showering and teeth brushing. Though some people prefer to use filtered water for the latter. Ice in drinks at any restaurant on the island is perfectly safe to consume. The filtered drinking water faucet is to the left of the main faucet in the kitchen. Please do not twist or handle the filter faucet aggressively. It runs slowly so please be patient.

Mosquitos

There is no Malaria or Zika in the Bahamas but like most islands there are mosquitos and noceums. While daytime mosquitoes are few and far between, at dusk, they do start to come out. You can rarely see them, but they are pesky, and they do bite. Therefore, we have screened in the veranda for your comfort. When out in the evening we recommend that you use bug spray to protect yourself. You might also consider bringing ‘After Bite™’, Benadryl™ spray or Avon’s Skin So Soft™

Linens & Towels

Our bed linens are 100% cotton, for your comfort. Additional towels and beach towels are in your bedroom wardrobe/amoire. Please help yourself to whatever you need. Please place the used linens and towels in the hamper. If you are staying more than one week, we will leave a set of clean sheets in the Armoire should you wish to change your sheets. Please do not take bathroom towels out to the beach. Beach towels have been provided for your convenience.

Safety

Elbow Cay is a very safe island. That said, it’s in your best interest not to carry large amounts of cash with you at any given time. It’s also very safe to take a walk anywhere on the island or along the beach at night. We do, however, advise you to be prudent.

Fire Extinguisher

The home is equipped with a brand-new fire extinguisher located next to the fridge in the vacuum closet. We will familiarize you with how to use it upon your arrival.

First Aid

Your suite contains two First Aid Kits. You will find it in the kitchen beside the garbage drawer. Please feel free to use whatever you need. There is no ‘official’ pharmacy on the island. The small grocers only sell various ‘health’ related items so bring what you need if it’s important to your daily health. There are larger pharmacies in Marsh Harbour if you require something you can’t find in Hope Town. Consider purchasing travel medical insurance prior to your trip.

Hopefully you won’t need it but if you do, there is no hospital on Elbow Cay. For serious injuries you will be taken to Marsh Harbour or air lifted to Nassau or Miami at your expense.

Elbow Cay Local Clinic

Hope Town Clinic

Open Monday to Friday - 9:00AM – 3:00PM Closed on weekends

Hope Town Clinic -1- 242-366-0108 elbowcaycommunity.com/news/hope-town-clinic

Banks & ATMs

There are no banks or ATMs on the island, so, make sure you bring enough cash for your time here. If you need access to an ATM, you will have to take the ferry to Marsh Harbour. There are three banks on the mainland – RBC & CIBC & Commonwealth Bank. Again, you will need to take a taxi from the ferry to any of the banks listed above. There is an ATM charge to withdrawal money. The local currency is the Bahamian dollar and the U.S. dollar.

No Smoking

Please respect this rule.

Laundry

Should you require it, there is a laundromat 5 minutes away by golf cart. It is called ‘The Laundry Shack’. You can purchase tokens and do the laundry yourself. You will need to bring our own detergent etc. If you want a full-service laundry service ‘Hope Town Canvas’ will take it off your hands. Drop it off and they will handle it. They are in the Hope Town Settlement.

Check out - 11:00 AM

Our Property Manager will arrive at 11:00am to check you out. Please leave your house key with her and ensure all the windows are closed.

PLEASE ENSURE ALL WINDOWS ARE CLOSED BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE!!!

You’re here to relax. Not to clean, so please do not clean the suite or strip the beds the day you are leaving. Stack the dishwasher but there is no need to turn it on. We can do that. Food that’s left in the fridge will be given to a local family in need.

On the day of your departure, please arrange for you to deliver your golf cart rental directly to the ferry dock. That way you can drive yourselves and your luggage to the dock. Make sure you check the ferry times as weekends and statutory holidays may affect your departure schedule. Example: An 11:30AM ferry to Marsh Harbour airport is needed to make a 2:30PM flight.

Should you have any questions or require additional information please don’t hesitate to contact us by phone or email.

Thank you for choosing to stay at Rooster Beach.

Enjoy!!!!!