Kayaking in the Bahamas?

[sillygoosegirl]

Anyone been kayaking in the Bahamas?  Or elsewhere in the Caribbean?  Ideally without breaking the bank?  

We're looking to take a week or maybe 6-7 business days off work this winter (late January or early February) to visit family in Atlanta and also do some vacationing (ideally go somewhere closer to Atlanta than to our home in Portland).  We want something where we need to be totally unplugged, that will be physically strenuous (we find it's easiest to relax the mind when the body is working hard).  I think it would be really cool to do some sea kayaking in the Caribbean.  I went to the Bahamas as a kid and I was pretty enchanted by all the little uninhabited islands so close together that they have in some parts of that country.  Plus I recall some pretty amazing snorkeling.  We've done a small amount of sea kayaking before (a 4 day guided trip in the Great Lakes), and would love to do something similar if we can either find an outfitter that won't charge an arm and a leg, or the resources to plan something we could do on our own.  I'm having trouble finding much info on Google... probably Googling the wrong things.  Anyone done this?  Can you tell me about it or point me in the right direction?

Other suggestions for an active ~5-day trip from Atlanta in Jan/Feb?  (It has to be Jan/Feb, that's when we can get off work.)

[mdgirl]

Have you thought about Puerto Rico? It has rain forest as well as water activities. I don't know if it's in your price range, but the Sierra Club has an outing to Vieques in February. Even if you don't want to do that I find that their trips are a good way to see what's available in an area and think about your own itinerary.

[orangello]

Bahamas can possibly be slightly chilly at that time of year - if you're looking for warmth, I'd go somewhere where the weather is more consistent. Have you thought about the USVIs or the BVIs? Tons of islands, calm waters, and gorgeous. I know St. John has a really nice campground (it's more cabins than tents) which can save you some $. Turks & Caicos may be a possibility, too - a little warmer than the Bahamas, and lots of small cayes around.