I'm sure you'd love the Ragged Islands. You'll be close to the bottom along parts of the Comer Channel from Salt Pond but should make it OK, especially if not right at low tide. The Salt Pond fishing boats do it all the time.

Try Joe's Sound near the north end of Long Island. Cat Island is nice and quiet. Stop at Conception between them for some great snorkeling.

My favorite town in the Bahamas is Black Point in the Exumas. It's a small village with, usually, a couple dozens boats in the anchorage. (If you stop there, make sure you get a loaf of Paymon Rolle's coconut bread - check with her daughter Lorraine.) Little Farmer's Cay just south of Black Point is also nice. Terry Bain at Ocean Cabin is someone you'll enjoy meeting.

Enjoy.