The Islands Of The Bahamas
BOATING & FISHING GUIDE
Florida
Grand Bahama The Abacos Berry Islands Eleuthera
Bimini Nassau Andros
Cat Island San Salvador
The Exumas
Rum Cay Long Island Crooked Island
Acklins Mayaguana
The Inaguas
A Message From the $ 0(66$*( )520 7+( 0,1,67(5 2) 7285,60 $9,$7,21 Minister of Tourism & Aviation Dear Boating Enthusiasts: We invite you to visit our breathtaking islands surrounded by miles and miles of sun-kissed beaches. With the closest of our islands located just 50 55 miles off the coast of Florida, and 700 to choose from, The Islands Of The Bahamas offer a variety of unique cultural experiences all blended together to create one diverse Bahamian palette. On our islands there is something for everyone. From pristine beaches to sumptuous cuisine and a surprising blend of attractions and activities, we have it all. Added to this, is the warm, inviting hospitality of the Bahamian people. For centuries, boaters navigating The Bahamas by sea have marveled at our crystal clear waters, secluded anchorages and numerous harbors. Today, our environment remains just as pristine. When you combine that with modern, state-of-the-art facilities and communications, it makes the cruising experience in our country absolutely irresistible. Having extolled just a few of our many attributes, The Islands Of The Bahamas are pleased to provide you with our newest Boating and Fishing Guide. It is our hope that this updated version will serve as a key resource for exploring the beauty and wonder of our awe-inspiring archipelago. We look forward to seeing you and extending our heartfelt welcome in person soon. Sincerely,
Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace Minister of Tourism & Aviation
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 1
Table of Contents
Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Marina
3 5 7 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 17 18 20 21 22 24
Procedures For Entering The Bahamas Ports of Entry Marinas Procedures For Returning To U.S. Ports Summer Boating Flings Summer Boating Fling Schedule Dockwise Transport & Winter Storage Program Bahamas Charter Services Yacht Services, Repair Yards & Parts Provisioning Regattas Special Requirements For Exporting Seafood From The Bahamas Cape Eleuthera On The Marc by George Poveromo Official Gamefish Chart 2010-11 Fishing Tournaments Fly Fishing in The Bahamas by Jason Elkins Fly Fishing Lodges
Front cover photo courtesy of Sea RayŽ 2 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Procedures For To Enter The Islands Of The Bahamas Private Vessels need the following: • One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form • One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person • Proof of Citizenship—Passport Arriving By Boat Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared. In certain situations Customs & Immigration will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have a
ENTRY FEES: All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee. For boats up to 35’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$ 150 For boats over 35’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$300 THE FEES WILL COVER: • Cruising Permit • Fishing Permit • Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person over the age of 6 will be charged a $20 departure tax (from Grand Bahama Island this tax is $23 for each additional person above three departing). This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period. Original stamp copy of your cruising permit (transire) is required, must be the same vessel in which you enter The Bahamas, but not necessary the same passengers or crew. • If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Bahamas Customs and Immigration office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge. *Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 3
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Entering The Bahamas
BAHAMAS PORTS OF ENTRY ABACO Green Turtle Marsh Harbour Spanish Cay Treasure Cay Walkers Cay ANDROS Fresh Creek Mangrove Cay Morgan’s Bluff San Andros BERRY ISLANDS Chub Cay Club Marina Great Harbour Cay Marina BIMINI/CAT CAY Alice Town, Bimini Cat Cay Club Marina CAT ISLAND Bennett’s Harbour Smith’s Bay
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
ELEUTHERA Harbour Island North Eleuthera Powell Pointe at Cape Eleuthera Rock Sound Spanish Wells EXUMA Black Point Staniel Cay GRAND BAHAMA Freeport Bell Channel Marina Freeport Harbour Old Bahama Bay @ Ginn Sur Mer Port Lucaya Marina Village Sunrise Resort & Marina Xanadu Marina INAGUA Government Docks at Matthew Town LONG ISLAND Stella Maris Marina MAYAGUANA Government Docks at Abraham’s Bay NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND Atlantis Hurricane Hole SAN SALVADOR Cockburn Town *Information subject to change
passport as proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit. If you have a firearm on board (shotguns and handguns only) you must declare it with Bahamas Customs. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you should not
4 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamas Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamas Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely.
BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, BAHAMAS EMBASSY, CONSULATE AND HIGH COMMISSION OFFICES: THE BAHAMAS Ministry of Foreign Affairs Consular Section Norfolk House, Frederick Street P.O. Box N-3746 Nassau, Bahamas (242) 323-5578/5565 Fax: (242) 326-6186 USA/WASHINGTON, D.C. Embassy of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas 2220 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20008 (202) 319-2660/7 Fax: (202) 319-2668 bahemb@aol.com
Entry Formalities: Arriving by Air Returning by Boat Travelers are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket) even when they are confirmed to return via private boat. Upon arrival in The Bahamas, the traveler will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which should be kept until departure. All visitors are required to be in possession of a return ticket.
Canadian Citizens: A valid passport is required for proof of citizenship. Voter registration cards, birth certificates and photo identifications are no longer accepted as proof of citizenship. A Bahamas visa is required for stays exceeding 90 days. United Kingdom Citizens: Citizens of the United Kingdom and colonies require a valid passport. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.
USA/NEW YORK Bahamas Consulate General Bahama House 231 East 46th Street New York, NY 10017 (212) 688-5926 Fax: (212) 688-5926 bahamasconsulate@bahamasny.com
U.S. Citizens: A valid passport is required. A visa is required for stays exceeding eight months.
All Other Countries: For entry formalities, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the nearest Bahamas Embassy, Consulate or High Commission, or visit www.Bahamas.gov.bs.
CANADA Bahamas High Commission Metropolitan Life Centre 50 O’Connor, Suite 1313 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 6L2 (613) 232-1724 Fax: (613) 232-0097 ottawa-mission@bahighco.com UNITED KINGDOM Bahamas High Commission 10 Chesterfield Street London, W1J 5JL, England (011) 44 207-408-4488 Fax: (011) 44 207-499-9937 information@bahamashclondon.net
*Information subject to change
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 5
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
U.S. Residents (non-citizens): An Alien Registration Card (Green Card) AND a valid passport from country of citizenship is required.
USA/MIAMI Bahamas Consulate General 25 S.E. Second Avenue Ingraham Bldg., Suite 600 Miami, FL 33131 (305) 373-6295 Fax: (305) 373-6312 bcgmia@bellsouth.net
Bahamas Customs Offices
Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour
ABACO Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4077 Fax: (242) 365-4078
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Marsh Harbour (242) 367-2308 Dock: (242) 367-2525 Fax: (242) 367-4050
BIMINI/BERRY ISLANDS Chub Cay (242) 325-5788 Fax: (242) 326-0649 Great Harbour Cay (242) 367-8566 Fax: (242) 367-8115
Rock Sound (242) 334-2183 Fax: 1(242) 334-2112
John Alfred Dock (242) 322-4897 Fax: (242) 326-2286
Spanish Wells (242) 333-4760 Fax: (242) 333-4760
Prince George Dock (242) 322-8791 (242) 322-8193
EXUMA
Union Dock (242) 322-8017 Fax: (242) 323-3712
George Town (242) 336-2072 Fax: (242) 336-2243
Sandy Point (242) 366-4150
North Bimini (242) 347-3100
Spanish Cay (242) 365-0814 Fax: (242) 365-0345
South Bimini (242) 347-3101 (242) 347-3100 Fax: (242) 347-.3466
GRAND BAHAMA Freeport (242) 352-8500 Fax: (242) 352-3580
Seaboard Marine (242) 322-5460 (242) 323-2991 Fax: (242) 322-5452 Fax: (242) 323-2993
CAT ISLAND
West End (242) 346-6566 Fax: (242) 346-6567
SAN SALVADOR
Treasure Cay (242) 365-8602 Fax: (242) 365-8603 Walkers Cay (242) 353-1211 Fax: (242) 353-1409
ANDROS Congo Town (242) 369-2640 Fax: (242) 369-2608 Fresh Creek (242) 368-2030 Fax: (242) 368-2086 San Andros (242) 329-2140 Fax: (242) 329-2544
Bennet’s Harbour (242) 354-6001 Fax: (242) 354-6005
INAGUA New Bight (242) 342-2016 Fax: (242) 342-2150
ELEUTHERA Governor’s Harbour (242) 332-2714 Fax: (242) 332-2730 Harbour Island (242) 333-2360 Fax: (242) 333-3602 North Eleuthera (242) 335-1068 (242) 333-2360 Fax: (242) 335-1381
6 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
(242) 339-1254 Fax: (242) 339-1883
LONG ISLAND (242) 338-2012 Fax: (242) 336-2017
NASSAU Administrative Office (242) 325-6550/1 Comptroller Of Customs (242) 326-4401/6 Fax: (242)322-6223
ARAWAK CAY
(242) 331-2131 Fax: (242) 331-2431
Depth/Dockside
Electric-Amps
Water/Ice
Showers Wash/Dry
Marine/Groc. Supplies
Restaurant/Bar
Boat/Elect.
Charter/Boat
Channel Monitored
Motel/Hotel
Wet/Dry Storage
Sanitary Pump Out Service
Fuel
15
On Req.
A
7’
30/50
Y
A
A
A
Y
N/A
16
Y
W N/A
A N/A
Baker’s Bay Marina Great Guana Cay (242) 365-5802
158
On Req.
A
12.5’
50/100
A
A
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
Y
A
A
Abaco Yacht Services, Ltd. Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4033
10
On Req.
N/A
6’
30/50/100
A
Y
Y
N/A
16
N/A
Y
N/A
A N/A
The Bluff House Resort & Marina (242) 365-4247
40
$1.50/ft.
G/D
8’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
A
A
A NA
Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour (242) 367-2158
198
On Req.
Y
9’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
W
Y
Y
A
Conch Inn Marina & Hotel Marsh Harbour (242) 367-4000/4004
80
$1.40/ft
8’
50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16/82
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Green Turtle Club & Marina (242) 365-4271
40
$1.75/ft.
A
10’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
16
Y
N/A N/A
Y N/A
Harbour View Marina (242) 367-2910
40
$1.90/ft
A
7’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
Y
16
A
W N/A
Y N/A
Hope Town Inn & Marina (242) 366-0003 (10 moorings)
45
$1.00/ft.
N/A
11’
30/50
Y
S
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
W
Y N/A
Hope Town Hideaways Hope Town (242) 366-0224
12
$1.25/ft
N/A
10’
30/50
Y
W/D
A
A
A
A
16
Y
Lighthouse Marina Hope Town (242) 366-0154
6
$1.00/ft
G/D
6’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
A
16
A
Mangoes Marina (242) 367-4255, (242) 367-2957
29
$1.50/ft.
N/A
7’
30/50
Y
Y
N/A
Y
A
N/A
16
Y
Man-O-War Marina, Man-O-War Cay (242) 365-6008 (Moorings Available)
28
$1.75/ft.
A
8’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
16
A
W
Guana Beach Resort, Guana Cay (242) 365-5133, (800) 227-3366
22
$0.75/ft
Y
10’
30/50
Y
N/A
A
A
N/A
A
16
Y
W N/A
A N/A
Marsh Harbour Marina Marsh Harbour (242) 367-2700
68
$1.05/ft.
G/D
6’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16
A
W
A
Y N/A
Orchid Bay Yacht Club & Marina (242) 365-5175
66
$1.95/ft
Y
9’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
N/A
16
Y
N/A
Y
Y N/A
The Other Shore Club, Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4338, (242) 365-4226
15
$0.80/ft.
Y
8’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
A
16
Y
W
B
Y N/A
Sea Spray Resort & Marina Elbow Cay (242) 366-0065
60
$1.90/ft.
Y
7’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
A
16
Y
W
Y
A N/A
Spanish Cay Marina (954) 213-6161 Spanish Cay (242) 365-0083
81
$1.50/ft
G/D
9’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
14/16
Y
W
A
A N/A
Treasure Cay Resort & Marina Treasure Cay (242) 365-8250
150
$1.30
G/D
6’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
W
Y
A N/A
Leeward Yacht Club & Marina Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4191
28
$1.00/ft.
N/A
7’
30/50/100
A
Y
N
N
Y
Y
16
N
N
N
Y N/A
Rosie’s Place, Grand Cay (242) 353-1200, (242) 727-4477
22
$1.00/ft.
Y
5.5’
30/50
A
Y
A
Y
A
N/A
68
Y
N/A
B
Y N/A
Internet/Wi-Fi
Rates
Black Sound Marina Green Turtle Cay (242) 365-4531
Tackle/Bait
Slips
MARINAS
ABACO
A
N/A N/A Y
Y
N/A N/A A
Y N/A Y N/A Y N/A Y N/A
Code Key: A-Available nearby, but not at Marina, N/A-not available, B-Bar, C-Charter Rentals, D-Diesel Only, L-Limited Number, M-Marine Supplies, RY-Repair Yard, S-Showers Only, T-Tackle, W-Wet storage, W/D-Washer/Dryer, Y-Yes. Prices may vary seasonally. *Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 7
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
N/A N/A
A
Electric-Amps
Water/Ice
Showers Wash/Dry
Marine/Groc. Supplies
Restaurant/Bar
Boat/Elect.
Charter/Boat
Channel Monitored
Motel/Hotel
Wet/Dry Storage
Tackle/Bait
Sanitary Pump Out Service
Depth/Dockside
Y
N/A
N/A
Y
A
Y
16
Y
N/A
Y
Y N/A
$1.30/ft.Y G/D
13’
30/50
Y
Y
N/A
Y
Y
T
16
Y
N/A
Y
A N/A
110
$4.35/ft.
Y
12’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
Y
16/68
Y
W
Y
A N/A
85
$1.20/ft.
G/D
10
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
16/68
Y
W
A
A N/A
12
$1.50/ft.
Y
8’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16
Y
8
$3.00/ft
Lighthouse Yacht Club & Marina Fresh Creek (242) 368-2305
31
Chub Cay Club Marina (242) 325-1490, (242) 322-5199 Great Harbour Yacht Club & Marina (242) 367-8005, (561) 391-7737 The Berry Island Club, (Private) Fraziers Hog Cay (242) 357-2229
Internet/Wi-Fi
Fuel
30/50
Rates
5.5’
Slips
Y
Kamalame Cay, Staniard Creek (Private) (242) 368-6281, (800) 790-7971
ANDROS
BERRY ISLANDS
N/A N/A
A N/A
BIMINI
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Bimini Bay Resort & Casino (242) 347-2900, (866) 344-8759
230
$2.00/ft.
N/A
12’
30/50/100
A
A
A
A
A
A
68
Y
W
N
Y N/A
Bimini Big Game Fishing Club Alice Town (242) 347-3391
75
$1.50/ft.
Y
9’
30/50/100
Y
S
Y
Y
A
Y
9
Y
W
Y
Y N/A
Bimini Beach Club Bimini (242) 347-4500
45
$0.90/ft.
Y
15’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
68
Y
N/A N/A
Y N/A
Bimini Blue Water (242) 347-3166, (242) 347-3291
32
$1.00/ft.
G/D
10’
30/50
Y
S
A
Y
A
A
68
Y
N/A
A
Y N/A
Bimini Sands South Bimini, (242) 347-3500
60
$1.10/ft.
G/D
8’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
68
Y
Y
Y
A N/A
Brown’s Marina & Big John’s Hotel (242) 347-3117
20
$1.75/ft.
N/A
8’
30/50
Y
Y
A
A
A
N/A
68
Y
Y
Y
N/A N/A
Sea Crest Hotel & Marina Alice Town (242) 347-3071
18
$1.00/ft
N/A
6’
30/50
Y
S
A
A
A
A
68
Y
N/A
A
N/A N/A
Weech’s Dock Bimini (242) 347-3028
20
$1.00/ft
N/A
10’
30/50
Y
S
Y
A
A
A
18
Y
Y
A
A N/A
108
$3.25/ft.
Y
9’
50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
16
Y
N/A
Y
A N/A
28
$2.50/ft
D
8’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
N/A
Y
16
Y
N/A
A
A N/A
Davis Harbour Marina@Cotton Bay (Pvt) (242) 334-6303, (800) 255-4539
46
$1.25/ft
Y
8’
30/50
Y
Y
N/A
Y
Y
N/A
16
Y
N/A N/A
Y N/A
Harbour Island Club & Marina Harbour Island (242) 333-2427
50
$2.50/ft
Y
10’
30/50/100
Y
Y
N/A
Y
N
N/A
16
N/A N/A N/A
Y N/A
Cape Eleuthera Yacht Club (242) 470-8242, (888) 270-9642
55
$2.50/ft
Y
9’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
Y
Y
Spanish Wells Marina & Hardware Spanish Wells (242) 333-4122
10
$1.00/ft
G/D
10’
30/50
W
N/A
Y
N/A
Y
N/A
16
Y
Dry
T
N/A N/A
Spanish Wells Yacht Haven Spanish Wells (242) 333-4255
40
$1.50/ft.
N/A
10’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
A
A
A
16
Y
W
A
A N/A
Valentine’s Yacht Club & Inn, Harbour Isl. (242) 333-2142, (800) 848-4073
50
$2.75/ft.
D
10’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
A
16
Y
CAT CAY Cat Cay Yacht Club (Private) (242) 347-3565 CAT ISLAND Hawk’s Nest Marina (242) 342-7050 ELEUTHERA
N/A N/A
Y
Y
A N/A
*Information subject to change 8 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Fuel
Depth/Dockside
Electric-Amps
Water/Ice
Showers Wash/Dry
Marine/Groc. Supplies
Restaurant/Bar
Boat/Elect.
Charter/Boat
Channel Monitored
Motel/Hotel
Wet/Dry Storage
Tackle/Bait
Sanitary Pump Out Service
Rates
52
$1.00/ft.
Y
8.5
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
A
16
A
A
N/A
A N/A
Farmer’s Cay Yacht Club & Marina (242) 355-4017
15
$1.50/ft.
Y
9’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
16
Y
Y
N/A
A N/A
February Point Resort & Marina (242) 336-2693, (877) 839-4253
38
$1.65/ft.
N/A
5’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16
Y
Y
N/A
A N/A
Marina at Emerald Bay (242) 336-6100/4
150 $2.25-$3.25 G/D
15’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
16/11
Y
W N/A
Minns Watersports (242) 336-3483
36
$2.00
Y
6.5’
N/A
Y
N/A
Y
A
A
A
16
A
Y
Highborne Cay (242) 355-1008
26
$2.75/ft.
Y
8’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Sampson Cay Marina Sampson Cay (242) 355-2034
60
2.75/ft.
Y
8’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
16
Y
9
$2.00/ft.
Y
12.5’
30/50/100
Y
A
A
Y
A
Y
16
30
On Req.
N
3.5’
110V
A
A
A
A
A
N/A
Bradford Marine Bahamas (242) 352-7711 (Mega-Yachts & Commercial Boats Only) RY
$1.25/ft
G/D
25’
30/50/100
A
A
A
A
A
Internet/Wi-Fi
Slips Exuma Docking Services (242) 336-2578
EXUMA
Staniel Cay Yacht Club Staniel Cay (242) 355-2024
N/A N/A
71
N/A N/A
A
A
N/A N/A N/A Y
Y N/A
N/A
A
A N/A
Y
Y
Y
Y N/A
16
A
A
N/A
A N/A
A
16/14
N
A
N
A
GRAND BAHAMA
A
Flamingo Bay Hotel & Marina Taino Beach (242) 727-2013
25
.50/ft
A
7’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16/23
Y
W
A
A N/A
Grand Bahama Yacht Club (242) 373-8888
150
$1.70/ft.Y
Y
7’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
16
Y
W
B
A
A
Old Bahama Bay @ Ginn Sur Mer (242) 350-6500
73
$2.00/ft.
G/D
8’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
A
A
A
16
A
N/A
Y
A
Y
Ocean Reef Yacht Club (242) 373-9090
50
$45/$55
N/A 6.5’
30/50
Y
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
16/71
Y
N/A N/A
A N/A
Port Lucaya Marina Freeport Lucaya (242) 373-9090
100
$2.20
G/D
12’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
N/A 16/17
Y
N/A
Y
A
Sunrise Resort & Marina Freeport/Lucaya (242) 352-6834
70
$1.00/ft.
N/A
13’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16
Y
Y
Y
Y N/A
Xanadu Beach & Marina Resort Freeport (242) 352-6782, (561) 282-6913
49
$1.70/ft.
Y
6.5’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16
Y
Y
A
A N/A
Deep Water Cay (242) 353-3073
4
$2.00/ft.
Y
7’
30/50
Y
L
A
Y
A
A
16
Y
N/A
N/A
Y
8’
N/A
Y
N/A
Clarence Town Dock
L
NONE
Y
12’
A
Y
N/A
Y
Y
Flying Fish Marina (242) 337-3430
18
$1.95/ft
Y
7’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
N/A N/A
Y
A N/A
INAGUA Matthew Town Dock (242) 339-2143
N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
N/A
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
LONG ISLAND N/A N/A A
Y
16
A
N/A
Y
Y N/A
*Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 9
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Blue Marlin Cove (Private) (242) 349-4101, (561) 662-4256
Showers Wash/Dry
Marine/Groc. Supplies
Restaurant/Bar
Boat/Elect.
Charter/Boat
Channel Monitored
Motel/Hotel
Wet/Dry Storage
Tackle/Bait
Sanitary Pump Out Service
Water/Ice
Y
N/A
N/A
Y
N/A
A
N N/A
6.5’
110/220
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
Y
Y
Y N/A
Y
15’
30
Y
N/A
Y
N/A
Y
N/A
16
A
Y
A
A N/A
$.60/ft.
Y
14’
30/50/100
Y
Y
N/A N/A N/A N/A
16
N
W N/A
A N/A
74
$4.00/ft.
Y
9’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
16
Y
Y
Y
Y
Nassau Harbour Club Nassau (242) 393-0771
65
$1.75/ft
G
13’
30/50/100
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
A
16/12
Y
N/A
N
A N/A
Nassau Yacht Haven Nassau (242) 393-8173
120
$2.00/ft.
Y
18’
30/50
Y
Y
A
Y
Y
Y
16/72
A
W
A
N N/A
Atlantis Marina (242) 363-6068, (242) 363-6008
63
$4.00/ft.
A
12’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
Y
16/10
Y
N
A
Y
Hurricane Hole Marina (242) 363-3600 1, 2, 3
70
$4.00/ft.
Y
10’
30/50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
A
16/11
A
A
A
A N/A
Paradise Harbour Club & Marina (242) 363-2992, (800) 594-3495
20
$2.50/ft.
N/A
8’
50/100
Y
Y
A
Y
A
N/A
16
Y
N/A N/A
A N/A
Riding Rock Inn & Marina, Cockburn Town (242) 331-2631, (800) 272-1492 25
$1.25/ft
G/D
12’
30/50
Y
Y
N/A
Y
N/A
Y
16
Y
N/A N/A
A N/A
$0.80/ft.
G/D 6.5’
30/50/100
Y
A
L
Y
N/A N/A
16
A
N/A
A N/A
NONE
Y
15
$.75/ft.
Y
Brown’s Boat Basin Nassau (242) 393-331
60
$1.00/ft.
East Bay Yacht Basin Nassau (242) 394-1816
35
Lyford Cay Club (Private) Nassau (242) 362-4131, (242) 362-7499
Internet/Wi-Fi
Electric-Amps
Y
L
Stella Maris Resort & Marina (242) 338-2051, (800) 426-0466
Depth/Dockside
Y
Fuel
Y
Rates
Y
Slips
110/220
Harding Supplies Center Salt Pond (242) 338-0333
LONG ISLAND
NEW PROVIDENCE/NASSAU
A
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
PARADISE ISLAND Y
SAN SALVADOR
RUM CAY Summer Point Marina Rum Cay (242) 331-2823
30
A
Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina *Information subject to change 10 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
W
hen a private vessel arrives at a port of call in the United States, the Master or Captain of the vessel must report their arrival immediately upon first landfall to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by calling the following toll free numbers: (800) 432-1216 or (800) 451-0393. The Captain will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry and must physically present himself/herself and passengers for admission to the U.S. Please visit www.cbp.gov and www.dhs.gov for more information. When you call for clearance, have the following information available:
• Vessel name and registration/ document number • Vessel owner name and citizenship • Vessel commander/master name, date of birth and citizenship • Passengers’ names and dates of birth • Foreign ports or places visited and duration of stay • Total value of all acquisitions and purchases made • Customs User Fee decal number, if one has been issued U.S. Customs officials will issue a clearance number for the vessel if clearance is granted. If not, the vessel’s captain/owner will be instructed to await further action,
such as an inspection or examination. Captains or boat owners of the vessel who fail to report immediately to U.S. Customs will be liable for a civil penalty. Any vessel utilized in connection with such violation will be subject to seizure and forfeiture. Please note rules and regulations are always subject to change. For more details visit: www.cbp.gov/xp/ cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/ or write the Port Director of Customs, U.S. Customs service, Miami International Airport, P.O.Box 592061 AMF, Miami, FL 33159; (305) 869-2720.
*Information subject to change
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 11
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Procedures For Returning To U.S. Ports
Boating
Flings
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
B
oating Flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip, but instead of cars we use boats. A lead boat and captain pilot the way for a caravan of pleasure boaters on a journey across the Gulf Stream to our beautiful islands. After the simple crossing, you can relax on our white powder beaches or enjoy an itinerary filled with exciting activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing or just lay back and read a book. Flings begin on Wednesday and end on Sunday during the months of June and July.
Each fling is limited to 30 boats. Dockage space is reserved on a first come first served basis. Minimum boat length for all flings is 24 feet.
Departure Point Bahia Mar Marina 801 Seabreeze Boulevard Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33004 (954) 627-6309
NOTE: There is a $75 non-refundable registration fee per boat, per fling. Please make your check or money order payable to: The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism 1200 South Pine Island Road Suite 750 Plantation, FL 33324 *Information subject to change
2011 Summer Boating Fling Schedule June
Bimini Bay Resort, Bimini, (1 - 5); Port Lucaya Marina, Grand Bahama (15 - 19); Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini (22 - 26)
July
Grand Bahama and Abaco (6 - 17); Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini, (20 - 24); Bimini Big Game Club, Bimini (27 - 31)
*Note: Schedule subject to change. For actual dates, please call (800) 32-SPORT or visit www.bahamas.com/boating for more information.
12 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Dockwise Transport & Winter Storage Program
BAHAMAS CHARTER SERVICES ABACO Cruise Abaco (242) 577-0148 Sailing, cruising, excursions & sightseeing ELEUTHERA Bare Boat Charters Boat rentals, sport fishing, cruising, sailing, snorkeling, island excursions, weddings & sightseeing tours Cape Eleuthera Charters (242) 334-8500 GRAND BAHAMA Paradise Watersports (242) 373-4001/2 Snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing, charters, day cruises & glass bottom boat sightseeing
D
NASSAU/PARADISE ISLAND Barefoot Sailing Cruises (242) 393-0820 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing First Class Charters (242) 393-0771 (242) 422-6358 Snorkeling, sunset cruise, deep sea fishing, Nassau Harbour Club half & full day charter Flying Cloud (242) 394-5067 (242) 363-4430 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing Hunter Charters (242) 364-1546 Sport fishing, reef fishing, snorkeling & sightseeing cruises Powerboat Adventures (242) 363-1466 Cruises, excursions, sight seeing tours & weddings
*excerpt taken from dockwise.com
Seahorse Sailing Adventures (242) 363-5510/5507 Sailing, snorkeling, cruising, excursions & sightseeing
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 13
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Dockwise Yacht Transport ockwise Yacht Transport offers safe and convenient yacht transportation services to Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas. You can trust us for your boat delivery to this magnificent paradise, and then trust your own sailing experience to chart new adventures in these tropical seas. Your boat’s delivery to The Islands of The Bahamas, allows you to expand your cruising season and gives you the opportunity to explore our 700 Islands scattered over 100,000 square miles of beautiful turquoise water. The proximity and access to The Bahamas also makes it easy to invite friends and family to join you in the fun on the islands periodically, to experience our unique culture—the spicy foods, the Junkanoo and rake-and-scrape music. Today, 100,000 boaters travel to The Bahamas to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the year round summer-like weather. Whatever your passion, snorkeling, fly-fishing or big game fishing, excitement and adventure awaits “It’s Better In The Bahamas”.
Reef Tours Ltd. (242) 373-5880/5891/2 Snorkeling trips, deep-sea fishing, charters, day cruises & glass bottom boat sightseeing
YACHT SERVICES, REPAIR YARDS, PARTS & PROVISIONING ABACO Abaco Yacht Services Black Sound (242) 365-4033 Channel 16 Edwin’s Boat Yard Man-o-War Cay (242) 365-6006/6007 Marsh Harbour Boat Yard Marsh Harbour (242) 367-5205 Fax: (242) 367-5306 Roberts Marine Black Sound (242) 365-4249 ELEUTHERA Bahamas Mobile Marine Service Cape Eleuthera Marina (242) 470-8048 www.bahamasmobilemarine.com
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
EXUMA George Town Marina & Repair (242) 345-5116 Fax: (242) 336.2528 GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND Bradford Marine (242) 352-7711 www.bradford-grand-bahama.com LONG ISLAND Sea Farer Marine Store Salt Pond (242) 338-0094 Fax: (242) 338-0093 NASSAU Brown’s Boat Basin East Bay Street (242) 393-3331/3680 Fax: (242) 393-1868 Gourmet Market Caves Village, West Bay Street (242) 327-1083/67 www.gourmentmarketnassau.com gourmetmarket@coralwave.com Harbourside Marine Sales & Services East Bay Street (242) 394-7659 / 393-3461 Fax: (242) 394-7659 www.services@hbsmarine.com sales@hbsmarine.com Lightbourne Marine (242) 393-5285 Fax: (242) 352-7695 14 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Regattas
T
he sea truly can be a cruel mistress. Just ask all the captains of the sunken ships found on or near our shores. Maybe that’s why regattas in The Bahamas are such challenges. For over half a century, amateur captains from all over the world have been gracing our waters every year to take part. They come to see if they have what it takes to master the wind and conquer whatever the sea throws at them, all in the hope
of standing tall on the winner’s podium. Of course you don’t have to be an old sea dog to compete; regattas in The Bahamas have many different experience classes. Or if you don’t have sea legs, there are lots of exciting activities and festivities to enjoy before, during and after the regatta begins. At our regattas, there’s something for everyone because… It’s Better In The Bahamas.
EVENT Bulla Regatta Farmers Cay St. Valentine Massacre Defence Force National Family Island Regatta (NFIR) 2010 Star Western Hemisphere Championship Mangrove Cay South Andros Long Island Regatta Grand Bahama Youth Sailing All Andros Cat Island Regatta Black Point Rolleville Acklins/Crooked Island All Abaco Regatta Bahamas Sailing Association (BSA) Opti San Salvador North Eleuthera
ISLAND Exuma Exuma New Providence New Providence Exuma Montague Andros Andros Long Island Grand Bahama New Providence Andros Cat Island Exuma Exuma Acklins Abaco Nassau San Salvador Harbour Island
DATE(S) OF EVENT January February February April April April May June June June June & July July July July July July August September October October
For further regatta information visit us at: www.bahamas.com • www.regattabahamas.com • www.bahamas.com/boating *Information subject to change The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 15
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/boating
Regatta Schedule
Fishing Regulations 800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
Bag Limits
T
he boat you fish from must have a sporting permit aboard. Individual permits are not required. Permits are obtained from Customs officials at ports of entry. Fishing gear is restricted to hook and line and you may not fish with more than six rods at a time. Bag limits are as follows: Wahoo/Dolphin/Kingfish/Tuna:
Migratory species such as Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna or Wahoo shall not exceed 18 fish per vessel at any time. Stone Crabs: Closed season is June 1 to October 15. Minimum harvestable claw is 4”. Harvesting of female is prohibited. 16 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Turtle: Illegal to export. No vessel
shall have on board any marine turtles. Lobster or crawfish: No more than 10 tails at any given time. Annual closed season is April 1 to July 31. Minimum size limits are 3-3/8 inch carapace length or six inches tail length. Egg –bearing female crawfish are protected. Conch: Harvesting and possession of conch without a well formed lip is prohibited. Bag limit at any given time is no more than 6 per boat. Vessel Bag Limit: Demersal species (groupers , snappers, etc.) not in excess of sixty (60 lbs.) pounds or 20 scale fish.
T
he Department of Marine Resources regulations allow persons to export a limited amount of marine resources as part of their personal baggage. Listed below are the maximum allowable limits for all persons traveling both by air and sea.
Seafood Export Limits carried as part of personal baggage by air: • Six Dolphin, Wahoo or Kingfish • Ten (10 lbs.) pounds of Conch or Crawfish each • Twenty (20 lbs.) pounds of Demersal fish
Further information on marine resources export limits may be obtained from the Department of Marine Resources, (242) 393-1777, or (242) 393-1014; Fax: (242) 393-0238 or via email at fisheries@ bahamas.gov.bs.
*Information subject to change
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 17
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
Special Requirements For Exporting Seafood From The Bahamas
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
Cape Eleuthera On The Marc Story and photos by George Poveromo
I
’m a Bahamas addict. I can’t even imagine life without at least a few crossings there each season with my boat, MARC VI. This has been a tradition for more years (ok, make that decades) than I care to remember! And my recent trip to Cape Eleuthera’s Powell Pointe Marina was a prime example of why Bahamas Fever is in my blood for good. Cape Eleuthera is way out there, for a mid-size boat. But the proverbial dangling carrot for owners of such craft—myself especially—is the relatively light fishing pressure, access to deep water (depths exceeding 4,000 feet are just two miles off the beach along some points), incredible structure with the likes of The Bridge and Tommy Pointe, and—as we were about to find out— incredible reef- and offshore fishing. Toss in posh accommodations and an expansive deep water marina at the Powell Pointe complex, and this is fishing heaven. I first sampled the fishing here three springs ago, aboard friend Barry O’Neill’s 54-foot Hatteras, Buf-
18 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
fer Zone. Barry and sons Danny and Robbie are longtime Bahamas big game anglers who spend each spring and summer chasing fish throughout the Islands. The O’Neill’s selected Cape Eleuthera that season because of its remoteness. What really stood out to me, however, was that these waters, on the Exuma Sound side, are on the lee of any hard easterly breezes; it was blowing 30-knots due East during my trip with the O’Neill’s, yet we were able to troll the drop off in 1,000 feet of water in only a two- to three–foot sea, and bottom fish in 65 feet of water in a nearly slick ocean. Given the geographical layout of Cape Eleuthera, and the often persistent easterly breezes which accompany the prime spring fishing here, I was sold on it as a great destination for mid-size boats, like mine. How many places in The Bahamas can you troll or bottom fish when the wind is cranking from the northeast, east, or east/ southeast, and not really be shut out? I was coming back next season with my boat.
Whole Lotta Shaking Going On As luck would have it, our “departure” wind was from the East at 20-knots. We cleared an agitated Haulover Inlet and entered a rough ocean. A “normal” crossing from Miami to Bimini typically takes us around 90-minutes, yet this one took us exactly three hours. Add two more hours clearing Customs and topping off with fuel, and it was high noon when we left Bimini. The winds came down some on the backside of Bimini, perhaps to around 15-knots, enabling us to make up some time on the Bank and enroute to Nassau. Just to be sure I had enough fuel to complete the journey, I took on 50 gallons in Nassau. We pulled into Cape Eleuthera’s Powell Pointe Marina at 8:30 p.m. Talk about a long day—but at least we made it in a day. By comparison, and a tribute to how easily a mid-size, outboard-powered boat can do this trip in good weather, we left for home at 12:15 on a stifling hot, windless afternoon, and—including the 40-minutes it took to top off with fuel in Nassau—cleared Haulover Inlet at 7:30 p.m. Needless to say, we were booking hard across that flat ocean. It’s Marlin Time Again “The Bridge” is an impressive reef system connecting Eleuthera Point to Little San Salvador. It divides the Atlantic Ocean and Exuma Sound for the nine miles between the two Islands. From Powell Pointe Marina, it’s about a 20 mile run down to Eleuthera Point and The Bridge. This is blue marlin country, given this structure and sharply descending bottom on both sides, mixing of currents and bait accumulations. Peak blue marlin season here is April, May and June, although blues have been caught virtually every month of the year off Cape Eleuthera. Dolphin migrate thickest in April and May, with decent fishing through mid June.
For the complete story, visit: www.bahamas.com/fishing
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 19
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
One Way Record Like all Bahamas crossings, when you’re mapping out routes at your office desk and sipping hot coffee, they look so exciting and simple to do. This one, however, would be a biggie—my longest one-way venture into The Bahamas to date aboard my 28-foot, twin outboardpowered center console. The plan was to leave North Miami’s Haulover Inlet and travel 54-miles to Bimini, where we’d clear Customs and Immigration and top off with fuel. From there, we’d cruise some 72 miles across the Bank to the deep Tongue of The Ocean, where we’d steer toward Nassau Harbour for about a 57 mile run. We’d cut through Nassau Harbour, get on the Yellow Bank and run 38 miles to the tip of Ship Channel Cay, where we’d cut across to Exuma Sound and run the last 29 miles to Cape Eleuthera’s Powell Pointe Marina. That’s a 250mile, one-way run! Joining me was friend Harry Vernon III. Harry and I planned on trolling offshore for two days and then bottom fishing a couple days, all while shooting an episode for my ESPN2 show. What continues to intrigue me when we’re Bahamas-bound is how my boat still floats with a week’s worth of gear, the likes of 20 rod and reel combinations, several large tackle boxes, lure bags, chum (40 seven pound blocks), dozens of fresh trolling baits, food, drinks, ice, production gear, personal bags, etc., etc., etc.; Somehow it always does, and we were off once again to The Bahamas.
Official Gamefish Chart Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
Allison Tuna Amberjack Baracuda Blackfin Tuna Bluefin Tuna Blue Marlin Bonefish Broadbill Swordfish Dolphin Kingfish Sailfish Mackerel Oceanic Bonito Permit Tarpon Grouper Snapper Shark Wahoo White Marlin Excellent
Good to Excellent
Good
20 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Fair
Occassional
None
2010-11 Fishing Tournaments EVENT
ISLAND
Bahamas Wahoo Championship Dec. 1 – 4, 2010 1st Leg - at Old Bahama Bay Feb. 2 – 5, 2011 2nd Leg - at Old Bahama Bay March 13 – 18, 2011 3rd Leg - at Port Lucaya Marina Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament June 12 – 17, 2011 28th Annual Treasure Cay Billfish Tournament at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina Bahamas Billfish Championship Apr. 27 - 30, 2011 Central Abaco Championship at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina May 11 - 14, 2011 Cape Eleuthera Championship at Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina May 25 – 28, 2011 Harbour Island Championship Valentines, Harbour Island & Romora Bay Marina June 8 – 11, 2011 Guana Cay Championship at Orchid Bay Yacht Club & Marina June 22 – 25, 2011 Treasure Cay Championship at Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina Bahamas Wahoo Challenge Nov. 11 – 14, 2010 1st Leg - Alice Town, Bimini Jan. 13 – 16, 2011 2nd Leg - Port Lucaya Marina March 3 – 6, 2011 3rd Leg - Bimini Bay Resort & Marina Bacardi Rum Billfish Tournament March 13 – 18, 2011 Port Lucaya Marina Hawk’s Nest 6th Annual Wahoo Tournament Jan. 16 – 19, 2011 Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Redbone Celebrity Tournament Series Nov. 19 – 22, 2010 The Islands of The Bahamas Bonefish Series Deepwater Cay Bonefish Classic (Fall) Feb. 25 – 27, 2011 The Islands of The Bahamas Bonefish Series Deepwater Cay Bonefish Classic (Spring) Apr. 7 – 11, 2011 The Islands of The Bahamas Bonefish Series Baker’s Bay Bonefish Classic Bertram Hatteras Shootout May 3 - 7, 2011 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Abaco Beach Resort Open Apr. 12 - 16 2011 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Abaco Beach Resort Classic May 17 - 21, 2011 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Boy Scouts Bahamas Open May 24 - 28, 2011 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour HMY/Abaco Beach Resort Billfish Blast May 31 - June 4, 2011 Abaco Beach Resort at Boat Harbour Hawk’s Nest 11th Annual Billfish Blast! May 1 - 5, 2011 Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina Green Turtle Annual Fishing Tournament May 2 - 5, 2011 Green Turtle Club
West End, Grand Bahama Island West End, Grand Bahama Island Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Treasure Cay, Abaco
Treasure Cay, Abaco Powell Pointe, Eleuthera Harbour Island, Eleuthera Great Guana Cay, Abaco Treasure Cay, Abaco
Bimini Freeport, Grand Bahama Island North Bimini Freeport, Grand Bahama Island Hawk’s Nest, Cat Island Deep Water Cay, Grand Bahama Island Deep Water Cay, Grand Bahama Island Great Guana Cay, Abaco
Marsh Harbour, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Marsh Harbour, Abaco Hawk’s Nest, Cat Island Green Turtle Cay, Abaco
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 21
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
DATE
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
There is a strong fishing culture in The Bahamas, and guests shouldn’t be surprised to see local residents get excited when the discussion turns to fishing.
Fly Fishing In The Bahamas By Jason Elkins
T
he Islands of The Bahamas have long been a favorite destination for anglers hoping to catch everything from bonefish to Wahoo. Those familiar with the turquoise waters, warm breezes and vibrant green mangroves don’t require much arm twisting to get away for a long weekend, or extended island-hopping stay in this beautiful country. With 30 inhabited islands, 661 cays and territorial waters stretching from just off the
Florida Coast to the Caicos Passage, visiting anglers have access to some of the most ecologically diverse and expansive warm water fisheries in the Atlantic Ocean. Combine this with daily jet service from several US cities to various airports in The Bahamas and it is easy to understand why so many anglers visit the country each year. I have been fortunate enough to visit many of these islands, fishing along the way. Although I spend the
22 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
majority of my time in The Bahamas chasing bonefish with a fly rod, I have employed a variety of other techniques and tackle during my travels as well. Fly fishing, spinfishing, off-shore trolling, and even hand lining are popular options for visiting, and local anglers alike. Understandably, there is a strong fishing culture in The Bahamas, and guests shouldn’t be surprised to see local residents get excited when the discussion turns to fishing. As with
world class destinations. Mention “bonefishing in The Bahamas” and many anglers immediately think of Andros Island, the country’s largest, but most sparsely populated island. My first trip to The Bahamas consisted of a week split between North and South Andros Island. At the time, I thought I knew everything I needed to know about bonefishing. However, I saw things on Andros that I hadn’t seen elsewhere, and the guides I fished with all had something to teach me. Up until that point I had seen few large bonefish that were as cooperative as those I saw on Andros. More often than not, whenever I made a decent cast, and listened to my guide’s instructions, I was rewarded with a fish. In fact, sometimes even when I put the fly behind them with a loud splash they would turn around and pounce on it. On this particular trip to Andros I experienced another unique experience while fishing the Joulters Cays with a guide from Orvis Endorsed Kamalame Cay Resort. Barefoot wading is not something typically associated with flats fishing, but here on North Andros I had a chance to do just that. I have fished a lot of places around the world since this first trip to The Bahamas, but wading barefoot on the white sandy flats of the Joulters, ranks as one of my most memorable fishing experiences. Of course, the tailing bonefish all over the flats also played a significant role in cementing the memory. Since my first trip to The Bahamas I have returned many times and fished with numerous guides, and stayed at a handful of great lodges. Some spots provided lots of shots at smaller sized fish, while others offered larger fish, requiring more
skill. A few locations presented a realistic opportunity for permit and tarpon, while others are best described as “bonefishing paradise”. Some of the guides were intense and enthusiastic, while others were quiet and contemplative. Whether visiting an Orvis Endorsed destination on Andros, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Crooked Island, or one of the other islands, one thing is certain; the guides are committed to making sure you have an enjoyable experience on the water. When asked what I like about The Bahamas, I usually answer with “it is easy to get to, offers anglers a variety of opportunities, and the Bahamian people are good natured and fun to be around”. Simply put, very few places in the world offer the quality fishing experience found in and around The Out Islands of The Bahamas. And, since getting to The Bahamas is easy, you probably won’t spend more than a few hours in transit. Whether you are looking for a remote and rustic fishing lodge, or an upscale resort hotel combining plenty of non-angling activities with a well run fishing program, you should do some research. I recommend talking to a reputable booking agent that has been there, and understands what anglers and their traveling companions are looking for. A good agent can help you select the trip that best matches your skill level, interests and budget. Orvis Travel’s service is free to use, so if you have any questions, or would like to plan a Bahamas fishing vacation, just pick up the phone and give me a call at (800) 547-4322 or visit www.orvis. com/bahamas today.
The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11 • 23
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
most island nations, Bahamians love the water, and the fish that live there. Fortunately for visiting anglers, they are a friendly people, and are happy to share their passion for the water. Although commercial fishing is still an important part of the economy of The Bahamas, an ever increasing commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism has helped shift the focus to recreational fishing, and other environmentally low impact activities. Various international, governmental, and local organizations have joined forces to further protect the habitat and increase environmental awareness. By promoting recreational flats fishing, and other sustainable tourism opportunities in The Bahamas, local businesses are incentivized to develop long-term business models, which work in harmony with the environment. In 2005 The Orvis Company and The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism joined forces to help preserve the country’s flats fishing resources, and further improve the experiences of visiting anglers. Orvis made a commitment to The Bahamas by sponsoring guide training programs, supporting conservation and research, hosting special events, and expanding its Orvis Endorsed International Destination program to include eight qualifying operations on six of the nations out-islands. Orvis has also filled an important role by promoting environmentally responsible tourism activities in The Bahamas by featuring special events and Orvis Endorsed destinations in millions of catalogs, in our retail stores, and online at orvis.com. Although virtually every island in The Bahamas boasts great flats fishing, some of them stand out as
Fly Fishing Lodges THE ABACOS
Grey’s Point Bonefish Inn Pine Fields (242) 344-3210, (242) 375-2632 greyspoint@hotmail.com www.greyspointbonefishinn.com
Bimini Big Game Club (242) 347-3391 (800) 867-4764 www.biggameclubbimini.com sales@guyharveyoutpost.com
Kamalame Cay* Kamalame Cay, Andros (242) 368-6281 (800) 790-7971 www.kamalame.com info@kamalame.com
CROOKED ISLAND
Delphia Club* South of Marsh Harbour (242) 366-2222 delphi.bahamas@gmail.com www.delphi-bahamas.com Oeisha’s Resort Sandy Point (314) 664-4106, (242) 336-4139 www.oeishasresort.com islandlife@oeishasresort.com
Kemps Bay Club South Andros (242) 369-1797 kempsbayclub@aol.com www.kempsbayclub.net
Rickmon Bonefishing Lodge Sandy Point (242) 366-4477 www.angleradventures.com/rickmon rickmon@aol.com
Mount Pleasant Lodge Mangrove Cay (242) 368-5171/5183 mtpfl@hotmail.com www.mtpleasantfish.com
ACKLINS Acklins Island Lodge Mason Bay (242) 344-3678 Fax: (242) 344-3180 www.acklinsislandlodge.com
Small Hope Bay Lodge* Fresh Creek, Andros (242) 368-2014 Fax: (242) 368-20115 www.smallhope.com shbinfo@smallhope.com
Chester’s Highway Inn & Bonefishing Lodge Northern Acklins (242) 344-3114, (800) 688-4752 info@chesterhighwayinn.com www.chesterhighwayinn.com
Stafford Creek Lodge Fresh Creek (242) 368-6259/6050 US (954) 676-4158 staffordcreeklodge@gmail.com www.staffordcreeklodge.com
ANDROS
Tiamo Resorts South Andros (242) 369-2330 ellie@tiamoresorts.com www.tiamoresorts.com
800.32.SPORT • www.bahamas.com/fishing
Abaco Lodge* Bustick Bight (242) 367-5909 info@nervouswaters.com www.abacolodge.com
Andros Island Bonefish Club Cargil Creek (242) 368-5167 androsbonefish@batelnet.bs www.androsbonefishing.com Bair’s Lodge* South Andros (866) 333-6437 www.bairslodge.com info@nervouswaters.com Bonefish Bay Camp Kemp’s Bay (242) 368-1608 rahmingsent@hotmail.com
Tranquility Hill Bonefish Lodge Behring Point (242) 368-4132 tranquil@batelnet.bs www.tranquilityhill.com
BIMINI Bimini Bay (866) 347-8759 (242) 347-2900 www.biminibayresort.com
24 • The Islands of The Bahamas Boating & Fishing Guide 2010/11
Crooked Island Bonefishing* (242) 344-2409 info@cribonefishing.com www.cribonefishing.com
GRAND BAHAMA Bishop’s Bonefishing Resort High Rock (242) 353-5485 info@bishopsresort.net, bishops@batelnet.bs www.bishopsresort.net Bootle Bay Fishing Lodge West End, Grand Bahama (242) 349-4010 bootlebay@batelnet.bs www.bootlebayfishinglodge.com Grand Bahama Bonefishing Freeport (336) 817-7395 (242) 373-1896 jmvogler@triadd.rr.com www.grandbahamabonefishing.com H20 Bonefishing* Pelican Bay Hotel & Suites Freeport (242) 359-4958 (954) 364-7590 info@h20bonefishing.com www.h20bonefishing.com North Riding Point Club North Riding Point (242) 353-4250 northrpc@aol.com www.northridingpointclub.net Old Bahama Bay @ Ginn Sur Mer (242) 350-6500 (888) 800-8959 info@oldbahamabay.com www.oldbahamabay.com
ELEUTHERA Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club Powell Pointe (242) 470-8242 (888) 270-9642 info@capeeleuthera.com www.capeeleuthera.com Valentines Resort* Harbour Island (242) 333-2142 /2135 (800) 848-4073 www.valentinesresort.com reservations@valentinesresort.com
EXUMA Staniel Cay Yacht Club Staniel Cay (242) 355-2024 info@stainelcay.com www.stanielcay.com
LONG ISLAND Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Fishing Club Cape Santa Maria (242) 338-5273 (800) 663-7090 reservations@capesantamaria.com www.capesantamaria.com Gems at Paradise Clarence Town (242) 337-3016-9 (800) 668-4752 www.gemsatparadise.com Long Island Breeze Salt Pond (242) 338-0103 US (954) 605-1826 higginsjlynn@aol.com www.longislandbreezeresort.com
DEEP WATER CAY Deep Water Cay Club (242) 353-3073 www.deepwatercay.com
*Orvis Certified Lodges Bonefishing charters can be arranged at any major resort in The Islands Of The Bahamas
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