VISIT
THE ISLANDS

The Bahamas -
An Overview

Andros Island

The Abacos

Grand Bahama - Freeport

The Exumas

Long Island

Bimini and Berry Islands

New Providence -
Nassau

Eleuthera - Spanish Wells - Harbour Islands

Cat Island

Crooked and Acklins Islands

Mayaguana - Great Inagua - Ragged Islands

San Salvador - Rum Cay - Conception Islands

NEW Turks & Caicos Islands

FEATURED LOCATIONS

These locations are some of our favorites, and favorites of our readers. They are recommended depending on the type of trip you're looking for. Remember, define the type of trip you're looking for first, then do your homework, and you'll end up booking a great vacation. And reminder number two: the further south you go in the winter months, the better odds you have of escaping cold fronts.

Bimini Bay Resort - In 2006, the landscape and atmosphere of North Bimini changed considerably with the opening of the Bimini Bay Resort. The remarkably efficient design and lay-out of this tropical-hued luxury resort complex includes a 136 slip marina, oceanfront homesites, marina condominiums, private island homesites, and restaurants, and actually, the 96-slip Maga Yacht marina is open as of January 200. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and country club, the casino, and a Conrad Hotel is scheduled for 2010. So far the developers have worked well with the Bahamian government to preserve the environment and natural appeal of the island, and they have engaged the community in educational projects, and in a “paint the town” campaign. This successful campaign involved over seventy structures, homes and commercial buildings, along the King’s Highway. The lively paint matches the resort’s pastel pink, blue, yellow, and green motif.
The luxury resort, now open includes radiant condominiums with island art, hardwood and rattan furnishings, and topped off with ultra-modern kitchens. There are also amply-sized single family beach homes with dazzling ocean views. The pastel painted wooden structures, landscaping, fountains, and road systems blend with the natural terrain of beaches, palms, and the bayside marina to wow visitors. The Casa Lyon restaurant, best on the island, serves island delights like coconut cracked conch, chicken satay, and a stir fry infusion of seafood and fresh veggies for dinner. You can enjoy lunch at the grill by the infinity pool.

Bair's Lodge....this is our pick as the best option for fishing South Andros. Bair's is a deluxe lodge beachfront lodge with excellent food and good guides...one of the most comfortable lodges we have ever stayed at. They only take 8 anglers, and they are booked months in advance so you need to make your plans as far ahead as possible. Lots of fish here if you're into number...some big fish too, especially in Deep Creek and Little Creek.

Charlie Neymour and Nottages Cottages - THIS IS OUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR SERIOUS FISHING. One of our favorite guides of all time--Charlie makes every day on the water fun. Nottage Cottages is at the end of the road at Behring Point, about a five minute drive past Tranquility Hill. You can book Charlie and several of the other best independent guides on Andros by e-mailing Kim.

Pelican Bay Resort - One of our top recommendations for couples, families and serious anglers--Pelican Bay at Lucaya, home of Pelican Bay Bonefishing, has 90 deluxe guest room, and 48 luxury suites. We have stayed in one of the suites, and it was fabulous. Our longtime friend, Greg Vincent, is director of fishing at Pelican Bay. Greg has extensive saltwater guiding experience around the world, and he has turned this program into on of the top saltwater programs in the Caribbean. Part of Greg's program includes saltwater fly fishing schools, which makes Pelican Bay an ideal location for beginners, or advanced anglers who want to perfect their techniques. While Pelican Bay has outstanding personalized service, and too many amenities to list hear, it is also a serious fishing destination. The Grand Bahama fishery rivals Andros for Big Bones, plus the permit and tarpon fisheries are beginning to emerge. We fished with some serious anglers who were very happy they chose this location, and they didn't seem to mind sipping cocktails with us, with Greg and with the other fly fishers around the pool bar each evening while talking over the day and watching the sunset. Serious fishing doesn't have to mean you can't enjoy some luxury after you leave the flats. You can contact Greg Vincent directly at 242-373-9550, or email him.

HAWKS NEST RESORT and MARINA - Cat Island - It is common for offshore boats to take over thirty dorado a day in the waters off Hawk's Nest, both in the Exuma Sound, and in the currents between Cat Island and Long Island. Or you can fish the adjacent creeks for bonefish, and you'll rarely see another angler. Hawk's Nest has deluxe air-conditioned accommodations at reasonable prices. Accommodations overlook the pool, a strip of white sand beach, and the aquamarine Exuma Sound beyond. The restaurant serves fresh seafood, including grilled wahoo, Bahamian-style grouper, and succulent conch salad, or you can enjoy a rack of lamb. The bar is a fun place to hang out and make of fishing stories. The expanded 28-slip marina has new docks, air-conditioned fish-cleaning shed, gas and diesel fuel, electricity, ice and water. The resort also has a comprehensive diving and snorkeling program. A 4,600-foot private airstrip is on the resort property for easy access, or you can fly in commercial to New Bight. For additional information please email Kim.