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Bahamas spring 2014 suggestions?

RickWoodall

Well Known Member
Next on our plan for big flying trips is the bahamas. Been reading trip reports and threads here on VAF.

Using Ft Pierce to launch, got all the basics about the flying, customs, etc but looking for pireps on lodging and islands that must be visited. Seems it can be pricey for hotel and food. We are not cruise ship stop or casino types. We would love to find decent lodging (no dumps, but no need for high end resorts) and quiet islands.

Bed and breakfasts, fishing towns, nice beaches... just looking for any tips and or contacts that recent flyers/visitors might have. We will likely have about 5 nights to enjoy there. A few moves is fine and one place for 2-3 nights woudl be ideal.

Thanks.
 
We have been to the Staniel Cay Yacht Club four times now. We keep thinking we should try some other places, but just enjoy this place so much we keep coming back.
It is just what you are looking for in terms of no nightclubs, casinos, tourist traps, etc.
It is pretty pricey, but the package deal includes lodging, a boat and motor every day, three full meals a day, (they will pack you a picnic lunch if you are going to be out in your boat) use of snorkeling gear, bicycles, kayaks, and paddleboards. About the only thing not included is alcohol.
This place is all about exploring beautiful uninhabited cays by boat, snorkeling, great sunsets, beautiful beaches, crystal clear water, and meeting interesting people.

They do have a discount for pilots, and Bahamas Tourism has sponsored a fuel rebate for the past couple of years that knocks $300 or more off your bill at the Yacht Club and many other out island resorts and hotels. I don't know if they will be doing that again, but it is worth checking out.

PM me if you want to talk about the particulars of flying to Staniel Cay.

We stayed at Stella Maris Resort on Long Island on our first trip and it was great, but we think Staniel is better.
 
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Rick,
Everybody has a favorite spot in the Bahamas. Most are perfect.
We love the Abacos. These are out islands that have a good airport at Marsh Harbour and many different islands to visit that you can only get to by boat. This is defenitly not a Nassau or Freeport.
Check out http://www.abacoforum.com/
and http://www.bahamas.com/islands/abaco
If this interests you we could chat about some of the options if you like.
 
We've have now stayed at the Hideaways on two different trips and just LOVE IT!!!! Check in with manager Beverly Brittain and tell her you've been referred by Paul Rosales and the RV Fliers to see what she can do for you :) Rosie

Bahamas_197.jpg
 
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Thanks

Keep the great tips coming. I will follow up on all suggestions given. Much appreciated.

I do think its funny Bahamas have a posted Pilots bill of rights...talk about all they do to promote GA, no fees, US level fuel prices etc....but an email to one airport FBO (not one of the big airports) gives us the following.

No landing fees but $20 facility fee unless we buy 15 gal min of fuel at $7.69 a gallon.
Further, $10 nightly parking fee, and a customs processing fee that fbo claims is "variable" at $50 -$150 ?

In the scope of things, none of these are a deal breaker but doesnt seem to GA friendly compared to most US FBOS we love to visit.
 
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The place that Rosie posted is very shallow. You can walk out maybe 100 yards or so before the water is up to your shoulders.
 
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