Experience has shown that even the most seasoned couples can suffer from differing images of what a perfect trip to the Bahamas actually entails. One might think of a sun- drenched pool, rum punch, snorkeling, and an endless white sand beach, while another thinks of a #4 Gotcha plopping gently down in the path of a cruising ten pound bonefish. Located in the heart of Grand Bahama’s Lucayan Marina, Pelican Bay Bonefishing offers a unique and uncompromising solution to this common dilemma. Here, from a comfortable hotel complete with pool and outdoor bar, non anglers can interface with the areas vibrant retail district, casinos and adjoining beaches, while the anglers in the group are whisked off by their guides to fish the trophy flats of the island’s remote western reaches. Non anglers can arrange numerous day trip options including golf, tennis, equestrian tours, glass bottom boat tours, and snorkeling while the anglers can test their skills against some of the largest bonefish in the Bahamas. Dinners are not included in the package price, enabling party members to enjoy the town and numerous restaurants together each evening. Additionally, Pelican Bay is one of the easiest destinations to reach in all the Bahamas and they welcome stays of varying lengths.
Pelican Bay Travel:
To get to Pelican Bay Resort you will need to make travel arrangements to and from Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island. The island is serviced directly from the mainland by several major US carriers. Upon your arrival at Freeport International Airport all bonefishing guests must take a taxi from the airport to Pelican Bay resort. The ride cost roughly $20 per direction. At your request, we can arrange for a meet and greet service for you at a cost of roughly $50 for the round trip. Make two copies of the page in your passport that includes your picture, passport number, issue and expiration date. Keep one copy in your wallet or pocket and one in your luggage. This can be very helpful entering and leaving the country if your passport is lost.
NOTE: Please forward a copy of your flight itinerary to us as soon as you have made your travel arrangements. You may fax us at: (541) 488-9337 email us: margaret@flywatertravel.com or call us at: (800) 552-2729.
Pelican Bay Documentation:
You will need a valid passport. No Visa is required for US or UK passengers, but other nationalities should check with their local consulate. A Bahamian departure tax of $15 is due on all departing passengers.
Pelican Bay Fishing:
The Island of Grand Bahama stretches 90 miles east to west as the crow flies and its north shore features a vast amount of fishable shoreline. Bottom structure varies from both hard and soft sand or grass flats to harder light coral or marl flats, creeks or cays, all of which provide excellent feeding areas for bonefish and permit. Fishing is primarily from Pelican Bay Bonefishings' fleet of Maverick Mirage flats boats but anglers are encouraged to wade during times where large concentrations of fish are found tailing in ‘skinny’ water. The bonefish can vary greatly in size from small 2 to 3 pound fish that can be found in schools to solitary or pairs and small groups that will weigh into double figures. The average size bonefish is a healthy 4 to 6 pounds and fish of 7 and 8 pounds are almost a daily encounter. The trophy sized specimens of 10 + pounds can be located at any time and anglers should be alert and ready to cast their offerings accurately. Pelican Bay's fly caught record bonefish, so far, is a remarkable fish of 14 ½ pounds. Although Pelican Bay is considered a world-class bonefishing destination there are several other great gamefish that frequent the vast north shore flats. Permit and tarpon arrive during the spring and can be encountered until December. Barracuda can be found almost daily. There is also the possibility of running into packs of the hard fighting horse eye jacks that average 10 to 15 pounds. Pelican Bay Bonefishing therefore encourages all anglers to bring at least one heavier fly rod rated for either a 9, 10 or 11 wt. line.
Pelican Bay Accommodations and Meals:
Pelican Bay at Lucaya is Grand Bahamas’ newest boutique hotel where visitors find Caribbean charm mixed with Western European service. Danish architects incorporated sophisticated European design to create magical, timeless Caribbean architecture and luxurious accommodations. Each of the 69 rooms has a private balcony that overlook the courtyard area and the marina, shops and restaurants of Port Lucaya Marketplace. The spacious accommodations include your choice of one King-size bed or twin double beds and boasts Satellite TV, direct dial phone, refrigerator and in-room coffee maker. Rooms are decorated with colorful island spreads and drapery and white washed furniture. Floors are Italian tiled. Other guest amenities include a tropical fresh water pool, hot tub and pool bar.
Pelican Bay Climate:
Temperatures typically range from the low 70’s to the mid 90’s. Isolated afternoon thundershowers are a possibility year round. While fishing, wind can be factor and the sun is very strong.
Pelican Bay Season:
Mid October through mid June
Pelican Bay Fish Species:
Bonefish, barracuda and permit
Pelican Bay Lodge Capacity:
12 anglers
Pelican Bay 2008 Rates:
6 nights / 5 days $2,695-$2,995.
Included:
Air-Conditioned waterfront room w/King or 2 double beds, satellite TV, direct dial phone, mini-refrigerator, in-room coffee maker, full private balcony, tropical pool, hot tub, daily breakfast, daily deluxe picnic lunch including non-alcoholic beverages (for anglers), 16’ Maverick flats boat w/ new Yamaha 90, professional guide, 6% Hotel Guest Tax, 6% Resort Tax.
Not Included:
Gratuities for fishing guide, dinner (Over 20 restaurants from pizza to gourmet located within walking distance of hotel.), alcoholic beverages, equipment rentals, international flights and transportation to and from the airport (unless noted on your invoice).
The Bahamas