Travel Info/Tips
You must have a passport to travel to and from the Bahamas
GETTING THERE
ELEUTHERA
(1) Take any airline to Nassau then take Southern Air (242-377-2014) or Bahamasair to Governors Harbour. Be aware that Southern Air has a 50 lb. baggage allowance. However Southern Air has 3 flights daily and is very reliable.
(2) Take any airline to Fort Lauderdale then take Twin Air (954-359-8989), Lynx Air (888-596-9247) or Continental Airlines to Governors Harbour. Twin Air will not accept reservations unless within 3 months of departure. They have a 50 lb. baggage allowance. They are not on any travel agents computer. You must call and make reservations yourself.
ACKLINS
(1) Fly to Nassau, stay overnight and take the Bahamasair (242-377-8451) flight on Wednesday or Saturday morning. (242-377-0354). Pineapple air now flies out of Nassau on Mondays. (242-464-8575 or 242-344-3180)
To book a private charter out of Ft. Lauderdale use Twin Air (954-359-8989), Lynx Air (888-596-9247) or Air Flight Charters (954-359-0320).
Airline & ferry Information
Lynx Air From Ft. Lauderdale (888-596-9247)
Twin Air (954-359-8266) Direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Governor's Harbour on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays (7 passenger plane)
Continental/Gulfstream (800-992-8532) Every day from Miami & Ft. Lauderdale
Southern Air (242-323-7217) 3 times daily from Nassau to Governors Harbour
Bahamas fast ferries (242-323-2166) has a ferry running from Nassau to Governors Harbour on Friday night leaving Nassau at 7:30 pm. and arriving Governors Harbour at 9:30 pm.
When you make your travel arrangements your destination airport is Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas. GHB is the airport code.
On Acklins, your destination is the Spring Point Airport on Acklins. Listen closely when flying Bahamasair as they often announce the flight to Crooked Island, but not to Acklins. You want this flight since presently the plane stops on Crooked after you are dropped off on Acklins Island.
TRAVEL INSURANCE -Protect your time, investment, health and safety
If you want trip cancellation Insurance in the event you have to suddenly cancel, contact CSA Travel Protection @ 800-348-9505 or click here for their website: The cost depends upon your age and the total cost of the trip. It is generally under $200 for these trips—sometimes much less.
You must have a valid passport if you are leaving the United States. Click here for info on obtaining or renewing your passport.
For serious health issue that may arise while you are away
Visit this website for health and safety updates for your destination
This tool displays the approximate Moon phases for a given month - now and well into the future! This tool can be a huge help when planning saltwater flats trips and selecting your week.
More info on the weather patterns/norms of your intended destination
Stay up to date on the latest info
Tips for flying the friendly skies!
Carry on as much as you can-reels, rods, cameras, necessary medication, etc. If your checked bag doesn't make it at least you'll still have the important stuff, which may be difficult or impossible to obtain when you arrive. Most airlines allow you to take on 3 & 4 piece rods, some don't. It is really up to the flight crew when boarding the plane. Just be prepared to check them at the gate if they don't allow you to take 'em on the plane. That means pack rods in a durable & lockable rod holder to protect them from damage & theft, and make sure the rod holder has a securely affixed ID tag. If packing rods with checked luggage, try and split them up in different bags, or put one rod in a checked bag, and the others in your checked rod holder. That way if one gets lost, you'll still have something to fish with while you wait for the airlines to get you your stuff. Make sure your checked luggage is easily identifiable-put unique stickers on them, or tie a bandana or colored string onto a handle. This way you can spot your bag right away, and this will also discourage theft of your bag. Wear your wading boots on the airplane--if your luggage is lost or delayed, at least you'll have them to wade and fish effectively. NEW RULES:
Effective January 1, 2008, spare lithium batteries - extra batteries not installed on devices - will no longer be allowed in checked baggage. Spare lithium batteries may be packed in carry-on baggage and lithium batteries installed in a device may be packed in either checked or carry-on, as long as the battery is installed in the device.
For more details, please visit the Department of Transportation's Safe Travel Web site
Here is info from TSA website on fishing equipment:
Fishing Rods / Poles - Fishing Rods are permitted as carry-on and checked baggage. However, please check with your air carrier to confirm that it fits within their size limitations for carry-on items. Ultimately, it is the carrier's decision as to whether or not it can be transported as carry-on baggage.
Tackle Equipment - Fishing equipment should be placed in your checked baggage. Some tackle equipment can be considered sharp and dangerous. Expensive reels or fragile tackle such as fly's should be packed in your carry-on baggage.
Items that are Prohibited in Carryon Bags
Customers may not bring liquids or gels of any kind onboard the aircraft in their carryon baggage if they do not meet the requirements described below. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, and other items of similar consistency. Items that do not meet the following specifications must be packed in checked baggage.
Items permitted on carryon baggage
Travel-size toiletries (three ounces or less) that fit comfortably in a single, quart-size or less, clear plastic, zip-top bag. ·Baby formula and breast milk are allowed for customers traveling with a baby or toddler.* You are encouraged to travel with only as much formula or breast milk needed to reach your destination.·Canned, jarred, or processed baby food* ·Gel or liquid-filled teethers for babies*These must be declared at the checkpoint for further screening.
At the security checkpoint customers will be asked to remove their zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt.
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items (lipstick, lip balm and similar solids). Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol. Please see other TSA guidelines for customers with prescription liquid medications and other liquids/gels needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions.
After clearing security, travelers may bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board the aircraft.
Please allow additional time for check in at the airport to allow sufficient time to go through the security checkpoint.
Packing List
*9’-10’ rods from 7 to 9 weight
*Corrosion resistant reels loaded w/floating weight forward saltwater taper fly line w/ 150+ yards of #20 backing
*extra line & backing
*Tapered 8-15lb leaders from 9’ to 12’; 8-15lb tippet material
OTHER SPECIES (barracuda, jacks, tarpon, sharks)
*9’-10’ rods in 9-10wt
*Corrosion resistant reel loaded w/ floating weight forward saltwater taper fly line w/ 200+yds of #30 backing
*Tapered 15-20lb leaders; 15-20lb tippet material; 40-100 lb shock tippet material
*wire leader material
*Spinning tackle (optional)—7-8 ft med. Action rod, quality spinning reel with capacity for 250-300 yds of 10-14lb mono; green tube lures, bucktail jigs; 4-6” surface poppers; Steel leaders
OTHER GEAR
*Pliers for removing hooks/cutting wire
*Flies: shrimp, gotchas, crazy charlies, puffs, bonefish clousers, bonefish specials, epoxy shrimp.(NO FLY SHOPS ON ELEUTHERA)
*Various streamers/poppers for barracudas, sharks and jacks
*hook sharpener
*line cleaner
*nail knot tool (large paperclip)
*nippers
*Fanny pack/chest pack
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
*Passport (MANDATORY) and photocopy
*Driver’s License
*Credit cards
*Airline tickets
*Alarm clock
*Casual tropical attire for fishing & relaxing
*Shorts & long pants for fishing
*Rain jacket & pants (light shell) for rain &/or rough boat rides
*Light pullover; wool or fleece
*Wide brimmed or long-billed hat to protect neck & ears
*Wading shoes or booties
*Socks—to prevent blisters when wading
*Sunscreen/lip balm
*sun gloves (optional)
*Polarized glasses w/ side-shields (copper, amber, or orange lenses)
*Insect repellent
*Bathing suit & snorkeling gear if desired
*Camera & film & batteries
*Small flashlight
*1st aid kit
*RX drugs
*Cash for tips, alcohol (ATM’s are hard to find)
*notebook & pen
*small binoculars
*zip lock bags & garbage bags
*leatherman tool
*Duct tape
*moisturizing lotion
*tioletries
*Important phone #’s
*Beach towel
*This list is designed to help you prepare for your adventure. Feel free to add or delete any of the above items
Those of you who aren't expert casters should strongly consider taking a few casting lessons from a qualified instructor. This will give you a greater advantage while fishing the flats.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
MEALS on Eleuthera are taken at Unique Village Restaurant, or at the Northside resort. At Unique, just about anything can be ordered off of the menu, including lobster, steak, chicken and grouper. At the Northside, just tell Rose what you want for dinner in the morning. Lunches can be eaten at the restaurants, or packed to go. Remember to remind your server at breakfast to pack your lunch, and don't forget to bring a small cooler.
Meals on Acklins are taken at the lodges, and lunches can be packed to take on the water.
VACCINATIONS are not usually considered essential but you should check with your doctor.
DRINKING WATER: The tap water at all locations is considered safe to drink but cheap bottled water can be purchased locally and is preferred. Bottled water is provided on Acklins by the lodge, so use it. No sense taking any chances with the local water.
DRESS CODE is Casual. Shirts and shoes should be worn in Restaurants.
SNAKES & BUGS: There are no dangerous snakes on Eleuthera or Acklins. Not too many problems with insects although "no-see-ums" (tiny sand flies) can be bothersome in the evening if there is no breeze. There are sometimes mosquitoes too. Bring insect repellent in case. It helps to cover your ankles/legs if the no-see-ums/mosquitoes are out.
