Orvis Week on Grand Bahama Island with H2O Bonefishing
May 17-22, 2024 | Starting at $3,258 — Target large bonefish and other species during an exciting week with Orvis and H2O Bonefishing on Grand Bahama Island.
Orvis Week on Grand Bahama Island with H2O Bonefishing
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Orvis Week on Grand Bahama Island with H2O Bonefishing
May 17-22, 2024 | Starting at $3,258 — Target large bonefish and other species during an exciting week with Orvis and H2O Bonefishing on Grand Bahama Island.
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Dan Davala
Orvis Week on Grand Bahama Island with H2O Bonefishing
1-800-547-4322
Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm (ET)
orvistravel@orvis.com
Guests will stay at the Pelican Bay Lucaya Hotel and Suites. This is a medium-sized resort hotel with a variety of accommodations. The hotel has three swimming pools, a hot tub, a pool bar, and a restaurant. There is a full-service concierge desk that can easily help you select and arrange numerous non-angling activities. If you prefer, you can explore the popular shopping district that is just a short walk from the hotel. Port Lucaya is known for its nightlife, but Pelican Bay is off the beaten path just enough to eliminate any noise issues. Although Freeport is a popular spring break destination, the hotel screens potential guests to ensure a relaxing and peaceful environment year-round.
Meals:
Because of the unique nature of Port Lucaya and Pelican Bay Hotel, dinners and drinks are not included in the package. Although this can be arranged, most visitors soon realize that the large selection of restaurants within walking distance makes it a lot more fun to select a different spot every night. A continental breakfast, served at the hotel, is included in your package. Breakfast typically consists of fruits, pastries, juices, and coffee. When fishing with your guide, you can expect a hearty boxed lunch consisting of a sandwich, chips, fruit, cookies, and a soft drink. Within a two-minute walk of the hotel is a great selection of restaurants within Port Lucaya including, pizza, gourmet burgers, Bahamian infusion, Greek, Italian, and tapas.
Sample Itinerary:
Arrival Day: Arrive at the Freeport, Grand Bahama Island airport. Since the lodge is close by, you can arrive on any flight, but we recommend coming in the afternoon or early evening if possible. After you arrive, you will make your way to the hotel and check in. Shortly after your arrival, an H2O outfitter will speak with you about the plans for the next few days. If you arrive early enough in the day, they can help you set up an afternoon offshore fly-fishing trip. If you prefer, you can just relax by one of the resort’s pools with a refreshing cocktail or enjoy dinner at one of the nearby restaurants.
Fishing Days: The day starts early with a traditional breakfast served buffet style. After breakfast, anglers are introduced to their guides around 8:00 AM. Once you've had a chance to discuss your day with the guide and check your gear, you will take a short ride to one of the numerous boat ramps on Grand Bahama Island where your boat will be launched. Productive fishing can be reached within a few minutes, or your guide may decide to run a little longer due to the day’s prevailing weather conditions. After a long day on the water, all guests will plan on getting back to the hotel by 5:30 PM at the latest. Once you return to the resort, you will have an opportunity to relax with a Kalik (The Beer of The Bahamas), a glass of wine, or a cocktail before dinner. The resort’s pool bar has a good selection of wine, beer, and cocktails and a complete lunch and dinner menu. If you have a specific drink of choice, you may want to bring a bottle with you. Since dinner is not included in your package you are free to explore and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants within a short walk of the hotel. If you don’t want to leave the hotel you can eat dinner at the pool bar and have the charges added to your room tab.
Departure Day: You will make your way to the Freeport airport in time to catch your flight home. It may also be possible to visit another lodge after your stay at Pelican Bay. Orvis Travel has a wide variety of options available in the Bahamas and we will be happy to make a recommendation and handle the arrangements.
Please note that this itinerary is subject to change.
What's Included:
- Five nights in an air-conditioned waterfront room at the Pelican Bay Lucaya Hotel and Suites
- Four days of guided fishing with access to the vast fisheries that Grand Bahama offers on the north, south, east, and west of the island. (2 anglers per guide)
- Access to the clubhouse ‘Bones’ with swim-up pool bar, freshly squeezed cocktails, freshly baked savory pies along with the finest sipping rums from around the world, served on the water, in the water, or by the water.
- Daily breakfast, daily picnic lunch including non-alcoholic beverages (fishing days only)
- Free hourly ferry transfers to Taino beach during daylight hours.
- Transfers to/from the hotel
What's Not Included:
- Flights
- Evening meals and lunches on non-fishing days
- Tips for fishing guides
- Equipment rental and end tackle, flies, leader, etc.
- Alcoholic beverages
Bonefish are the primary focus for most anglers on Grand Bahama Island. Although large schools (50-100 fish) are not uncommon here, many fly anglers prefer fishing over singles and smaller schools that often hold larger fish, averaging 4–6 pounds. These smaller groups of larger fish and big singles are the main attraction on these flats. Fish in the 8 to 10-pound range are encountered almost daily. In fact, Grand Bahama is one of the few destinations where your guide won’t be surprised if you land a fish in the double digits. Fish over 14 pounds have been landed by anglers fishing with H2O Bonefishing guides.
The unique geography of the area allows these well-trained guides to find fish throughout the day by switching locations as the tide fluctuates. Although much of the fishing is done from a flats skiff, if your guide spots a group of tailing fish in skinny water, don’t be surprised if he suggests getting out of the boat to stalk the fish on foot. In addition to bonefish, the guides are well trained and eager to pursue other species including permit, tarpon, barracuda, and sharks. Although the permit aren’t as plentiful as they are in other places in the Caribbean, there are enough to make the hunt worthwhile (their larger than average size is a plus). Permit are often spotted and caught while looking for bonefish. Tarpon fishing is best in late spring and through the summer when the larger migratory fish pass through on their migratory route.
Season:
Although the fishing at Grand Bahama Island can be productive nearly year-round, it is worth considering the season when planning your trip. Spring is certainly the most popular time for anglers to travel to The Bahamas, and Grand Bahama is no exception. Anglers traveling from late February through June can usually expect to catch more bonefish than at other times, but each season has its own characteristics that shouldn't be ignored.
The off-shore and tarpon fishing picks up in April and stays good right through the summer making early summer a very good time to visit and perfect for families with school-aged children on summer break. Since the waters around Grand Bahama Island warm slower than destinations further south in The Bahamas, the fishing remains productive later into the summer.
How many people are on this trip?
Eight anglers plus travel companions
What skill level is suggested?
All skill levels are welcome.
How strenuous are the activities?
The trip can be tailored to an individual’s fitness level.
What additional activities are available?
- Dolphin experience – swim or wade with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins
- Snorkeling excursions to the nearby coral reefs
- Shark or dolphin dives
- Canoeing or kayaking in the mangroves
- Scenic boat tours
- Sunbathing and swimming on the beach
- Horseback riding
- Two USGA golf courses within a mile of the resort
- Eco tours
What is the typical weather?
Temperature averages about 75 degrees Fahrenheit from October through May and 80–85 degrees in June and July. It can be a bit cooler in January and February, but still temperate. There’s often a cool breeze, particularly from May through July. It's best to check the local weather forecast just prior to your trip for the most accurate weather conditions.
What gear do you recommend?
Choose either lightweight cotton or synthetic fabrics. Synthetic fabrics and blends dry very quickly and remain comfortable after minimal washing. Cotton has many advocates, but it does take a long time to dry. Due to the exposed nature of the flats, we recommend loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants for complete protection from the sun. If you prefer short sleeves and shorts, remember to use plenty of sunscreen. A detailed packing list will be sent to guests upon booking.
Reservations, Deposits & Payments
The deposit is 50% of the trip price unless stated differently in the trip proposal and materials (trip planner and confirmation email). In some cases, deposits are non-refundable, this depends on the destination and will be clearly noted in the trip proposal and materials as well. Deposits may be made by check or credit card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover Card. The balance of the trip cost is due 90 days before departure, except where specified differently on individual itineraries. The balance will be charged automatically to the credit card used for the deposit, unless otherwise specified. Any changes made to the method of payment after the final balance has been collected are subject to processing fees.
A reservation form and release are required prior to departure.
All prices must be paid in U.S. dollars. Deposits are not transferable from one trip to another.
Prices quoted are based on foreign exchange values and tariffs currently in effect and prices are subject to change. Orvis Adventures reserves the right to adjust prices accordingly until the time of departure.
Planning information
When your reservation is confirmed, you will receive planning information to guide you through trip preparations. Details about arrival and departure, clothing and equipment, trip cancellation insurance, pre- and post- trip extensions, visas and documents and activities are included in the planning information.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Although cancellation fees may be higher for some trips (stated in the trip proposal and materials), the following minimum cancellation fees will apply:
| Days Prior to Trip | Fee |
| + 90 days | $300 per person |
| 89 days or less | 100% of cost |
For trips that include an Orvis gift card or Orvis merchandise, the retail value of the gift card or merchandise is non-refundable upon delivery. Cancellation fees cannot be waived for any reason, including health, business or personal emergencies, or weather.
We strongly urge you to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
No refunds will be made for unused portions of a trip, including late arrival or early departure. Guide fees and hotel costs are not refundable if unused as outlined in the itinerary. Orvis reserves the right to modify an itinerary due to circumstances beyond our control. In the unlikely event that Orvis must cancel a tour, all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes a full settlement.
Orvis is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation of any canceled trip, including airline tickets and visas fees.
Cancellation Insurance
Your planning information includes information for travel insurance covering cancel for any reason, cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, lost baggage and medical evacuation. We urge you to obtain this coverage.
Share policies
Trip prices are based on double occupancy. Single rooms & cabins are limited. If you request a single room, a single supplement will apply as noted in the itinerary. We will confirm the single room as early as possible, but in some cases it may not be earlier than 30 days prior to the trip. If you request a roommate, we can usually pair you with another guest of the same gender, and no single supplement will apply. If you request a roommate, and one is not available, we will only charge you the single supplement if required by the lodge or facility used in the trip.
Children under 18 must share a room with a parent or other family member. In some cases this may be waived.
Passports and documents
International trips require a passport. Check your passport early and make sure it has six months validity at the time of travel. A visa is needed in some countries and we will send you complete details and instructions.
Arrival and Departure
Group transfers from a central location such as an airport are described in the itinerary, and are included in the land cost.. Transfers are not included in the land cost if you arrive early or leave after the scheduled departure day.
Equipment & Clothing
You will receive a detailed list of appropriate gear with your trip planning information.
Airline reservations
The land cost of your trip does not include airfare.
Limitation of liability
This section defines Orvis Travel’s responsibility with regard to all travel arrangements made by Orvis Travel, including individual travel and pre- and post- trip extensions. Please read it carefully.
Upon sending your deposit to Orvis Travel, you acknowledge that you have read and understand all the terms and conditions outlined here, and agree to be bound by them.
All trips that involve outdoor sporting activities such as shooting or fishing, or travel through remote places by vehicle, boat, small plane or on foot, put you at risk for accidents and serious injuries in the normal course of the activity. That is the nature of travel to such destinations and you acknowledge that you accept these hazards as a condition of participation.
Orvis Travel, its Owners, Employees, Associates and Agents give notice that they act only as the agent for the owners, contractors and suppliers providing means of transportation and/or other services and assume no responsibility howsoever caused for injury, loss or damage to person or property in connection with any service resulting directly from: acts of God, detention, annoyance, delays, expenses arising from quarantine, strikes, thefts, pilferage, force majeure, failure of any means of conveyance to arrive or depart as scheduled, civil disturbances, terrorism, government restrictions or regulations, and discrepancies or changes in transit or hotel services over which it has no control. Reasonable changes in the itinerary may be made where deemed advisable for the comfort and well-being of the passengers.
Baggage and personal effects, including items purchased, guns, fishing equipment or sporting goods are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times and no employee/agent of Orvis Travel, its subsidiaries, affiliated or associated companies is authorized to accept these for storage, safekeeping, or transportation.
