ENTRY FEE INCREASE
Custom and Immigrations fees into The Bahamas have increased for boats 31 feet and over to $300. The fee for boats 30 feet and under is $150. Both flat fees cover a vessel with three persons or less, and includes the cruising permit. The $25 Departure Tax is waived for up to three persons. Each additional person after three will be charged the $25 Departure Tax. In Grand Bahama, the Departure Tax is $28.00.
GRAND BAHAMA
In early August 2012, a new management team took over resort operations at OLD BAHAMA BAY RESORT & MARINA, West End. Spearheaded by Island Ventures Resort & Club, Ltd., the new hospitality company is owned by Old Bahama Bay property owners. The new team has implemented a number of new partnerships, including joining the Guy Harvey Outpost Expedition lineage and welcoming Stuart Cove to the property as the onsite SCUBA excursion operator. Through October 31, the resort is offering a $150 per night room rate, with a third night free, and dockage in the marina for $1 per foot per night. For details, visit www.oldbahamabay.com.
BIMINI
BIMINI SANDS RESORT & MARINA has rolled out an all-inclusive five-night vacation package for fall and winter 2012-2013. Priced at $145 per person per night, the package includes three meals daily, accommodations is one of the marina-view villas, unlimited free beverages (even adult libations) at resort restaurants and bars, one complimentary resort activity, and free dockage for boaters. There are no blackout dates, even over the holidays; reservations must be paid in full at time of booking. Price does not include tax. For more information, visit www.biminisands.com.
The BIMINI BIG GAME CLUB has introduced a Hot Deals special, stay three nights and get the fourth night room and slip free. The offer is valid from October 2012 through March 2013. The Big Game Club will also host the Bimini Wahoo Smack- Down November 15-17. For more information, visit http://www.biggameclubbimini.com.
From all reports the BALEÀRIA BAHAMAS EXPRESS should begin service between Bimini and Fort Lauderdale before the end of the year. As of press time, a definitive date had not been determined. As reported last month, the hi-speed vessel began providing service to Grand Bahama in April of 2012. The ship sails at a speed of 32 knots and can accommodate 450 passengers.
ABACO
Treasure Cay
TREASURE CAY RESORT & MARINA is rolling out its inaugural Golftober Fest November 2 to 4, 2012, featuring “a weekend celebration of golf, beach bumming, bratwurst and beer.” With rates as low as $360 (per person double occupancy) the “tee-party” includes three nights lodging, two days of unlimited golf, Saturday night German theme cookout, taxes and gratuity for the entire stay, plus transportation to and from Treasure Cay Airport. Non-lodging rates available. For more details, visit www. treasurecay.com.
Green Turtle Cay
The BLUFF HOUSE RESORT & MARINA recently announced the addition of eight new guestroom suites as new ownership works to embellish a classic British Colonial inn experience. New general manager Christopher Pollock, most recently a consultant at the Bimini Big Game Club, says there’s much in the works at the Bluff House, “The recent addition of the new Bluff House Beach Bar and Grill and new dive and fishing packages.” For more information, visit www.bluffhouse.com.