Grand Bahama Island Sports & Outdoors

Grand Bahama offers a host of activities for the environmentally sensitive, and kayaking is one of them. While staying at the Fortuna Beach Resort, we tried our luck at kayaking.

It turned out to be a great adventure. First of all, the non-motorized activities are free at the resort, and the staff takes the time to teach novices the proper fundamentals of the activity. After a few attempts, I got "the hang of it", and was able to keep up with Allan.

What makes Kayaking so much fun is the sheer joy of controlling your own route, speed, and time. Allan and I were like children as we raced, dodged, and laughed at our own inadequacies. In addition, kayaking is an easy way to really "see" the environment without destroying it. The water was so clear that we could enjoy the fish and other sea creatures pretty close up.

Don't be fooled--kayaking is not as easy as it looks. It takes strength and endurance, and if you maneuver incorrectly, your back really suffers the next day.

I strongly advise you to try this eco-adventure.

Equipment: At Club Fortuna, all the equipment was provided free of charge. You need a kayack, life vest, hat, sunglasses, and tennis shoes.

I might add, you need to wear plenty of sun screen for your own protection from the intense sunrays in the Grand Bahamas.

In the 1970's, Allan and I went sportfishing. We hired the Mayor of the West End whose name is Bonefish Foley. It was simply a rowboat with a motor.

Allan and I made a bet of who would catch the most fish, the first fish, and the biggest fish. I won in all three categories.

I now realize that Bonefish maneuvered the boat in such a way that I would win. As you can see, this is back in the days when I looked good in a two piece bathing suit, and the largest fish that I caught took about half an hour to reel in. I had the pole anchored in my naval so I received a huge bruise there.

In the Grand Bahama waters, you can catch marlin, sailfish, blue and yellowfin tuna, bonefish, barracuda, and red snapper

We caught lots of red snapper and a few barracuda. We took enough red snapper back to the condo to prepare a hearty dinner. The rest of the fish, including the barracuda, we gave to our guide, Bonefish Foley. He had about eight or nine children to feed.

The best time to go fishing is between April and September; however, winter is a good time also.

Equipment: You need a boat, a good guide, a pole, and bait. You don't have to have much if you hire a good guide; he/she will supply all that you need.