Travel - Firefly Sunset Resort

Guest FAQs

1st July 2020 by jaymacmurphy

Thank you for your support since Hurricane Dorian made landfall here in Hope Town on September 1, 2019.

We are proud to say that WE HAVE REOPENED as of July 1, 2020. If you need reservations for either the restaurant or villas, please email info@fireflysunsetresort.com.

The office is also open Tuesday through Saturday and can be reached during normal business hours locally at 225-8625 or 225-8186. If calling from the US, please call 843-492-5344 or 843-492-4337.

Is the resort open?

Yes, we have four 2 bed/2 bath cottages available for rent. Unfortunately, Java Rum, Georgia Peach and Sweet Tea were destroyed in Dorian. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner but is limited to indoor seating only until our outside bar and deck is complete.

Reservations are required at this time.

Are there other restaurants, boat rentals and golf cart rentals open?

This information is changing weekly so our best advice is to reach out to each company individually. If you book a villa with us, we will be able to help you navigate all of this as well.

Is the airport open?

Yes, it is open. Please stay up to date with all travel requirements related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of July 1st, you will need a negative test result within a week of arrival date in order to fly into the Bahamas.

Follow us on social media, on Instagram @fireflysunsetresort and Facebook at facebook.com/fireflysunsetresortabaco.

Tips from Our Visitors

28th August 2019 by ryannelson

Thanks to our visitors for posting “ROOM TIPS” on TripAdvisor. We love hearing from you!

“Best view is Java Rum and Mint-To-Be; for large groups do Sweet Tea or Georgia Peach.”

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g1937811-d3236039-Reviews-Firefly_Sunset_Resort-Elbow_Cay_Abaco_Islands_Out_Islands_Bahamas.html

Buzzworthy Review

24th July 2019 by ryannelson

Perfect Place to Maximize Bahamas VacationGreat facility and staff. It has everything you really need for an awesome Bahamas vacation:

Clean, nice, updated cottages.
Perfect Dock
Great food
Amazing views

The kids loved snorkeling and playing games around the swim beach. Milo kept the kids entertained. There are large live conch, fish and rays right off the dock! The staff helped us with golf cart and boat rentals… would definitely go again.

From TripAdvisor.

Life’s a beach. Beaches of The Abacos.

17th July 2019 by ryannelson

I’m sure we can all agree that if you’re heading to The Bahamas, you’re probably planning to spend time in the sun. Some people spend time in the water, some are on the water, and tons are enjoying my personal favorite; by the water. There isn’t much better than a perfectly sunny day, with a nice light breeze blowing in from the water and through the nearby palms while you sit and enjoy a good book or a refreshing cocktail atop the soft sands overlooking the beautiful blue waters. If you’re an avid beachgoer, you’re likely aware that beaches can be extremely different from one another and no two are the same. This isn’t a bad thing, because it makes visiting different beaches something to always look forward to, and a new experience each time.

Depending on how long you’re visiting for, you may have time to visit all of these glorious spots, but if not, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay – At this private beach club, you’ll find beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s secluded and relaxed but provides opportunities to windsurf, snorkel, kayak or enjoy water sports you love. If lounging is more of your thing, lounge away under a thatch beach umbrella.

Treasure Cay Beach – This beach is highly desirable to many tourists thanks to it having some of the finest and whitest sand on earth. Not to mention the vibrant turquoise waters of the Sea of Abaco to look out onto. 3.5 miles of picturesque beauty. Calm waters are common here, and you won’t want to miss a sunset view from this spot. This beach was actually voted one of the 10 best Caribbean beaches and it’s no surprise why.

Tahiti Beach – You’ll find this beauty south on Elbow Cay. You can only access it by foot, bike or by boat. Get ready for relaxation galore on this secluded beach with soft white sand and clear waters. You shouldn’t have a hard time nabbing a spot here. Most of the time you’ll find that the sandbars extend pretty far out into the water, keeping the waters shallow and calm for your enjoyment.

Guana Cay Beach – It won’t be hard to nab your own piece of paradise along this seven-mile-long beach. Endless views of the Atlantic Ocean and white sands make this beach unforgettable. Depending on the time of year, the water can be a little rougher making snorkeling a little more difficult, but still enjoyable.

Ocean Beach – You will find this beach on the eastern end of Abaco. There is no shortage of water spots including diving, fishing, sailing and windsurfing. This is also a great spot for beach bars and restaurants. This beach may be more crowded than others.

Sandy Point Beach – A haven for shell collectors. This beach is located on the southwest tip of Great Abaco. Sandy Point is known for it’s large number of seashells, so bring your bucket and get ready to pick some beauties for your collection.

Gilliam Bay Beach – If you prefer no breeze and some hot, hot heat, this is the beach for you. This beach is protected from the wind and only a 15-minute walk from the main town of Green Turtle Cay.

One final thought

As previously mentioned, you can’t go wrong with any beach and each offer a different style. With that being said, we kindly remind you to take care of our beaches like they were your own. Keep them clean of litter or debris, and respect the beautiful natural elements while you enjoy your stay in The Abacos.

Ready, set, dive. What you need to know about scuba diving in The Abacos

15th January 2019 by falconfireflysunsetresort

If you’re unfamiliar with The Abacos, they are a group of islands and barrier cays in the northern Bahamas. This 120-mile-long chain of paradise is home to beautiful beaches, warm breezes, sunshine and, you guessed it, scuba diving adventures.

Now, if you’ve dived in the Bahamas before, The Abacos are a completely different experience. The waters are relatively shallow and most areas are 60 feet or less in depth. The fringing reefs you’ll find in these waters are extremely ornate. There is actually an extinct coral base with Star and Elkhorn corals growing on top creating the beautiful formations you will see. You’ll also find cathedral-like caverns in the form of an underwater maze as you’re swimming around. These tunnels formed from tidal flow hitting against the base reef. You’ll also be experiencing the third largest barrier reef in the world, which is saying a lot for a smaller island area.

With more than 100 miles of reef to explore, the visibility is ideal in the turquoise waters, and is usually over 100 feet. Of course, weather can affect visibility, but with lots of sunshine, The Abacos are considered a great diving destination all year round. Just a heads up, June through October is hurricane season and October to June is considered best for shark diving. Be ready to experience lush coral gardens, steep drop-offs, plenty of fishes and even friendly sharks and rays.

If you aren’t a diving aficionado, or are in need of a lesson, they are available. Here are some places you can work with to get your feet wet.

– Dive Time Abaco

– Dive Abaco

– Froggies Out Island Adventures

– Above and Below Abaco

Lesson prices vary by each company and can range from $150-$350. If you are already an avid diver, you can pay for dive excursions as opposed to lessons. If you are already a certified scuba diver and are able to dive on your own, remember to bring your certification card for proof. Otherwise, you will not be able to venture off on your own, or will have to complete lessons again.

The Abacos are considered a great place to learn how to scuba dive. Before you venture out and “dive in,” you will first be introduced to all the pieces of scuba gear. Generally, with each of the businesses listed above, you will spend the first few hours learning on land and in a pool. This gets you comfortable with breathing underwater and you will learn skills like clearing your ears and how to use your buoyancy compensator (BC) inflate/deflate valve and how to ascend/descend properly. Some of the gear you can expect to learn about includes a face mask, BC, regulator, wet suit, tanks, snorkels, weight belt/weights, and fins.

Once you’ve completed your informational session, your instructors will take you out to the beautiful reef for some diving action. Have no fear, you won’t be left completely alone when you are out on the water. Your instructors and scuba companies will be with you each step of the way to make sure you are comfortable and safe.

For those who want to expand even further than just initial scuba lessons and a single experience on vacation, you can also work on getting your own scuba certification. If you will be in The Abacos longer than four days, that is plenty of time for you to get scuba certified. If you would prefer to get certified with a local dive center near you, it can take a few weeks since classes are generally one to two times per week. PADI (Professional Association of Divers) classes are what are widely offered on the island. Again, if you are certified when coming to visit The Abacos and plan to dive, please bring your certification for proof.

More advanced divers can further their experience and gain other certifications, or take courses like advanced open water, air diving, underwater photo and several others. There is even an option at many locations to become a dive master if you are looking to make a career out of scuba diving.

The northernmost island of Walker’s Cay has one of the most unique shark dives in all of The Bahamas. You can see groups of up to 150 sharks coming together when dive boat engines turn on in what looks like a coral arena. The sharks eat bait while divers can swim around with them. It may sound a little scary, but your dive instructors and guides will keep you safe.

These are considered the top Abaco diving locations:

The Towers: Huge coral pinnacles 60 feet tall, pierced with tunnels and caverns

Grouper Alley: 40ft. Numerous tunnels beneath a monstrous coral heads

Wayne’s World: 70ft. A tour of the outside of the barrier reef

The Cathedral: Huge cavern where shafts of sunlight dance on the floor

Tarpon Reef: High profile corals for a school of Tarpon and a huge Green Moray

Coral Caverns: A series of winding caverns filled with clouds of shiny Silversides

San Jacinto: 40ft.The wreck of a large steamship sunk in 1865

The Catacombs: A shallow sun-splattered cavern with abundant tropical fish

If you are ready to get your dive on, reach out to one of the local companies above or feel free to ask around at the Firefly Sunset Resort for some help, as someone will always be happy to help you have fun!

Getting Married in Hope Town? What you need to know about marriage licenses

24th September 2018 by falconfireflysunsetresort

Getting married in the Bahamas or Firefly Sunset Resort? You must obtain a marriage license from the Bahamas.

Here’s a great tip from one guest of our recent wedding –

“Our family booked the resort for a wedding and we were so pleased with everything!! It was beautiful, elegant and delicious! The staff was accommodating and the service was warm and friendly. One major tip to share though: when getting married in the Bahamas you must have a Bahamian marriage license or you can not get married. Give yourself enough time to go over to Marsh Harbor to get it, as you can’t get one on Elbow.”

There are several requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Here’s everything you need to know to be legally married here:

Application for License

The couple must be in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas at the time of application for the marriage license.
Download marriage license application | Download application for certified marriage certificate

If you arrive via cruise ship, you’ll be required to obtain a letter from the Ship’s Purser/Guest Services confirming that you have met the residency period by being in Bahamian waters for 24 hours.

You need not apply for a license if you wish to renew your vows.

Please note: Marriage licenses and certificates are issued at the office of the Registrar General in Nassau. This office is open to the public Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Address: P.O. Box N-532 Nassau, The Bahamas Phone: (242) 323-0594, (242) 323-0595, (242) 323-0597 Fax: (242) 322-5553, (242) 393-7908

Residency Period

Couples may apply a day after their arrival and can be married once they receive their approved license the day after application.

Proof of Identification and Residency

Both parties must produce a valid passport, birth certificate, and photo ID. The parties must also produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Bahamas. The Bahamas Immigration Card or entry stamp in your passport will suffice.

Blood Test

No blood test is necessary.

Witnesses

Two witnesses, who are at least 18 years old, must sign your marriage license. If it’s just the two of you, witnesses can be provided.

Fees

The fee for a marriage license is $120, inclusive of one certified copy of a marriage certificate. Extra marriage certificates are available at $20 each.

Apostille

Many countries now require that official documents, such as international marriage certificates, be certified by the issuing country. In The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, this means that an Apostille (a special seal) is applied by the relevant authority to certify that a document is a true copy of an original. The Apostille can be made available to you within 30 days of the request; the cost for each one is $120. Your wedding planner or marriage officer will assist you in this regard.

Divorced

If either party has been divorced, the original final decree or a certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the final decree must be produced.

Minors

Minors (under 18 years) may be married with both parents’ consent. Consent forms for minors are available at the Registrar General’s office.

Single Persons

If either party is single and has never been married before, a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a notary public or other person authorized to administer oaths in the country of residence. This document must accompany the application for the marriage license. This declaration can also be obtained in The Commonwealth of The Bahamas from an attorney-at-law or notary public.

Widowed

If either party is widowed, the original death certificate or certified copy must be produced. Where applicable, a translated, certified and notarized copy of the death certificate must be produced.

Marrying Outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island

Couples wishing to be married on islands outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama Island can obtain a marriage license at the Administrator’s Office on that island.

MORE HERE: https://www.bahamas.com/marriage-license

Songwriters In Paradise 2019 in Orlando Style Magazine

10th September 2018 by falconfireflysunsetresort

Special Thank you to Orlando Style Magazine for featuring the Songwriters in Paradise 2019 event. We’re already booking for it, so make your plans now. READ IT HERE: https://issuu.com/styletome/docs/orlando_style_magazine_19e8fa1bf7fc21/38

FROM OUR FRIENDS AT BOOMERANG AIR CHARTER… Twitter: “Ready for the 7th annual SIP Hope Town??! Check out all the info about it in the latest Orlando Style Magazine! Come fly with us right from Orlando Executive airport! We’ll get you to the Bahamas in less than 90 minutes!”

More details at www.songwritersinparadise.com

1 2 3 4