Hurricane Dorian Makes Landfall on Elbow Cay

When I (Ryan Nelson) first posted about Firefly Sunset Resort closing due to Hurricane Dorian, the initial poster created said they would reopen on Tuesday, Sept 3, 2019. Little did we know that Hurricane Dorian would make landfall on the idyllic paradise that Firefly Sunset Resort is on – Elbow Cay – as the most dangerous Category 5 hurricane, carrying the strongest winds in recorded history for the northwestern Bahamas.

Lorenzo and the hard-working staff know the intense preparation that goes into hurricane prep. Most of the staff are native Bahamians; and hurricanes and the prep that comes with these storms is something they’ve endured since they were children. Many of them also have worked in the hospitality industry for years, so their extensive knowledge on guest evacuations, structure stability, supplies needed, and more.

They worked overtime to secure the resort. But even with their professional preparedness, they could never imagine a monster hurricane with wind guests at 220mph beating Firefly and Elbow Cay. This is just one headline that makes you cry to read it. “Hurricane Dorian unleashes 220-mph wind gusts as it slams Bahamas:

As of today, 9/2, The cell service is very spotty (if any) as the hurricane is still slowly hovering over Grand Bahama and Abaco is still being lashed with storms. Ann Irvin sent me these photos this am. And they’re hard to look at.

According to Ann, “Georgia Peach is 3/4 gone …the resort looks bad hit BUT Lorenzo and all the folks that took shelter are safe and alive! Thank you Lord!” We don’t know all the devastation on the island at this time but we thank you for your support. Our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages have been bombarded (in a fabulous way) with messages of Hope, Help and Love.

***For those wondering how these updates are able to be posted, I (Ryan) have worked for years with Firefly Distillery, Irvin House Vineyards and Firefly Sunset Resort on marketing/PR/social media and more. I am in Charleston and gathering as much information as possible to share with our visitors, friends and families. Please DM me on the Firefly Sunset Resort Facebook Page, Twitter Page and Instagram and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

PLEASE follow the Hope Town Volunteer Fire & Rescue for news and updates!


FSR Closed Due to Hurricane Dorian

For our guests’ and employees’ safety, Firefly Sunset Resort will be closed Saturday, August 31, 2019 through Monday, September 2, 2019. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 3, 2019. Stay tuned to our social media networks for the latest.

Below are the details of what’s happening including a new release from Bahamas Air on their updated flight schedule.


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Buzzworthy Review


Firefly Resort delivered on every level!
I recently stayed at The Firefly Resort for a Girls weekend and it didn’t disappoint. The service was amazing. The cottages were clean, comfortable and well decorated. The food was fantastic and the cocktails were delicious. I felt safe and welcomed the entire time we stayed at the resort. All the staff (Lorenzo, Ericka, Patrick, Tanis, Francis and Davaro…to call out a few) were quick to answer any questions and always with a smile on their faces. It is a peaceful and incredibly beautiful destination. There is something for everyone from snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, swimming or just relaxing in a hammock! I look forward to going back and would highly recommend this resort and area!


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Sushi on Tuesdays

Join us Tuesdays at 6pm for Sushi by Chef Gereko Swain. Fresh and delicious.


Bahamian Independence Day

Bahamian Independence Celebration at Firefly on ????????July 10, 2019 at 9pm with Willis and the Illest Reggae band. Make your reservations now.


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

If youre 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 youve 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 youll 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. Youll also find cathedral-like caverns in the form of an underwater maze as youre swimming around.  These tunnels formed from tidal flow hitting against the base reef. Youll 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 arent 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 youve completed your informational session, your instructors will take you out to the beautiful reef for some diving action. Have no fear, you wont 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 Walkers 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!


Happy 45th Independence Day Bahamas!

On this day the beautiful country of The Bahamas gained independence from the United Kingdom. July 10, 1973. Happy Independence Day to all of our Bahamian family! We will be celebrating tonight.  CHEERS! 


American Airlines Now Offering Flights from CLT to Marsh Harbour

 

We are thrilled that American Airlines will be flying into Marsh Harbour. Making it even easier to visit Firefly Sunset Resort. We’re already booking up for 2019 so make your travel plans to see us now!

Charlotte Douglas International Airport’s dominant carrier, American Airlines Group Inc. (NASDAQ: AAL), is bulking up its flight offerings to the Bahamas with weekly, nonstop flights to Eleuthera, a tiny, secluded island east of Nassau, and Marsh Harbour, a town in the Abaco Islands east of Freeport.

Both flights will start service Dec. 22, with ticket sales beginning May 14. The flights will operate on Saturdays year-round. Read more here….


Marley Tribute Band to Benefit Hope Town Schools

Mark your Calendars for Willis & The Illist – Bob Marley Tribute band on February 3rd at Firefly Bar & Grill.
Proceeds will benefit the Hope Town Elementary School.

 


Sip-N-Shop at Firefly Sunset Resort Boutique

Don’t miss out on the shopping & savings because your on vacation this Thanksgiving! 
We’ve got the perfect solution- Shop AND Sip with the Firefly Sunset Resort. 

 

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