COPA Bahamas Adventure 2020 Itinerary

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 - Group Arrival Day in Florida

TBD or Late Afternoon – Arrive on your own during the day to Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE). Banyan Air Services is our host FBO. We have arranged with Banyan to provide shuttle transportation to the Marriott hotel. They are offering a 0.75 cent discount on fuel for both Wednesday/Thursday and Sunday. Be sure to check out the great Banyan Pilot Shop for last minute supplies. (The pilot shop will also be open at 8:00 AM on Thursday before your departure.)

After landing, enter the Banyan ramp via November taxi way.  Follow the ramp marshals to a parking spot.  

>>>  BRAKES OFF AT ALL TIMES WHEN AT BANYAN <<< 

Check in with front desk upon entering terminal.   You can fax (fax number 954-337-3712) or email the Banyan registration form (sent in previous emails) so Banyan can build your account before you arrive. This will also lock in your fuel discount.

FUEL ORDERS: Order your fuel on Wednesday.  Thursday morning will be busy, so try to avoid fueling on Thursday morning.

SHUTTLE: Shuttle to the Courtyard can be arranged at the front desk on arrival.

6:00 PM – Welcome Reception & Bahamas Flight Briefing at Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale East/Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, 5001 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you are still hungry, the hotel will provide shuttle transportation to restaurants near the hotel.

REMINDERS: 1) file eAPIS; 2) file International VFR or IFR flight plan.

Thursday, May 14, 2020  – Depart for Exuma International Airport (MYEF), Bahamas

7:30 AM – Shuttle transportation begins from the Courtyard Hotel to Banyan Air Services FBO at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.  (There will be more shuttle trips to the airport at 8:00 & 8:30 AM also.)

NOTE: Banyan Pilot Shop opens at 8:00 AM.

Morning – Individual departures for Exuma International Airport (MYEF).

On Arrival – Welcome Refreshments hosted by Odyssey FBO at Exuma International Airport (MYEF) – It’s never too early for a Bahama Mama or Rum Punch! Proceed to customs and immigration at Odyssey FBO. Complete 3 General Declaration forms in advance or you will have to fill out at Exuma. Forms will also be available at Banyan or online at https://forms.bahamas.gov.bs/dp_form.asp?fid=272. If using online form, just complete and print 3 copies but sign each one. 

TAXI TO HOTEL - Transfer via taxi to Grand Isle Resort. (Cab fare is about $30-35 from the airport to the hotel and can be divided up if riding with another couple. Most taxis are minivans or SUVs.)

CURRENCY: Bahamas accepts both Bahamian and US Dollars and both are equal in value. There are ATM machines on the island and credit cards are accepted at most restaurants/stores but you should check in advance for a specific restaurant/store.

7:00 PM – Welcome Reception hosted by Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. Location – Grand Isle Resort. Then dinner on your own.

10:00 AM -  OPTIONAL FLYING DAY TRIP – Fly your own plane or share flight with a COPA friend for short 20 minute flight to Staniel Cay (MYES), Exuma. Snorkel at Thunderball Grotto, a hollowed-out island where thousands of colorful fish will eat from your hand. Lunch at Staniel Cay Yacht Club, an established part of the Staniel Cay community since 1956. Return at your convenience.

7:00 PM – COPA Bahamian Night Dinner, 23 Degrees North Beach Club.  Cocktails at 7pm. Dinner at 8pm. Group Photo at 7:45pm. Please buy dinner ticket(s) on the registration site when registering for the trip. You can add dinner tickets even after you have registered via the registration site too.

10:30 AM – OPTIONAL SIDE ACTIVITY Shopping trip to George Town and Lunch & Beach at Chat-N-Chill beach club on Stocking Island. (Return to hotel about 3 pm). See registration for more details.

7:00 PM  - Cocktails at TBD Location.  Then dinner on your own.

REMINDERS- 1) make transportation arrangement with hotel for transfer to airport; 2) file eAPIS; 3) call US Customs with tail no. & arrival time

Sunday, May 17, 2020 – Return to U.S.

9:00 AM or other time – Taxi to Exuma International Airport (MYEF) at Odyssey FBO. Note: Bahamian Customs may charge extra fees if you depart earlier than 9:00 AM

Late morning – Individual departures for Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (KFXE) or St. Lucie County International Airport (KFPR).  

On Arrival – U.S. Customs Processing then return to home airport.

KFXE Customs is open from 8:00 AM until 12:00 AM (midnight) but you cannot arrive at KFXE until after customs opens so plan your arrival time accordingly. FXE Customs 954-491-5647

If you are returning to Fort Pierce KFPR, Customs is open from 10:00 AM until 6:00 PM but you cannot arrive at KFPR until after customs opens so plan your arrival time accordingly. FPR Customs 772-461-1733.

Banyan Air Services at KFXE is our host FBO. They are offering a 0.75 cent discount on fuel. Be sure to check out the great Banyan Pilot Shop.