Swain's Cay Lodge - Bahamas

Andros Flats Bonefishing

The flats of Andros Island are renowned among fly anglers as some of the finest bonefishing waters on earth. Bonefishing is excellent year-round, and the guides will select the best flats each day based on tides, wind, and weather conditions. Whether you're looking for numbers of fish in the 3- to 5-pound range or hunting trophy bonefish weighing 6 to 10 pounds, Andros offers opportunities for both.
Some flats hold large schools of fish, while others are known for solitary cruisers and pairs of larger bonefish. Twenty-fish days averaging four pounds are not uncommon. Right in front of the Lodge is a wadeable flat where you may fish unguided. This flat often attracts large bonefish on the rising tide, providing an additional challenge for experienced anglers.
Travel Time:  Bonefish can be found within 5 minutes of the dock.
Other Flats Species:  Resident tarpon, large barracuda, jacks, and several species of sharks.

The Fishing Program

Boats:  The Lodge has 16 and 17-foot Action Craft and Dolphin flats skiffs powered by 75-HP Yamaha outboards. These shallow-water skiffs are equipped with poling platforms, poles, rod storage, coolers, cushioned seats, and casting decks for sight-fishing the flats. Two anglers per boat and guide.
Guides:  English is the primary language of The Bahamas, so all guides speak English. Swain's Cay partners with experienced local independent guides, many of whom are third- and fourth-generation guides. Their lifelong knowledge of the flats, tides, and fishery helps set Swain's Cay apart. Bonefishing here is very beginner-friendly, and the guides provide instruction, gear support, and hands-on assistance to help anglers of all skill levels enjoy a successful trip.
Fishing Equipment:  You will need to bring all of your own gear and flies. Bring 7-10 wt. fly rods, reels, floating lines, leaders, tippets, and flies. Gotchas, Crazy Charlies, and Clousers all work well here. A detailed list of what to bring is included in our confirmation packet.
Fishing License:  It costs $20 for a 7-day license (2026). You will need to purchase online through Go Outdoors Bahamas.

The Fishing Program

Typical Fishing Day:
7:00 a.m. – Breakfast: Breakfast is typically served beginning around 7:00 a.m. at the Lodge.
7:45–8:15 a.m. – Transfer to the Fishing Grounds: After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the Lodge. Depending on tides, wind, and the day's fishing plan, you'll be transferred to either the north or south side of Mangrove Cay. These short transfers help minimize boat runs and maximize fishing time and are included in the package.
8:00–8:30 a.m. – Fishing Begins: You'll spend the day fishing the flats, with a packed cooler lunch with deli sandwiches and snacks.
4:00–5:00 p.m. – Return to the Lodge: Return to the Lodge in the afternoon to relax and prepare for the evening.
6:30 - 7:00 p.m. Guests are asked to be at the restaurant for seating. Enjoy appetizers, beverages, and dinner at the Reefside Restaurant & Bar. Everyone is served at the same time, and they do not have long wait times.
Relax in a hammock beneath the coconut palms or gather around the fire pit beneath the stars.

Permit Fishing Too

West Side Excursion:  If weather and tides permit, anglers can choose an optional excursion to the legendary West Side of Andros. This remote wilderness of pristine flats and mangrove creeks is renowned for producing some of the Bahamas' largest bonefish. The West Side also offers opportunities for resident and migratory tarpon, along with the occasional permit. The trip requires a 35- to 60-minute boat run from the lodge, depending on how far west you want to go. Please let the Lodge know at least 24 hours in advance to schedule a West Side trip. An additional $150 guide gratuity per boat applies and is typically shared by the two anglers.

Reef and Offshore Fishing (Add-On Options)

The Andros Barrier Reef is one of the largest coral reefs in the world. It stretches 140 miles long and lies less than one mile from shore in most places. For reef fishing, they typically use lightweight tackle, jigs, or bait for yellowtail snapper, Nassau grouper, triggerfish, barracuda, reef sharks, and porgy.
Offshore Fishing:  Offshore fishing is available for an additional fee. Just outside the Andros Barrier Reef, the water depth drops rapidly to 6,000 feet, creating ideal conditions for large pelagic game fish such as wahoo, dolphin fish, tuna, and billfish, depending on the season. You'll fish aboard The Reel Time, a 24-foot, twin-engine, center-console catamaran with one of Swain's experienced captains. Spin tackle, lures, bait, and plugs are provided for conventional fishing. If you prefer to fly fish, you'll need to bring your own fly-fishing equipment.
Travel Time:  For reef and deep-sea fishing travel time to those areas is typically about 20 to 35 minutes as the Lodge sits close to the bights and the ocean.
Spearfishing  Spearfishing is an add-on and requires freediving with primitive gear such as pole spears and Hawaiian slings.

Swain's Cay Lodge Grounds

Set on four private oceanfront acres, Swain's Cay Lodge accommodates up to 14 anglers and up to 26 total guests in a variety of comfortable accommodations. Oceanfront and ocean-view guest rooms, a spacious three-bedroom apartment, and standalone guest rooms are spread throughout the property, providing privacy while remaining just steps from the restaurant, bar, beach, and dock. Each bedroom has a patio or terrace. The Lodge provides kayaks, bicycles, and snorkeling gear for guests to use during their stay. The island's flat terrain makes it easy to explore by bicycle. Laundry service is available ($8 per load, washed and dried).

Swain's Cay Main Lodge

Ocean View Room

Ocean View Suite

Duplex Apartment

Beachfront Activities

Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, boating, hammocks, biking, beach relaxation, and exploring local culture during your stay.

The Lodge's Reefside Restaurant & Bar

Meals:  For breakfast and dinner, you'll dine at the Lodge's Reefside Restaurant & Bar, which is right on the beach. The Reefside serves excellent, authentic Bahamian cuisine. Breakfasts are cooked-to-order. Anglers enjoy a packed lunch kept in a cooler on the boat. Hearty three-course dinners feature grouper, snapper, mahi- mahi, wahoo, chicken, pork ribs, pasta, and homemade desserts. Private dining can be arranged in your room or at the beachfront pavilion. The restaurant is open to non-hotel residents for dinner.
Beverages:  Bottled water and coffee are included in the package. Beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, and other specialty beverages are available for purchase at the Reefside Restaurant & Bar.
Communications:  Wi-Fi is available in the office and main lodge.

Getting to the Lodge:

Most guests fly into Nassau and take a 20-minute domestic flight to Clarence A. Bain Airport on Mangrove Cay. You'll take a 15-minute complimentary shuttle van to the Lodge. If you cannot fly to Nassau in time for the afternoon flight that leaves at about 3:30 p.m., you’ll need to stay at a hotel in Nassau. The hotel night is not included in the package.
For the Flight to Mangrove Cay:  Soft-sided luggage and compact rod cases are recommended. You are allowed one checked bag weighing up to 40 pounds and a small carry-on (restrictions vary by airline). Excess baggage is subject to a fee of $1 per pound.
Departure Day:  You’ll depart for Clarence A. Bain Airport early in the morning. The 20-minute flight back to Nassau typically departs at either 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m., depending on the airline.

Package Information:

2026 and 2027 USD Rates Package Details: Non-Angler Companion Rates: Booking Information Request a Swain's Cay Lodge
Information Packet.