New Providence, Nassau-based Coco Bahama Seaplanes is expanding its fleet of amphibious seaplanes, adding a VIP concierge team to its Odyssey Aviation FBO at Nassau and is also launching a portfolio of Seaplane Safaris and Adventures to celebrate the beauty of the Bahamian Family Islands.

CEO Brian Hew says this follows the company’s stated commitment to help support and expand the range of tourism offerings for visitors and to work aggressively with independent and multinational hotels and resorts to spread tourism dollars to the Family Islands through day trips and excursions.

Coco's current fleet consists of two 208 Cessna Caravan Amphibians, both in club seat configuration for eight passengers and two pilots. A third Cessna 208 will join the fleet in October this year and a fourth should follow in spring 2023.

Two ambassadors form the new VIP concierge team, to meet, greet and expedite the transfer of guests from the FBO or from the domestic or international terminal at Lynden Pindling International airport.

The first Coco Bahama Seaplane safari and adventure launched in early May and included half and full day trips to the swimming pigs in Exuma and Spanish Wells as well as day trips to the Kamalame Cay private island resort.

Expanding on the success of Kamalame’s monthly wine pairing luncheons, Kamalame Cay is launching a weekly Chef's Table experience where guests can now fly with Coco for the day and join a grand communal table set directly on the beach. The menu celebrates the local fisherman, farmers, foragers, bakers and artisans from which each item is sourced. Each luncheon is paired with cocktails and wines from Young's Fine Wines in Nassau.

Atlantis Paradise Island is the first resort to partner with the company. President and MD Audrey Oswell says: “It was moving to share all of The Bahamas with our visitors by providing day excursions to the family islands via Coco Bahama Seaplanes. We know The Bahamas’ bounty of culture, art and our environment’s endless splendour exists among our sister islands. Why wouldn’t we want to share all of the Bahamas with our visitors?”

Deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation the Hon I Chester Cooper adds: “Coco Bahama Seaplanes and the launch of these Family Islands day trips and excursions will not only help support and expand the range of tourism offerings for domestic and international visitors but will help bring urgently needed economic support to many of the Family Islands.”