Sounds like a great trip. I envy you. I live in central Florida, and have
been here for 15 years. When I moved here, I owned a 182, and briefly had it
on lease back (available for hire). Other than that one, I have never seen a
182 for rent here. With Piper based in Vero Beach, there is a definite
preference for Piper product. This may be your biggest problem. The flying
is great, the weather good, as long as you stay away during hurricane
season, and the scenery in the Caribbean is great. Check out Crooked Island
in the Bahamas, as well as Eluthra. Stay away from Dominican Republic - red
tape and officialitis. Don't arrive in Puerto Rico after 5:00 PM or you will
be charged overtime. Good fuel stop at Grand Turk, or at least there was
some years back. Have you checked out what is needed to convert your
license?

Just a few thoughts. Good luck,
Harvey

"pix" wrote in message
...
Looking at a flying trip through the Bahama's from Florida, down towards
Venezuela (hopefully able to go around that and Columbia, thence Panama,
back to Florida. Bare bones in the planning stages so far; looking at
places
to stay budget accomodation, things to do (diving, drinking beer etc), and
more specifically the do's and don'ts of flying in that area of the world.

We are from Australia, Denmark and Austria (a real mix!), with Australian
and European pilot's licence. Looking at flying at least 172SP's or a
newish
182. Experiences vary - from experienced multi engine IFR to 80 hour
newbie.

We hope to be flying around Feb/March next year.

Any idea's and suggestions?

cheers...pix