A Floating Paradise for Fishermen is Now Open in Florida. The Enormous Luxury Barge is Anchored Fifteen Miles Off Clearwater Beach

Today there is new reason to vacation in Florida besides the famous theme parks if you are an avid fisherman or a deep sea diver. It's a new concept to the area, a floating luxury barge-hotel called Fisherman's Paradise.

Florida's most unique floating resort for the well-heeled fisherman is now open, and will stay in the Gulf of Mexico for six months. The five-story luxury barge is anchored 15 miles off the coast of Clearwater, Florida.

. The floating Fisherman's Paradise was originally a trans-Atlantic barge used for laying pipes. It was bought by retired insurance executive Gary Boesch and a computer engineer, Christopher Longrie. It was towed to the Dominican Republic, where it was gutted and five steel decks were installed.

In 2009 the barge was brought to Florida and anchored off Clearwater Beach, where local craftsmen began work on flooring, masonry and luxurious finishing touches. The resort in total, took six years to complete.

A group of wealthy fishermen and divers, who were always going to the Middle Fishing Grounds in the gulf anyway, were happy to invest in the project. The Middle Grounds are the best places to fish for grouper, kingfish, barracuda and snapper. They could now relax and enjoy the amenities of the floating hotel after a day of fishing and diving.

The floating hotel-barge is longer than a football field (385 ft. by 85 ft.) and most million dollar super yachts. It weighs more than 5,000 tons and cost over $25 million.

The 5 star resort, described as a floating Ritz Carlton will stay in the Gulf for six months, and then go to Louisiana, Dry Totortugas, Belize, Panama and Cancun. It boasts a heli-pad, a marina, a 2-floor gym, a sports bar, a 900 bottle wine cellar, and an aquarium.

There is also elegant dining, an Olympic pool, a swim-up bar, a sundeck, a spa, first class state rooms, submarine tours and of course incredible fishing and diving.There is even a movie theater. The halls are mahogany with marble dolphin and fish sculptures.

To check in, guests can check their boats in the barge's marina or travel to the barge-resort by shuttle boat from the shore. They can also fly out by a luxury helicopter, called "the Bentley of the Skies" from nearby Saint Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport.

A helicopter ride, a charter fishing tour of the middle grounds and one night's suite will cost $599 with a $100 yearly membership fee. For those wishing to "sleep over," there are packages starting with a single room for $150 per night, to luxurious VIP suites decorated in marble and mahogany, with king-sized beds and plasma TV for $350 per person, per night.

There are plans for a 4^th floor game room with gambling machines and card games. The resort is in international waters where gambling is allowed, but will cater primarily to the fisherman and diver rather than becoming a gambling site.

Once on board, fishermen can charter one of eight powerboats or catamarans for fishing or diving. Additional charter boats are available for larger groups.

Bait, gear and beverages are available. Catches will be cleaned and prepared by the crew and served for dinner or flash frozen.

The barge runs on diesel fuel and makes its own fresh water. It also has its own waste disposal plant.

However the barge is still at the mercy of the sea and weather. It is built to withstand hurricane force winds. For safety's sake, it is under 24 hour contract with a tug boat company which can tow it to safety in case of a storm.

For more information or to make your reservations visit their website @ http://fishermansparadise.com/

Sources:

St. Pete Times