Getting There
By Plane -- The region's major commercial airport, Exuma International Airport, is 16km (10 miles) from George Town, the capital. The most popular way to get to the Exumas is to fly there aboard Bahamasair (tel. 800/222-4262; www.bahamasair.com), which offers twice-daily service from Nassau to George Town. The first flight usually leaves Nassau in the morning sometime around 6:20am, depending on the day. The second flight is at 4pm. Be sure to call ahead -- flight schedules are subject to change.
American Eagle (tel. 800/433-7300; www.aa.com) serves Exuma from Miami three times daily. Delta (tel. 800/221-1212; www.delta.com) also has service to George Town, flying from Atlanta four times a week. Other minor carriers serving the archipelago include Florida Coastal Airlines (tel. 954/772-9808; www.flyfca.net), with air links from Fort Lauderdale on Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
By Boat -- There is now a motorized catamaran, operated by Bahamas Ferries (tel. 242/323-2166; www.bahamasferries.com), that makes the 8-hour transit from Nassau. It arrives in George Town every Monday and Wednesday at 7:30pm, departing on Tuesday and Thursday. The cost of a round-trip fare is $110 per person. Technically designed for transporting building supplies and freight, it nonetheless allows passengers as well, many of whom stretch out on the deck in sleeping bags. There are no sleeping compartments onboard.
Several mail boats leave from Nassau, stopping at various points along the Exumas. Two mail steamers, the MV Grand Master and the MV Captain C, sail from Nassau several days a week, stopping at Big Farmer's Cay, Staniel Cay, Black Point, George Town, and Barraterre (stopovers last no more than a few hours). Passengers, as well as small amounts of freight, are allowed onboard. It usually takes about 21 hours for either of the ships to make the full-circuit itinerary described above. Since sailing schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, check departure times with the dock master at Nassau's Potter's Cay Dock (tel. 242/393-1064).
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
