The Out Islands vary significantly in how easy they are to reach. A handful have direct connections from South Florida. Most require routing through Nassau. The standard approach from the US: fly to Nassau, overnight if necessary, then connect to the destination island on a smaller carrier.
By Air
Cat Island
Makers Air launched scheduled service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) in May 2026, serving two Cat Island airports: Arthur's Town Airport (ATC) on Tuesday and Thursday, and New Bight Airport (TBI) on additional scheduled dates. Book at www.makersair.com.
Other Out Islands
Most other Out Islands, including Crooked Island, Acklins, Mayaguana, and Inagua, are served by Bahamasair from Nassau on limited schedules, often only a few times per week. The standard routing from the US is: fly to Nassau, overnight if necessary, connect to the destination island. Direct flights from the US to most Out Islands are not available.
The Berry Islands are served primarily by charter, and are often reached by boat from Nassau or Nassau-area marinas.
By Sea
Mail Boats
Nassau's Potter's Cay Dock is the departure point for mail boats serving virtually every inhabited Out Island. These vessels carry freight, cargo, and passengers, typically operating on weekly schedules. Crossings range from a few hours (Andros) to 12–24 hours (more remote islands). Fares are inexpensive. The mail boat is a genuine Bahamian experience and practical for the adventurous, but not a comfortable transit option for most visitors.
Practical Notes
- Air connections to most Out Islands are fragile: small aircraft, limited frequencies, no redundancy. Build extra days into itineraries to account for cancellations, particularly during or after weather events.
- Many Out Island resorts coordinate arrival logistics including charter flights as part of their packages. Ask your accommodation before independently booking air transport.