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.
Long Island
Makers Air is adding more flights to Long Island. The Bahamas signed a $10 million contract for a new Long Island Airport Terminal in November 2025, suggesting improved air access is coming.
Bimini
Bimini is the one Out Island with genuine direct US access. American Airlines launched the first-ever US nonstop service to Bimini on February 14, 2026, operating three times per week. Tropic Ocean Airways offers 25-minute seaplane day trips from Florida to Bimini, launched in partnership with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism as of April 2026.
A ferry crossing from Florida to Bimini takes about 25 minutes.
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 Out Islands Accommodation before independently booking air transport.
- Flamingo Air was grounded following a fatal crash in July 2026. If you encounter references to Flamingo Air in older booking materials or resort packages, verify current operator status before relying on them.