The Out Islands, a collective term covering Andros, Bimini, the Berry Islands, Cat Island, Long Island, and other remote Bahamian islands, vary significantly in their access. Bimini is among the easiest Bahamian islands to reach from the US. Andros requires routing through Nassau or using small charter services. Most other Out Islands require Nassau connections and patience.
By Air
Andros
Andros is served by three airports reflecting the island's north-south length (roughly 104 miles) and the reality that North, Central, and South Andros are separated by tidal creeks and marshes rather than continuous road:
- San Andros Airport (SAQ): North Andros; closest to Nicholl's Town and the northern bonefishing lodges
- Andros Town Airport (ASD): Central Andros; near Fresh Creek and the Androsia batik factory
- Congo Town Airport (TZN): South Andros†
Bahamasair operates scheduled service from Nassau to these airports, with flights taking approximately 20–35 minutes. Frequencies are limited, typically once or twice daily on each route, sometimes less. Verify current Bahamasair schedules before booking.†
Charter flights are the preferred option for bonefishing lodge clients, who typically arrive in small aircraft directly from Nassau or Fort Lauderdale. Many lodges coordinate charter arrivals.
Seaplane access to some southern Andros resorts and remote cays has been available historically; verify current operators.
Bimini
South Bimini Airport (BIM) is a small airport on South Bimini serving North Bimini (the main island for accommodation and restaurants).
Tropic Ocean Airways operates seaplane/floatplane service from Fort Lauderdale, with the crossing taking approximately 25 minutes. This is the classic and most atmospheric way to arrive: low-altitude over turquoise water, setting the mood immediately. Verify current Tropic Ocean schedule and pricing before booking.†
American Airlines launched Miami–Bimini service in early 2026, representing expanded commercial access that could make Bimini significantly more accessible. Verify current status of this route, including frequency and whether it is still operating.†
Charter flights from Fort Lauderdale and Miami are available from multiple operators and are often comparable in cost to scheduled service for small groups.
Other Out Islands
Most other Out Islands, including Cat Island, Long Island, 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
Bimini Ferry
Balearia Caribbean has operated a passenger ferry from Fort Lauderdale to North Bimini with a crossing time of approximately 2 hours, typically operating three days per week. Verify current Balearia Bimini route schedule, operating days, and pricing before booking travel around it, as ferry schedules to Bimini have been variable.†
When operating, this is the easiest and most affordable sea connection between Florida and any Bahamian island.
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, especially bonefishing lodges on Andros, coordinate arrival logistics including charter flights as part of their packages. Ask your accommodation before independently booking air transport.
- Andros' three airports are not road-connected to each other in a practical way; they serve different parts of a segmented island. Know which part of Andros you are going to and book accordingly.
Seeded from general knowledge as of 2026-06-08. Not yet compiled from verified sources.