Getting There

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A Brief Synopsis

  • Make sure your passport is valid
  • Fly from the southern US or Nassau to Marsh Harbour
  • Take a taxi to the ferry dock or boat rental company
  • Take the ferry or a rented boat to Elbow Cay
  • Meet the caretaker at the dock
  • Relax and unwind - the hard part is over!

Most travelers will depart from somewhere in the southern US and fly into Marsh Harbour airport (MHH), unless traveling by private boat. Marsh Harbour is the 3rd largest town in the Bahamas.

Travel to the Bahamas

American Airlines, Delta, United/Silver, and Bahamasair are the major carriers with flights to Marsh Harbour and are the ones most likely to show up if searching for flights on the internet. Many major US cities have direct flights to Nassau and Freeport, from where flights to Marsh Harbour can be obtained on smaller carriers. These options are sometimes worth exploring.

In recent years, seasonal nonstop flights have been offered by Delta from Atlanta and American Airlines from Charlotte.  American Airlines has regularly scheduled flights directly from Miami. These flights utilize comfortable regional jets and are the quickest and easiest way to get to the Abacos.

An alternative, which is also sometimes less expensive but more challenging, would be traveling to Florida on one of the low-cost carriers such as JetBlue or Southwest, and then use one of the smaller carriers or charter companies outlined below to get to Marsh Harbour.

The owners have found the most reliable and consistent service with Delta and American. Bahamas Air is okay. Silver is a last resort. Several renters have had below average to terrifying experiences with the smaller air carriers/charter companies, such as inconvenient and last-minute schedule changes, cancellations, and/or aircraft in poor condition.

The Hope Town Guide is an excellent resource for all air carriers to Marsh Harbour - CLICK HERE

TIPS

  • Passengers to Marsh Harbour are given a Bahamas Immigration Card while enroute. Completing it prior to arrival helps all passengers get through customs quickly. Customs agents are also much friendlier if you have your card completed and don't ask to borrow their pen!
  • Clearing customs, especially when there are lots of people, can take a while and force you to take a later ferry. Sitting in the front of the plane to be among the first off can put you at the front of the customs and taxi lines.
  • ALWAYS take a carry-on bag with enough clothing and essential items to survive comfortably for several days if your checked bag is delayed or lost. Clothing selections on the island are very limited.

Airport to Ferry Dock - Taxi

Taxis are readily available just outside the customs exit and will take your party to the ferry dock, or the boat rental office if you are renting in Marsh Harbour. If you have time, the taxi will wait while you stop in the liquor store or grocery store. These stores have better selections than those in Hope Town.

Marsh Harbour to Elbow Cay - Ferry

If you are not renting a boat in Marsh Harbour, you will take the G and L Ferry from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town. The ferry actually operates on a dependable schedule! At the ferry dock, allow one of the several helpers to assist with your bags. Be sure to contact the caretaker or your rental agent on your mobile phone, or ask the ferry captain to call on his VHF radio to inform them of your arrival and tell him you will be getting off at the Lower Public Dock. Enjoy the ride and let that internal clock start to slow down to a Bahamas pace. When arriving at the dock, the crew will unload your bags. Be sure you have them all!

THE SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH THE TIME OF THE YEAR AND/OR WEATHER. PLEASE VISIT THE FERRY COMPANY WEBSITE FOR CURRENT INFORMATION.

On Elbow Cay

The caretaker or representative from the rental agency will meet you at the Lower Public dock to assist getting bags to the house. For information on getting around on Elbow Cay, see Getting Around.