Getting to the Bahamas

Getting to the Bahamas is just a short flight by jet or a pleasant day trip by cruise ship. Most visitors enter through Nassau International Airport on New Providence, which is also the main hub for flights to the other islands. Easy access to The Islands of The Bahamas is a key reason for this tropical islands appeal as a year-round vacation destination.

Arriving by Air: There are approximately 57 airports throughout the Bahamas, including three International airports Nassau/Paradise Island, Grand Bahama Island, and The Exumas.
Nassau / Paradise Island is less than a 50 minute flight from Miami and is the major gateway serving as the hub for travel to the Out Islands. Nassau International Airport is served with daily non-stop service from:

Atlanta	Boston	Charlotte	Chicago
Cincinnati	Cleveland	Dallas	Detroit
Ft. Lauderdale	Miami	New York City	Newark
Orlando	Philadelphia	Washington D.C.	West Palm Beach

Direct service from the US is also available to the airports in Freeport (Grand Bahama), Bimini, San Salvador, Eleuthera, Abaco and Andros. Many other scheduled airlines and charter companies offer services from US and Europe, depending on the time of the year, with more service flying during high season.

By Sea:

Discovery Cruise Ferry - Discovery Cruise Line is the largest transportation carrier to Grand Bahama Island, with daily service to and from the island from South Florida. When you arrive in the Bahamas you can enjoy unique shops, beautiful beaches, and a choice of other activities. Discovery operates a full cruise ship service with all the amenities of a traditional cruise during its five-hour voyage to and from the island. There's also the option to turn your day cruise into a vacation. Discovery's Cruise 'N Stay programs offer vacation packages of one night or longer at a choice of resorts, ranging from modest to deluxe budgets.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line offer Bahamas cruises year round.
By Chartered Boat - If you can afford it, this is the most luxurious way to see The Bahamas. On your private boat, you can island-hop at your convenience. Well-equipped marinas are on every major island and many cays.

There are designated ports of entry at Great Abaco (Marsh Harbor), Andros, the Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat Cay, Eleuthera, Great Exuma, Grand Bahama Island (Freeport/Lucaya), Great Inagua, New Providence (Nassau), Ragged Island, and San Salvador. Vessels must check with Customs at the first port of entry and receive a cruising clearance permit to The Bahamas. Carry it with you and return it at the official port of departure.