Getting There
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 and ride to Calypso
- Relax and unwind - the hard part is over!
Most travelers will depart from somewhere in the southern US and fly into Marsh Harbour airport, unless traveling by private boat. Marsh Harbour is the 3rd largest town in the Bahamas and was devastated by hurricane Dorian in 2019. Recovery of essential services and business has progressed well, but it will be years before all the damage has been repaired. There are still areas of eye opening distruction.
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 compannies, such as inconvenient and last minute schedule changes, cancellations, and/or aircraft in poor condition.
Kerry Sullivan Real Estate has a blog listing small air carriers to Marsh Harbour
TIPS
- The Abaco Community Message Board is a good way to check on traveler's recent experiences.
- 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.
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 by ferry
If you are not renting a boat in Marsh Harbour, you will take either G and L Ferry or The Albury Ferry from Marsh Harbour to Hope Town. The two ferries available depart from the same area. These actually operate 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 on your mobile phone, or ask the ferry captain to call on his VHF radio to inform the caretaker of your arrival. 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 you bags.
THESE SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH THE TIME OF THE YEAR AND/OR WEATHER. PLEASE VISIT THE FERRY COMPANY WEBSITE FOR CURRENT INFORMATION.
Alburys Ferry
Leaving Marsh Harbour to Hope Town
6:20 am | 7:15 am | 9 am | 10:30 am I 12:30 pm | 2:30 pm I 3:30 pm* | 4:30 pm
Leaving Hope Town to Marsh Harbour
6:45 am* | 8 am | 9:30 am | 11:30 am I 1:30 pm | 3 pm I 4 pm | 5 pm
G and L Ferry
Monday through Friday:
Leaving Marsh Harbour for Hope Town
5:50 am, 6:30am, 7:15 am, 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm
Leaving Hope Town for Marsh Harbour
6:15am, 7:00AM, 8:00AM, 9:45AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:30PM
Weekends and Holidays
Leaving Marsh Harbour for Hope Town
6:30am*, 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 12:15pm*, 1:00pm, 2:00pm*, 3:30pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm*
Leaving Hope Town for Marsh Harbour
7:00am*, 8:00am, 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:00pm*, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:30*Times with * not on Sunday.
On Elbow Cay
The caretaker will meet you at the dock (usually referred to as the Lodge dock, Sunshine Park dock, or Upper dock) and transport people and bags to the house. For information on getting around on Elbow Cay, see Getting Around.