Getting to Spanish Wells, Harbour Island and North Eleuthera

Flights into North Eleuthera

North Eleuthera is a small airport with direct flights from Nassau (several a day on Bahamasair, Pineapple Air and Southern Air) and from South Florida, where the carriers and the seasonal routes change year to year, so check current schedules. Most visitors from the United States either connect in Nassau or fly direct from South Florida. Book the Nassau connection with at least ninety minutes; the domestic terminal is a short walk but the schedules slip.

Airport to Harbour Island

Taxis wait outside the terminal. It is about five minutes to Three Island Dock, a few dollars per person shared. Water taxis leave when they have a few people, cost a few dollars per person in cash, and take about ten minutes to the government dock in Dunmore Town. Your hotel will send a golf cart or a taxi if you tell them your flight.

Airport to Spanish Wells

Taxi about ten minutes north to Gene’s Bay; fares are set and paid in cash. The Spanish Wells water taxi runs continuously in daylight, a few dollars per person, and takes about ten minutes to the dock in town. Your rental will arrange a golf cart to meet you, or you can walk to most harbour-side houses. For Russell Island, the same water taxi, then a cart across the bridge.

The fast ferry from Nassau

Bahamas Ferries runs a fast ferry from Potter’s Cay in Nassau to Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, about two hours each way, on set days each week; check the current schedule and fares with Bahamas Ferries. It is a good option if you are already in Nassau or want to avoid the small planes. It is not a good option as a day trip for fishing: two hours each way leaves no day. If you are staying in Nassau and want to fish with me, come for two nights.

Governor’s Harbour and the mainland

Governor’s Harbour Airport is central and has flights from Nassau and from South Florida. Rent a car there; the drive north to Gene’s Bay is about 45 miles on the one main road, a little over an hour. Rental cars are available at both airports and should be booked ahead in season.

Getting around once you are here

Golf carts on Harbour Island and Spanish Wells, booked through your hotel or rental. A car on the mainland. Water taxis between the islands and the mainland all day; the last one runs around dark, so plan dinner on the island you are sleeping on.