Getting Around

In general, travelling around the Bahamas is a breeze. The islands are well linked by inter-island flights as well as boats and ferries, while on the islands themselves taxi and bus service is generally excellent.

By plane
Inter-island transportation is usually done by air, especially on the national carrier Bahamasair (tel 242/377-5505 or 1-800/222-4262), which flies regular routes between Nassau and the Out Islands, while smaller, Nassau-based carriers offer charter services to the Out Islands and other destinations. Many hotels and resorts have their own charter services to bring passengers from Florida and elsewhere.

By boat
The traditional way of exploring the Bahamas is by ferry or mail boat, the latter a form of transit still favoured by locals. The Bahamas government operates nineteen mail boats, which also carry cargo and passengers between Nassau and all the Out Islands - trips that can vary from a few hours to most of a day. Call the dockmaster on Potter's Cay, Nassau (tel 242/393-1064) for details and schedules.

The very efficient Bahamas Fast Ferry (tel 242/323-2166) runs from Nassau to Harbour Island and Central Eleuthera, while the equally speedy Bahamas SeaRoad/ SeaLink (tel 242/323-2166) connects Nassau with Eleuthera and Andros. Individual boat rental is also a good option for inter-island transit, with many marinas featuring choice spots for anchorage.

By taxis and bus
Once on an island, taxis are abundant, especially on New Providence and Grand Bahama, while larger islands like Abaco and Eleuthera offer efficient taxi service in major tourist zones. What's more, most airports in the Out Islands (except some to the far south) draw at least a few taxis to meet every flight. Taxis on New Providence and Grand Bahama are metered, but it's wise to establish a set fare before heading out. (Many taxis can be hired for an hourly rate of US$45.) Out Island taxis, except in Marsh Harbour on Abaco, are rarely metered, and are usually hired for long-distance hauls between resorts. Again, it's always a good idea to establish the fare in advance.

Bus service in Nassau is generally excellent, with jitneys serving most of the city as well as the outlying regions of New Providence for the same low fare.

Guests at resort hotels may find renting bicycles a convenient and inexpensive way to explore some islands, with motor scooters and motorcycles for longer trips a possibility. Large resorts often rent guests golf carts to drive around the grounds, and where cays or towns prohibit motor vehicles - such as Treasure Cay and Hope Town on Abaco - golf carts are the vehicle of choice.

By car
Most major hotels offer car transport for their guests upon arrival at the airport, and almost all the major car rental agencies are found on New Providence and Grand Bahama, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar and Hertz. Nassau and Freeport are home to many local agencies that rent older cars for lower rates, though rarely with the added convenience of toll-free reservation services. Many Out Islands either lack car-rental agencies altogether or only have a few older, less reliable vehicles at expensive rates. In any case, rental cars are hardly needed on the smaller, more remote islands.

Visitors who drive in the Bahamas must have a valid driver's licence and liability insurance, and must take care to stay on the left.