Almost every traveler arrives in Marsh Harbour, the third largest Bahamian city, by commercial airline, chartered aircraft, or private aircraft.   The airport  is "international", meaning you clear customs, but the facilities and terminal  are rudimentary by stateside standards.  It can be extremely crowded with poor service and is not the place to be stuck with a travel problem. The Bahamian government is sloooowly modernizing this important gateway into their country. The majority of travelers pass through without complication.

Getting to Florida

There are many large carriers flying to southern Florida.  The airport identifiers are:

Orlando = MCO, Ft. Lauderdale = FLL, West Palm Beach = PBI, Daytona Beach = DAB, Miami = MIA, Marsh Harbour = MHH, Freeport = FPO, Nassau = NAS

If the large carriers are quoting unreasonable fares, try getting to Florida on one of the low cost carriers such as Air Tran or Southwest, and then use one of the smaller carriers or charter companies outlined below to get to Marsh Harbour.

Getting to the Bahamas

American Eagle and Continental are the major US carriers with flights from Florida to Marsh Harbour. Many major US cities have direct flights to Nassau and Freeport, from where flights to Marsh Harbour can be obtained on smaller carriers, and these options are often worth exploring.

The following listing of air carriers and charter companies that fly to/from Marsh Harbour was taken from the Visitors Guide of the area newspaper, The Abaconian. The smaller carriers are in a constant state of flux, so this information is not always current.

Abaco Air - Nassau, N Eleuthra, Moores Is.......................... 367-2266
American Eagle - Miami ....................................................... 367-2231
Bahamasair - Nassau, W. Palm Beach, Ft. Laud ................ 367-2095
Continental Connection - Miami, Ft. Laud, W Palm Beach. . 367-3415
Locair - Ft Lauderdale ................................................1-800-205-0730
Regional Air - Freeport......................................................... 367-0446
Sky Bahamas - Nassau........................................................ 367-0996
Southern Air - Nassau ......................................................... 367-2498
Twin Air Calypso - Fort Lauderdale ..................................... 367-0140
Western Air - Nassau .......................................................... 367-3722
Yellow Air Taxi - Ft Lauderdale ........................................... 367-0032
Abaco Air Charters .............................................................. 367-2266
Cherokee Air Charters ......................................................... 367-3450

Craig Air Center is flying a limited schedule out of St. Augustine/Jacksonville on 19 seat turboprop aircraft. 

A caution:  Bahamas Air has a mixed reputation. They are now "partnered" with USAir but they are still a foreign airline and travelers do not have the same rights or protection as the major US carriers. In 2011, there have also been many negative experiences with Yellow Air Taxi. Passengers have arrived at the airport to catch their flight only to discover the flight has been cancelled... and no efforts are made to help them or provide refunds. Enterprising travelers that are stranded should consider chartering a plane and sharing the expense with fellow stranded travelers.  

The major US airlines require a current passport to board flights to the Bahamas, and US Customs will also require one for re-entry into the US.

TIPS:

The Abaco Community Message Board is a good way to check on traveler's recent experiences.

Passengers to Marsh Harbour are usually given a Bahamas Immigration Card while en route. 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 or boat rental - Taxis

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 Hopetown.

Marsh Harbour to Elbow Cay - by rental boat or ferry

If you are not renting a boat in Marsh Harbour, you will take the Albury Ferry, the principle means of inter-island transport, and one of the few services in the Bahamas to actually operate on a dependable schedule! At the ferry dock, grab a cart and take your bags to the boat, or allow one of the several young boys to help for a modest tip. Be sure to 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, be prepared to unload your own bags, and to assist others. Everyone pitches in.

Albury Ferry Schedule

Leaving Marsh Harbour for Hope Town from Albury Ferry Dock
7:15AM, 9:00 AM,10:30AM,12:15PM**, 2:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:45PM Daily

Leaving Hope Town for Marsh Harbour Albury Ferry Dock
8:00AM, 9:45AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM**, 3:00PM, 4:00PM, 5:00PM, 6:30PM Daily

** Unavailable August - October

On Elbow Cay

The caretaker will meet you at the dock and transport people and bags to the house. For information on getting around on Elbow Cay, see Getting Around.