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 foolishly continues to defer modernization of this gateway into their country. Nevertheless, the majority of travelers pass through without complication.

Getting to Florida

There are many large carriers flying to southern Florida.  US Air, American Eagle, and Continental also have flights to Marsh Harbour. Search for flights on your preferred travel web sites. The identifiers are:

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

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.

Florida to Marsh Harbour 

From Ft. Lauderdale, you have many choices: Air Florida, Air Sunshine, Bahamas Air, Bimini Island Air, Calypso Air, Cherokee Air,  Continental, Florida Coastal Airlines,  Gulfstream Air, Island Express, Sunshine Air Charter, Twin Air,  US Air,  and Yellow Air Taxi .  Out of Daytona/New Smyrna,  Vintage Air has been highly recommended (Vintage is having financial difficulties and may no longer be operating.) West Palm Beach has Bahamas Air, Calypso Air, Continental, and US Air.  A new carrier, Craig Air Center, is flying a limited schedule out of St.Augustine/Jacksonville. The smaller companies usually provide good service and the cost per seat for a private charter is reasonable when there are enough people in your party to fill the plane. In general, round trip air fare between Ft. Lauderdale to Marsh Harbour that is not part of a larger ticket will run $200-$300.  The major airlines and smaller carriers are in a constant state of flux, so don't depend upon the listings here. 

A caution:  Bahamas Air is somewhat unreliable, leaves bags behind, and is sometimes unconcerned with meeting schedules. Since they are not a US airline, you have few options if there is a problem. Passengers have arrived at the Marsh Harbour airport to catch their return flight only to discover all that day's flights cancelled... with no effort made to help them. Enterprising travelers that are stuck in Marsh Harbour can charter a plane locally or from Florida and share the expense with fellow travelers.  

Though the Bahamian immigration officers may accept other forms of entry identification, a passport is now required for re-entry into the US, including children. The process of obtaining a US passport may take some time, so do not wait until the last minute.  Passengers arriving into the Bahamas are usually given a Bahamas Immigration Card to complete prior to arrival, which helps all passengers get through customs quickly. Customs agents are also much friendlier if you have your forms completed and don't ask to borrow their pen.

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 or the Abaco 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 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.

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.