Bahamas Mail Boats: Island-Hopping the Local Way

Mail boats are how the Out Islands stay supplied — working cargo boats that also carry passengers from Nassau's Potter's Cay. Slower than a flight, but authentic, and cheap: from about $30 one way.

30+
Islands & Cays Served
$30-65
Typical One-Way Fare
100+
Years of Service
Up to 80%
Cheaper Than Flying

Photo: Potter's Cay, Nassau — Bohao Zhao, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Looking for exact departure days, fares and how to book? This page explains what the mail-boat experience is like and which islands they serve. For the full operator reference — current schedules, fares and booking — see our main Bahamas Mail Boats guide.

Mail Boats at a Glance

  • What they are: government-subsidised cargo & passenger boats that supply the Out (Family) Islands from Nassau.
  • Where they leave: Potter's Cay Dock, under the Paradise Island bridge in Nassau.
  • Fares: roughly $30–$65 one way, paid in cash at the dock.
  • Frequency: most routes run once or twice a week; crossings range from about 5 hours to 15+ hours, often overnight.
  • Booking: there is no online booking system — turn up at the dock, or call the Dockmaster's Office to confirm the next sailing.
From Nassau to Approx. crossing Typical fare (one way)
Eleuthera / Spanish Wells~5–6 hoursfrom ~$40
Andros~5–7 hoursfrom ~$35
Exuma (George Town)~12–14 hours (overnight)from ~$45
Long Island~8–15 hoursfrom ~$50
Abaco~7 hoursfrom ~$45
Grand Bahama (Freeport)~8–12 hoursfrom ~$65
Inagua & the far southup to ~40 hours (multi-stop)from ~$65

Fares and times are approximate and change with cargo, weather and season. Always reconfirm at Potter's Cay before travelling — Dockmaster's Office: (242) 393-1064. Source: Bahamas Port Department; BahamasHopping field notes, 2026.

Mail Boat Routes Across The Bahamas

Click any island to see mail boat connections and schedules

All mail boats depart from Potter's Cay, Nassau (marked above) and fan out across the archipelago — from Grand Bahama in the northwest to Inagua in the far south.

Most Popular Mail Boat Routes

Vessels and departure days shown are indicative — always reconfirm the current sailing with the Dockmaster's Office before you travel.

M/V Grand Master

Exuma Cays & George Town

Route: Nassau → Exuma
Departure: ~Weekly
Duration: ~14 hours (overnight)
Price: from ~$45 one-way

M/V Bahamas Daybreak III

Governor's Harbour & Rock Sound

Route: Nassau → Eleuthera
Departure: ~Twice weekly
Duration: ~5–6 hours
Price: from ~$40 one-way

M/V Captain Moxey

South Andros settlements

Route: Nassau → Andros
Departure: ~Weekly
Duration: ~5–7 hours
Price: from ~$35 one-way

M/V Island Link

Clarence Town & Salt Pond

Route: Nassau → Long Island
Departure: ~Weekly
Duration: ~8–15 hours
Price: from ~$50 one-way

Grand Bahama Mail Boat

Freeport (vessel varies)

Route: Nassau → Freeport
Departure: ~Weekly
Duration: ~8–12 hours
Price: from ~$65 one-way

M/V Lady Mathilda

Mayaguana, Inagua & the far south

Route: Nassau → Inagua
Departure: Occasional / multi-stop
Duration: up to ~40 hours
Price: from ~$65 one-way

Insider Tips for Mail Boat Travel

From a captain who's been sailing these waters for 15 years!

🎒

Pack Smart

Bring your own food, water, and snacks – there's no restaurant on board! Pack a cushion for sitting, bug spray, and sunscreen. Trust me, you'll thank me later!

⏰

"Island Time" is Real

Boats leave when they're ready, not when the schedule says. Show up 2-3 hours early, grab some conch salad at Potter's Cay, and enjoy the vibe!

🌟

Sleep Under the Stars

Skip the stuffy cabin – sleeping on deck is FREE and magical! Bring a sleeping bag and wake up to the most incredible sunrise you've ever seen.

💰

Cash is King

No credit cards, no ATMs on board. Bring cash for your ticket and extra for emergencies. Tickets are sold right at the dock – no fancy booking systems here!

What the Ride Is Really Like

A mail boat isn't a tourist ferry — it's a working cargo run that happens to carry passengers. You'll share deck space with crates of groceries, building supplies and Bahamians heading home to the Family Islands. Seating is basic, there's no galley or restaurant on board, and the longer routes sail overnight.

It's slow, unpolished and completely authentic: hours of open turquoise water, a stop or two at small settlement docks, and a pace set by weather and cargo rather than a printed timetable. If you want speed and comfort, fly. If you want to see how the islands actually stay connected — and do it for roughly the price of a taxi ride — the mail boat is one of the last real adventures left in the Bahamas.

Where to Stay in the Out Islands

Mail boats often arrive in the evening or overnight, so book a room before you sail. Compare Out Island stays on the map, or start with these established options.

Exuma — Grand Isle Resort & Spa

Villa-style resort at Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, near where the Exuma mail boat docks. From ~$400/night. Check availability →

Andros — Small Hope Bay Lodge

Laid-back, family-run dive and bonefishing lodge on Andros. From ~$250/night (often all-inclusive). Check availability →

Eleuthera — Pineapple Fields

Condo-style resort near Governor's Harbour and Ten Bay Beach. From ~$200/night. Check availability →

Long Island — Cape Santa Maria

Beach resort on one of the Bahamas' best stretches of sand, north Long Island. From ~$300/night. Check availability →

Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. Learn more. Prices are indicative "from" rates and vary by season.

Ready for Your Mail Boat Adventure?

Experience the real Bahamas from Potter's Cay. Check current schedules and fares, or call the Dockmaster's Office to confirm the next sailing.

See Schedules & Fares Dockmaster's Office: (242) 393-1064