Nassau to Andros Mail Boat 2026: Schedule, Prices & Blue Holes

Q: Is there a passenger ferry from Nassau to Andros?

There is no fast tourist ferry. The sea connection from Nassau to Andros is by government mail boat — working cargo vessels that also carry passengers — departing from Potter's Cay Dock. The crossing takes about 5–7 hours.

Q: How much does the mail boat to Andros cost?

One-way mail boat fares start from about $35 USD per person, depending on the destination on Andros. Pay in cash at the dock. Fares are set by the Bahamas government and change occasionally.

Q: What is the mail boat schedule from Nassau to Andros?

Typical departures: the M/V Captain Moxey leaves Nassau on Monday for South Andros (returns Wednesday), and the M/V Lady D leaves on Wednesday for Fresh Creek and Central Andros (returns Sunday). Schedules shift with weather and cargo, so always confirm with the Dockmaster's Office at (242) 393-1064 the day before.

Q: Is it faster to fly from Nassau to Andros?

Yes. Western Air and other carriers fly Nassau to Andros in 15–25 minutes for roughly $140–180 round trip, versus 5–7 hours by mail boat. Fly if you are short on time; take the mail boat for the budget price and authentic experience.

Q: Where should I stay on Andros?

Popular options include Small Hope Bay Lodge (all-inclusive dive lodge near Fresh Creek), Kamalame Cay (luxury private island at Staniard Creek) and Tiamo Resort (eco-luxury on South Andros). Book accommodation before you travel — options are limited.

Quick Answer: Nassau → Andros

No tourist ferry exists — the sea link is by government mail boat (cargo + passengers) from Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau.
Fares from $35 one-way, paid in cash at the dock.
Crossing 5–7 hours, roughly weekly per route — M/V Captain Moxey (South Andros, Mon) and M/V Lady D (Central Andros/Fresh Creek, Wed).
Always confirm the schedule with the Dockmaster's Office (242) 393-1064 the day before — times shift with weather and cargo.
Faster alternative: Western Air flies Nassau–Andros in 15–25 min from ~$140–180 round trip.

Key facts for the Nassau to Andros mail boat route
Route	Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau → ports across Andros
Vessel type	Government mail boats (working cargo & passenger vessels)
Crossing time	About 5–7 hours
One-way fare	From $35 (cash, paid at the dock)
Frequency	Roughly weekly per route
Booking / info	Dockmaster's Office, Potter's Cay: (242) 393-1064
Fly instead	Western Air & others, 15–25 min, from ~$140–180 round trip

Sources: Bahamas Ministry of Transport (Potter's Cay Dockmaster's Office); operator schedules verified June 2026. Mail boat times change frequently — reconfirm before travel.

About this Nassau–Andros guide

Editorial compilation • Sources: mail boat operators and Bahamas port notices

Nassau to Andros is a mail boat route, not a scheduled passenger ferry. Freight comes first, departures shift, and the crossing takes several hours. This guide sets out the boats serving each settlement, the published departure times, what a ticket costs and what to expect on board. Andros itself is known for its blue holes, its bonefishing flats and beaches that stay empty – reaching it just takes more planning than the tourist routes.

Note: There is no fast passenger ferry to Andros, only mail boats. These are working cargo vessels that carry passengers, without a cafe or WiFi.

Your Mail Boat Options to Paradise

Traditional boats, authentic vibes, unforgettable journeys

M/V Lady Rosalind

North Andros Express

Departs: Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau

Schedule: Wednesday afternoons (4-5 PM)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Stops: Morgan's Bluff, Nicholl's Town

Contact: (242) 393-1064

One-way from

$35

M/V Captain Moxey

South Andros Adventure

Departs: Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau

Schedule: Monday nights (11 PM)

Duration: 6-7 hours overnight

Stops: Long Bay Cays, Kemp's Bay, The Bluff (returns Wed)

Book via Dockmaster: (242) 393-1064

One-way from

$40

M/V Lady D

Central Andros / Fresh Creek

Departs: Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau

Schedule: Wednesday (returns to Nassau Sunday)

Duration: about 5.5 hours

Stops: Fresh Creek, Staniard Creek, Blanket Sound, Browne Sound

Book via Dockmaster: (242) 393-1064

One-way from

$40

Schedules change weekly. Mail boat departure days, times and even which vessel runs a route shift with weather, cargo and the season. The boat names and days above reflect recent service, but they are not a guarantee. Always call the Potter's Cay Dockmaster's Office at (242) 393-1064 to confirm, and reconfirm the day before you sail. Source: Bahamas Ministry of Transport.

The Truth About Mail Boats

What to expect on board

Delays Are Normal

Departures can slip by hours or a day. Do not book a mail boat if you have a flight within 48 hours. Weather and cargo loading can delay these boats. Bring snacks.

Basic Accommodation

Bunks below are limited. Many passengers sleep on deck on a foam pad. Bring a sleeping bag and a pillow.

Seasickness is Real

These boats roll in rough seas. Take seasickness medication before boarding rather than after symptoms start.

Bathroom Situation

There is usually one head (bathroom) for all passengers and it is basic. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

Packing List

Essentials: Sleeping bag, foam pad, pillow, headlamp, TP, hand sanitizer, seasickness meds, snacks, 2 gallons of water, cash (some docks have no ATM) and waterproof bags.

Travelling With Locals

Mail boats carry mostly local passengers, and the crossing is long enough to talk. Passengers often play dominoes and share snacks.

Why Andros is Worth the Adventure

This is what you're missing if you stick to Nassau!

The Guardian Blue Hole, a deep inland freshwater cavern on Andros, Bahamas

Church's Blue Hole on Andros Island, ringed by pine forest

Blue Holes Galore: Andros has more than 180 blue holes — the highest concentration anywhere on Earth (Source: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism). These crystal-clear inland and offshore caverns plunge from about 300 feet to well over 400. Captain Bill's Blue Hole near Small Hope Bay is a popular, accessible one to start with.

Bonefishing Capital: Andros is one of the main bonefishing destinations in the world, and the west side flats are the main fishing area. Local guides take beginners as well as experienced anglers.

Empty Beaches: Long stretches of the coast are nearly empty. Beaches include Morgan's Bluff, Love Hill Beach and Somerset Beach.

The Barrier Reef: Third largest in the world. The Tongue of the Ocean drops to 6,000 feet just offshore. Diving includes wall dives and blue holes.

Once You Land: Getting Around

The adventure continues on land!

Reality check: There ain't gonna be taxis waiting at the dock (except maybe at Fresh Creek). You'll need to arrange pickup from your lodge ahead of time or rent a car. The mail boat docks can be pretty remote!

Between districts: North and Central Andros are connected by road. To reach South Andros from North, you'll need to fly via Nassau or take a local ferry between Mangrove Cay and Driggs Hill (free, twice daily, 25 minutes).

Car rentals: About $70-85/day. Book ahead - there aren't many! Roads are mostly good with some rough patches. Remember: drive on the left, island style!

Flying Instead

Flights and charters

Fly Instead

From Nassau: Western Air (the main carrier) and other domestic airlines fly to the four Andros airports — San Andros (SAQ), Andros Town / Fresh Creek (ASD), Mangrove Cay (MAY) and Congo Town / South Andros (TZN). Flights are 15–25 minutes and run from roughly $140–180 round trip.

From Florida: Some operators offer seasonal charter or seaplane service from the Fort Lauderdale area to Andros. Schedules and operators change, so check current availability before planning around them.

Private charters: Splitting a charter with other travelers can be cost-effective and gives you flexible timing into any of the Andros strips.

Booking a Mail Boat

Mail boat spots cannot be booked online. Call the Potter's Cay Dockmaster's Office to confirm the next sailing, then lock in your Andros bed before you go.

📞 Call Dockmaster: (242) 393-1064 🏨 Find a Hotel on Andros →

Summary

Who the mail boat suits

Andros suits divers, anglers and travellers who want quiet beaches. It has little nightlife, and the mail boat is a slow, basic crossing. Travellers who prefer a fixed timetable and more comfort can fly from Nassau instead.

Where to Stay on Andros

Book your bed before you sail — rooms are limited across the island

Andros is huge and lodging is spread thin, so reserve ahead. Check live prices below, or start with these three well-known properties. Every booking supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.

See all stays in Andros Sponsored

Small Hope Bay Lodge

All-inclusive · from ~$380/night

Historic, eco-friendly beachfront dive lodge near Fresh Creek, on the edge of the barrier reef. Rate includes meals, drinks and use of kayaks & bikes — ideal for divers and bonefishers.

Check Availability

Kamalame Cay

Luxury · from ~$600/night

A private-island resort off Staniard Creek with villas, an overwater spa and a beach on the world's third-largest barrier reef. The splurge option on Andros.

Check Availability

Tiamo Resort

Eco-luxury · from ~$550/night

Remote, off-grid villas on the white sand of South Andros — solar-powered, adults-focused and built for true disconnection. Reached via the Mangrove Cay–Driggs Hill ferry or a flight to Congo Town.

Check Availability

Disclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links. This doesn't affect the price you pay. Learn more. Nightly rates are indicative starting prices and vary by season.

Nassau to Andros: FAQ

Common questions about the Nassau to Andros mail boat

Is there a passenger ferry from Nassau to Andros?

No fast tourist ferry runs this route. The sea connection is by government mail boat — working cargo vessels that also carry passengers — departing Potter's Cay Dock in Nassau. The crossing takes about 5–7 hours.

How much does the mail boat to Andros cost?

One-way fares start from about $35 per person, depending on your destination on Andros. Pay in cash at the dock. Fares are set by the Bahamas government and change occasionally.

What is the mail boat schedule from Nassau to Andros?

Typical recent service: the M/V Captain Moxey leaves Nassau on Monday for South Andros (returning Wednesday), and the M/V Lady D leaves Wednesday for Fresh Creek and Central Andros (returning Sunday). Days and times shift with weather and cargo — always confirm with the Dockmaster's Office at (242) 393-1064 the day before.

Is it faster to fly from Nassau to Andros?

Yes. Western Air and other carriers fly Nassau–Andros in 15–25 minutes for roughly $140–180 round trip, versus 5–7 hours by mail boat. Fly if you're short on time; take the mail boat for the budget price and the authentic experience.

Where should I stay on Andros?

Popular options include Small Hope Bay Lodge (all-inclusive dive lodge near Fresh Creek), Kamalame Cay (luxury private island at Staniard Creek) and Tiamo Resort (eco-luxury on South Andros). See Where to Stay above — book early, options are limited.

Last updated: June 11, 2026