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.
| 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.
Your Mail Boat Options to Paradise
Traditional boats, authentic vibes, unforgettable journeys
M/V Lady Rosalind
North Andros Express
One-way from
$35
M/V Captain Moxey
South Andros Adventure
One-way from
$40
M/V Lady D
Central Andros / Fresh Creek
One-way from
$40
"First time on the Lady Rosalind, I thought I'd lost my mind. Sleeping on deck under the stars, chickens running around, locals playing dominoes... But watching that Andros sunrise while sharing coffee with fishermen who became friends? Man, that's when I knew I'd found the real Bahamas. Now I wouldn't take the plane if you paid me!"
The Truth About Mail Boats
What the guidebooks won't tell you (but I will!)
Island Time is REAL
Comfort? What Comfort?
Seasickness is Real
Bathroom Situation
Pack Like a Pro
Make Friends!
Why Andros is Worth the Adventure
This is what you're missing if you stick to Nassau!
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: This is THE spot for bonefishing on the planet. The west side flats are legendary. Even if you've never held a rod, the guides here will have you hooked (pun intended) in no time.
Empty Beaches: We're talking miles and miles of pristine sand with nobody around. Morgan's Bluff, Love Hill Beach, Somerset Beach - pick your paradise!
The Barrier Reef: Third largest in the world, baby! The Tongue of the Ocean drops to 6,000 feet just offshore. Diving here is next level - wall dives, blue holes, and sea life that'll make your underwater camera cry happy tears.
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!
Jake's Pro Tip: "Make friends on the mail boat - seriously! Locals often offer rides or can hook you up with their cousin who rents cars. I've gotten more rides from dominos partners than taxi drivers!"
Can't Handle the Mail Boat?
No judgment - here are your options
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.
Real Talk: "Yeah, flying is easier. But you miss the adventure, the stories, the friends you make sleeping under the stars. Your call, but the mail boat? That's how you really EXPERIENCE Andros!" - Captain Jake
Ready for Real Adventure?
Mail boat spots can't be booked online — that's part of the charm. Call the Potter's Cay Dockmaster's Office to confirm the next sailing, then lock in your Andros bed before you go.
Jake's Final Words of Wisdom
20+ years of lessons learned the hard way
Look, Andros ain't for everyone. If you need pina coladas served poolside and ferries that run on schedule, head to Nassau or Paradise Island. But if you want to dive blue holes that'll change your life, catch bonefish that'll haunt your dreams, and experience the Bahamas like it was 50 years ago? Then pack your sense of adventure and hop on that mail boat. Trust me - that first blue hole dive, that first bonefish on the line, that first night camping on a deserted beach... you'll forget all about the uncomfortable boat ride. Andros gets under your skin in the best way possible!
See you on the dock, adventurers! 🌊🏝️
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. Use the map to compare live prices across booking sites, or start with these three well-known properties. Every booking supports BahamasHopping at no extra cost to you.
© Njackson7 / CC BY-SA 3.0
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
© Rs3 / CC BY-SA 3.0
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
© R. Pollack / Public domain
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 AvailabilityDisclosure: 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
The questions travelers ask us most
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