Bo Hengy III high-speed catamaran via Spanish Wells & Harbour Island. The smart way to reach 110 miles of pineapple fields and pink sand.
📅 Last updated: 20 August 2026 · Schedule and fares checked against the Bahamas Ferries published timetable on 8 August 2026. Rates are VAT inclusive and change without notice — confirm before booking.
There is no scheduled passenger ferry from Nassau directly to Governor's Harbour or Rock Sound. The Bo Hengy III serves Spanish Wells and Harbour Island only — both small islands just off Eleuthera's northern tip. For mainland Eleuthera you'll need a water taxi onward, or fly. Always call Bahamas Ferries +1 (242) 323-2166 the day before to confirm the schedule has not changed for weather or maintenance.
| Operator | Bahamas Ferries Ltd. — vessel M/V Bo Hengy III (IMO 9197623, 23 knots, 130 passengers, in the fleet since 2014) |
|---|---|
| Departure terminal | Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau (under the Paradise Island bridge) |
| Arrival terminals | Spanish Wells (St. George's Cay) — 10:10 AM · Harbour Island — 11:10 AM |
| Crossing time | 2h 10m to Spanish Wells · 3h 10m to Harbour Island |
| Days operated | Wednesday, Friday, Saturday — holidays and special events override this schedule |
| One-way fare | Adult $139 · Child $103 (same fare to either stop, VAT inclusive) |
| Round-trip fare | Adult $257 · Child $185 (VAT inclusive) |
| Spanish Wells ↔ Harbour Island only | Adult $47 one way / $77 round trip · Child $30 / $46 |
| Check-in | 6:45–7:45 AM at Potter's Cay (one hour before departure) |
| Onward to Eleuthera mainland | Spanish Wells → Gene's Bay water taxi (about 6 min, ~$5 per person, cash) · Harbour Island → Three Island Dock water taxi |
| Booking | bahamasferries.com · phone +1 (242) 323-2166 |
Two stops, two very different islands
Bahamas Ferries · M/V Bo Hengy III
Schedule
Out: Departs Potter's Cay 8:00 AM → arrives Spanish Wells 10:10 AM
Return: Departs Spanish Wells 4:20 PM → arrives Nassau 6:30 PM (the boat calls at Spanish Wells at 4:10 PM on its way back from Harbour Island)
Check-in: 6:45–7:45 AM at Potter's Cay
Why pick Spanish Wells: It's the practical entry point if your final destination is anywhere on mainland Eleuthera — Governor's Harbour, Gregory Town, Rock Sound, Tarpum Bay or The Bluff. From the dock at Spanish Wells, water taxis run to Gene's Bay on North Eleuthera in about 5 minutes, where rental cars and taxis to the rest of the island are waiting.
Bahamas Ferries · M/V Bo Hengy III
Schedule (Same Days)
Out: Departs Spanish Wells 10:25 AM → Harbour Island 11:10 AM
Return: Departs Harbour Island 3:40 PM → arrives Nassau 6:30 PM
Day-trip window: about 4.5 hours on Harbour Island
If you want the famous pink-sand beach — that's Harbour Island, not Eleuthera mainland and not Spanish Wells. The colour comes from microscopic red foraminifera shells mixed into the white sand. Harbour Island is also where you'll find the bigger boutique resorts (Pink Sands, Coral Sands, Valentines).
Various operators · Potter's Cay
Schedule
Mail boats run weekly to Governor's Harbour, Rock Sound, The Bluff and Hatchet Bay. Schedules change weekly with weather and cargo loads — the dockmaster at Potter's Cay has the current week's plan, or call the Ministry of Transport mail-boat hotline before traveling.
Reality check: Mail boats are real working vessels carrying groceries, building supplies and the occasional passenger. Cabin space is limited, departures often slip by hours, and the crossing can be rough in winter. Pick this only if the cost saving matters and you treat the voyage itself as the experience.
Bahamas Ferries publishes one fare band for both stops — all rates VAT inclusive
| Adult one way | $139.00 |
|---|---|
| Adult round trip | $257.00 |
| Child one way | $103.00 |
| Child round trip | $185.00 |
| Spanish Wells ↔ Harbour Island only (adult) | $47.00 one way · $77.00 round trip |
| Spanish Wells ↔ Harbour Island only (child) | $30.00 one way · $46.00 round trip |
| Voyager cabin upgrade | $17.00 one way · $24.00 round trip |
|---|---|
| Preferred table seating | $12.00 one way · $18.00 round trip |
| Extra luggage per piece | $12.00 booked in advance · $26.00 paid at the vessel |
| Bicycles | $18.00 small · $34.00 large |
| Dogs | $18.00 small · $34.00 large |
| Ticket change fee | $22.00 |
Two things worth knowing. First, the extra-luggage fee more than doubles if you pay at the dock instead of adding the bag when you book — a $12 item becomes $26. Second, groups of 20 or more get custom rates through the operator's sales desk, which is worth a note if you're travelling with a wedding party or a church group.
Source: Bahamas Ferries Ltd. published passenger fare table, retrieved 8 August 2026. Rates are subject to change without notice.
Hotels in Governor's Harbour, Gregory Town and Dunmore Town — all bookable through partner sites that support BahamasHopping at no extra cost.
Governor's Harbour · Mid-Eleuthera
From $260 / night
Beachside one-bedroom suites across from a quiet pink-tinged Atlantic beach. Walking distance to Tippy's restaurant; 10-minute drive to Governor's Harbour Friday-night fish fry.
Check AvailabilityGregory Town · North Eleuthera
From $580 / night
Adults-friendly resort on a private cove between two beaches. Excellent for surfers heading to Surfers Beach and divers visiting the Current Cut.
Check AvailabilityGregory Town · North Eleuthera
From $390 / night
Hilltop villas with panoramic Atlantic views, walkable to Surfers Beach. Family-friendly with a small swimming pool and beach access.
Check AvailabilityGovernor's Harbour · Mid-Eleuthera
From $480 / night
Marriott Autograph Collection on a 280-acre former Club Med site. Atlantic and Caribbean beaches, restaurants, marina — the most full-service stay on the island.
Check AvailabilityDunmore Town · Harbour Island
From $620 / night
Direct on Pink Sands Beach — the easiest base if you arrive by ferry to Harbour Island. Restaurant, pool and beach service overlooking the Atlantic.
Check AvailabilityDunmore Town · Harbour Island
From $360 / night
Marina-side resort, easy walk to Pink Sands Beach. Better value than the Pink Sands cottage resorts, with a lively harbourside bar.
Check AvailabilityDisclosure: BahamasHopping earns a commission when you book through these links via our partner Stay22. The price you pay is the same. Learn more about how we work.
Confirmed against the Bahamas Ferries published timetable and fare table — August 2026
Step by step, with realistic expectations
6:45 AM — Check-in opens at Potter's Cay (the window closes at 7:45 AM). Look for the Bahamas Ferries window (a separate kiosk from the mail-boat queues). Have your booking reference and ID ready.
7:30 AM — Boarding starts. Seats are unassigned. The upper deck has the best views; the air-conditioned main cabin can be cold — bring a light layer.
8:00 AM — Departure. The Bo Hengy III pushes off and runs at about 23 knots. The crossing is generally smooth on the leeward side of Eleuthera; the open-ocean stretch can have a short chop.
10:10 AM — First stop: Spanish Wells dock. Passengers continuing to Harbour Island stay aboard.
11:10 AM — Arrival at Harbour Island Government Dock. Golf-cart rentals are right at the pier ($60–80/day).
3:40 PM — Return departs Harbour Island, calls at Spanish Wells (4:10 PM in, 4:20 PM out), then runs back to Nassau. Arrival Potter's Cay 6:30 PM.
Onboard amenities: small café (drinks, snacks — bring water for the kids), restrooms, life jackets for all ages. There's a TV but reception is patchy. Cell signal drops out for parts of the crossing.
This bookable boat tour covers Eleuthera, Current and Harbour Island from Nassau in one day — free cancellation up to 2 days before:
Quick answers to what travelers ask before booking
110 miles of pineapple fields, pink-sand coves and Atlantic surf. Book the ferry, then pick a place to stay.
