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: 3 May 2026 · Schedules and fares subject to change — confirm with Bahamas Ferries 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, launched 2015) |
|---|---|
| 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 — 10:45 AM |
| Crossing time | ~2h 10m to Spanish Wells · ~2h 45m to Harbour Island |
| Days operated | Wednesday, Friday, Sunday (subject to change) |
| One-way fare (adult) | From $115 (Spanish Wells) · From $135 (Harbour Island) |
| Round-trip fare | ~$230 (Spanish Wells) · ~$250 (Harbour Island) |
| Onward to Eleuthera mainland | Spanish Wells → Gene's Bay water taxi (5 min, $5–10) · 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 ~5:30 PM → arrives Nassau ~6:30 PM (after Harbour Island stop)
Check-in: 6:30 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: Spanish Wells 10:15 AM → Harbour Island 10:45 AM
Return: Departs Harbour Island 3:40 PM → arrives Nassau ~6:30 PM
Day-trip window: ~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.
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 from operator schedules and traveler reports — May 2026
Step by step, with realistic expectations
6:30 AM — Check-in opens at Potter's Cay. 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 25 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.
10:45 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, 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.
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.