JR
Hey y'all, I'm Jake Rodriguez!
Miami boat captain • 15 years island hopping • Exuma enthusiast
Real talk - the Nassau to Exuma ferry situation isn't what most folks expect. After spending years shuttling between these islands (and yes, sleeping on many a mail boat deck!), I've learned that getting to Exuma is half the adventure. The old-school mail boats? They're an experience, not just transportation. But if you're dreaming of swimming pigs and pristine beaches, there are better ways to get there. Let me break it all down for you!
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Departs: Potter's Cay Dock
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Schedule: Tuesdays @ 4 PM
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Duration: 12-14 hours
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Basic bunks available
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Destination: Georgetown
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Departs: Potter's Cay Dock
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Schedule: Variable (call ahead)
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Duration: 8-10 hours
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Stops: Staniel Cay, Black Point
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Near Swimming Pigs!
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Departs: Nassau harbors
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Schedule: Daily departures
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Duration: 3 hours each way
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Includes: Swimming Pigs
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Plus: Sharks, iguanas & more
"Took the Grand Master once for the 'authentic experience.' Slept on deck under the stars, shared stories with locals, arrived exhausted but with memories for life. Would I do it again? Maybe not. Am I glad I did it? Absolutely!"
- Jake's Mail Boat Adventure, 2019
Departing at 4 PM, you'll arrive in Georgetown around 4-6 AM. The bunks are basic (think summer camp), and many folks just grab a deck spot with their sleeping bag. Bring a pillow!
Mail boats are primarily freight vessels. You'll share space with everything from building materials to goats. It's authentic island life, but not everyone's cup of rum punch!
"Island time" is real. Weather, mechanical issues, or cargo delays can push departure by hours or even days. Never book a mail boat if you have a flight to catch within 48 hours!
There's usually a basic meal served (rice and peas with chicken), but smart travelers pack snacks, water, and entertainment. The onboard dominoes games are legendary though!
We're talking bare-bones bathrooms here. Ladies, bring tissues and hand sanitizer. Gentlemen, you might find yourself appreciating the ocean breeze at the rail.
These boats handle waves differently than cruise ships. If you're prone to seasickness, take meds before boarding. The middle of the boat moves less than bow or stern.
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Fly Direct
Multiple daily flights from Nassau to Georgetown. 30-minute flight gets you there refreshed and ready for adventure.
From $180 round trip
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Day Tour Speedboat
The most popular option! Visit swimming pigs, swim with sharks, and explore multiple cays in one epic day.
From $220 per person
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Private Charter
Your schedule, your stops. Perfect for groups wanting to explore at their own pace. Most luxurious option.
From $1,200 per day
Potter's Cay is under the Paradise Island bridge, right where locals go for fresh conch salad. From Nassau airport, it's a $35-40 taxi ride (about 30 minutes). From downtown or cruise port, expect $15-20 (10 minutes).
Pro tip: Arrive at least an hour early to secure your spot and grab some conch fritters from the stalls. The dock can be confusing - look for the boat names painted on the hull, not fancy signs!
Call the dockmaster at (242) 393-1064 the day before AND the morning of travel. Schedules change for weather, holidays, or mechanical issues. Trust me on this one!
Sleeping bag or sheet, pillow, toilet paper, snacks, water (lots!), entertainment, power bank, seasickness meds, and a sense of adventure. Cash only - no ATMs mid-ocean!
Bunks fill up fast. If you're late, you're on deck. Not necessarily bad - I've had amazing nights under the stars. Just bring that sleeping bag!
Mail boats are social experiences. Join the dominos game, share your snacks, chat with locals. You'll learn more about Exuma culture than any guidebook can teach.
Take the mail boat if: You've got time, want an authentic experience, love adventure, and don't mind basic conditions. It's a rite of passage for true island hoppers!
Skip the mail boat if: You're on a tight schedule, traveling with kids, get seasick easily, or just want to maximize beach time. No shame in flying - those pigs are waiting!
Ready for Your Exuma Adventure?
Whether by mail boat or speedboat, the swimming pigs and pristine beaches of Exuma await!
Compare All Options
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