From a Dad Who's Done This Trip 100+ Times
Listen up, folks! I've been hopping between Nassau and Harbour Island for years with my family, and let me tell ya - this ferry ride is an adventure in itself. That pink sand beach? Worth every minute of the journey. But here's the thing - you gotta plan ahead. This ain't your everyday ferry service, and I've seen too many tourists miss out because they didn't know the weekend-only schedule. Stick with me, and I'll get you there without the headaches!
Your route to paradise
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry Service 2025
The only direct ferry connecting Nassau to the famous pink sand beaches - operating weekends only
Bahamas Ferries - M/V Bo Hengy III
The weekend warrior of island hopping
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry Schedule
Departure: 8:00 AM from Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau
Check-in: 6:30 AM (arrive early - no joke!)
Spanish Wells: 10:10 AM arrival
Harbour Island: 11:00 AM arrival
Return: 3:40 PM departure from Harbour Island
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry Prices 2025
All prices include taxes - no hidden fees here!
More ways to reach pink sand paradise
Alternative Routes from Nassau to Harbour Island
Can't catch the weekend ferry? Don't sweat it - I've got you covered!
Fly to North Eleuthera + Water Taxi
The daily option - my go-to for weekday trips
- Fly Nassau to North Eleuthera (30 minutes, multiple daily flights)
- Taxi from airport to Three Island Dock (5 minutes, $5 per person)
- Water taxi to Harbour Island (10 minutes, $7-10 per person)
- Total time: About 1.5 hours | Total cost: $150-200 per person
Real talk: Yeah, it costs more than the ferry, but you save 2 hours and can go any day. Plus, that little plane ride? The views are insane!
Direct from Nassau (Charter Only)
For groups or those who like the VIP treatment
Got a group of 6-10 people? Charter boats run direct from Nassau to Harbour Island in about 2 hours. Costs around $2,500-3,500 for the boat (split it up, and it's not too bad). The captains know all the best spots for dolphin sightings too!
Knowledge is power
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry Tips from 100+ Trips
Trust me, these tips will save your bacon (and your vacation)
Book in Advance
This ferry fills up FAST, especially during winter months. Book online at least 3 days ahead. I've seen families turned away at the dock - heartbreaking stuff!
Getting to Potter's Cay
Tell your taxi "Potter's Cay Dock, under the bridge to Paradise Island." It's about $15-20 from most Nassau hotels. Leave by 6:00 AM sharp - Nassau traffic is no joke!
Early Morning Survival
No coffee at the dock that early! Grab some at your hotel or pack a thermos. There's a snack bar on the ferry, but selection is limited. Pack some breakfast bars.
Pink Sand Beach Access
The ferry docks at Government Dock. Pink Sand Beach is a 15-minute walk or quick golf cart ride away. Rent a cart at the dock for about $40-50 for 4 hours - totally worth it!
Seasickness Prevention
The ride can get choppy past Spanish Wells. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Sit in the middle of the boat, eyes on the horizon. Trust me on this one!
Stay Connected
Cell service gets spotty between islands. Download offline maps before you go. The ferry has WiFi, but it's slower than my teenager getting ready for school!
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry FAQ
How long is the ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island?
The ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island takes approximately 3 hours total, including a stop at Spanish Wells. You'll depart Nassau at 8:00 AM and arrive at Harbour Island around 11:00 AM.
How much does the Nassau to Harbour Island ferry cost?
The Nassau to Harbour Island ferry costs $135 per adult one-way or $250 round-trip. Children aged 2-11 pay $100 one-way or $180 round-trip. All prices include taxes, and there are no additional fees.
What days does the ferry run from Nassau to Harbour Island?
The ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island operates only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There is no ferry service Monday through Thursday. If you need to travel on weekdays, you'll need to fly to North Eleuthera and take a water taxi.
Can I visit Pink Sand Beach from Nassau in one day?
Yes, you can visit Pink Sand Beach on a day trip from Nassau using the ferry. You'll arrive at 11:00 AM and must return at 3:40 PM, giving you about 4.5 hours on Harbour Island. It's enough time to see the pink sand beach, have lunch, and explore a bit of Dunmore Town.
Where does the Nassau ferry depart from?
The Nassau to Harbour Island ferry departs from Potter's Cay Dock, located under the bridge to Paradise Island. It's about a 15-20 minute taxi ride from most Nassau hotels. Make sure to arrive by 6:30 AM for check-in!
Ready for Pink Sand Paradise?
Book your Nassau to Harbour Island ferry now - those weekend spots fill up fast!
Check AvailabilityOne Last Thing About Your Nassau to Harbour Island Trip...
Look, I know this seems like a lot of info, but here's the deal - Harbour Island is special. That pink sand? It's real, and it's spectacular. The ferry ride might start crazy early, but when you're walking on that beach, trust me, you'll forget all about that 5 AM alarm. My kids still talk about our first trip there 10 years later. So book that ferry, set those alarms, and get ready for something amazing. See you on the water!