The easiest way to get to Exuma is to fly into Exuma International Airport (GGT) on Great Exuma. Exuma has 2 main visitor airports: GGT for Great Exuma and Little Exuma, and Staniel Cay Airport (TYM) for Staniel Cay and nearby cays. Travelers can fly nonstop from selected U.S. and Canadian cities or connect through Nassau International Airport (NAS). GGT is the main gateway for the Exumas and sits a few miles from George Town.
If you are staying on Great Exuma or Little Exuma, search for flights to GGT. If you are staying near Staniel Cay, Thunderball Grotto or Pig Beach, check flights to TYM instead.
Exuma Travel Options at a Glance
| Destination | Airport or arrival point | Best way to get there |
|---|---|---|
| Great Exuma and George Town | Exuma International Airport, GGT | Nonstop flight or connection through Nassau |
| Little Exuma | GGT, then drive across the bridge | Fly to Great Exuma and rent a car or arrange a transfer |
| Staniel Cay | Staniel Cay Airport, TYM | Direct charter or flight from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport |
| Big Major Cay, also called Pig Beach | No visitor airport | Take a boat from Staniel Cay or join a boat tour |
| Compass Cay and other northern cays | GGT or TYM, followed by boat travel | Arrange a private boat, water taxi or local excursion |
Which Airport Should You Use for Exuma?
Use GGT for Great Exuma, George Town, most resorts and Little Exuma. Great Exuma is the largest island in the chain and connects to Little Exuma by a bridge. Most hotels, rental-car companies, restaurants and other services are on Great Exuma.
Use TYM for Staniel Cay and nearby Exuma Cays. Staniel Cay is separate from Great Exuma. Staniel Cay Airport is an official Port of Entry and provides access to attractions such as Thunderball Grotto.
Big Major Cay, home of the swimming pigs, is accessible only by boat. Flying to GGT does not take you directly to Pig Beach. Visitors usually travel by boat from Staniel Cay or book a guided Exuma Cays excursion.
How to Fly Directly to Great Exuma
A nonstop flight to GGT is the simplest option when your departure city has one. The official Bahamas flight directory lists scheduled international routes from several North American airports, including:
- Miami International Airport (MIA) with American Airlines
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) with American Airlines
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with Delta Air Lines
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with Bahamasair and Aztec Airways
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) with Air Canada on listed service
Route availability and flight frequency vary, so check with the airline before booking. Smaller regional routes may not appear on large online travel agencies.
How to Get from Nassau to Exuma
If a nonstop flight to GGT is unavailable, fly into Nassau and take a domestic flight to Great Exuma.
- Fly into Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS) in Nassau.
- Clear Bahamian Immigration and Customs.
- Go to the domestic terminal.
- Take a domestic flight from NAS to GGT.
- Continue from GGT by rental car, taxi or prearranged resort transfer.
The Bahamas tourism authority recommends allowing at least one and a half hours to clear Immigration and Customs before checking in for a domestic flight. Bahamasair and Western Air are among the carriers listed for the Nassau to Great Exuma route.
If you book your international and domestic flights separately, leave more connection time than the minimum. A late international arrival can make a same-day connection difficult if the remaining domestic flights are full or unavailable.
Can You Take a Ferry from Nassau to Exuma?
Do not assume that a standard passenger ferry runs from Nassau to George Town. The Bahamas tourism website describes ferry and mailboat connections between the islands, but Bahamas Ferries' passenger service page currently shows its high-speed passenger route serving Spanish Wells and Harbour Island. Its George Town, Exuma listings appear under freight services.
Passenger boat availability depends on the operator and service type. Confirm the route directly with the ferry or freight company before planning your trip around a boat crossing.
For most vacationers, flying is more practical than arranging marine transport. Private boats, charter boats and guided excursions are options for travelers who want to explore the Exuma Cays by water. Anyone entering The Bahamas by private boat must first stop at an official Port of Entry and clear Customs and Immigration.
How to Get to Staniel Cay and Pig Beach
Staniel Cay is the main arrival point for the central Exuma Cays.
- Fly to TYM. Makers Air lists service from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport to Staniel Cay Airport.
- Fly to GGT, then continue by private aircraft, charter boat or an organized Exuma Cays tour.
- Reach Pig Beach by boat from Staniel Cay to Big Major Cay.
- Visit Thunderball Grotto by arranging a boat excursion from Staniel Cay or joining a guided island-hopping trip.
Big Major Cay has no road connection and no regular visitor airport. A boat transfer is required.
The Best Route for Different Travelers
Your departure city and final island determine the most practical route:
- From Miami or Charlotte, check nonstop American Airlines service to GGT.
- From Atlanta, check Delta service to GGT.
- From South Florida, compare nonstop flights to GGT with a direct flight to TYM if you are staying near Staniel Cay.
- From a city without a direct route, fly through Nassau and connect to GGT.
- For Pig Beach or Thunderball Grotto, choose TYM or book a boat-based excursion.
- For remote cays, arrange a local boat, water taxi or private charter before arrival.
What to Book First
Book the route to the correct Exuma airport before arranging accommodation or activities:
- Confirm whether you need GGT for Great Exuma and Little Exuma or TYM for Staniel Cay.
- Reserve any onward boat transfer for Big Major Cay, Compass Cay or another smaller island.
- Arrange ground transport from GGT, such as a rental car, taxi or resort transfer.
For most visitors staying on Great Exuma or Little Exuma, that means booking a nonstop flight to GGT when one is available. Otherwise, connect through Nassau and leave enough time for Immigration, Customs and the transfer to the domestic terminal.