Many travelers to the Bahamas end up asking themselves, “How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma?” After all, the Exumas are among the country’s top destinations, and people know that they’re worth seeing.
Keep reading to find out the easiest way to get from Nassau Bahamas to Exuma.
How Long Is Ferry From Nassau to Exuma?
The Destination Matters
The Exumas are a chain of 365 islands, meaning that the amount of time you’ll spend on the boat from Nassau to Exuma depends on where exactly you’re going. Here are some of the top sites in the region with their corresponding distances from Nassau.
- Normans Cay, the northernmost part of the Exumas: 50 miles
- Big Major Cay/Pig Beach, one of the most popular stops on a Nassau to Exuma day trip: 86 miles
- Georgetown/Great Exuma: 150 miles
- Little Exuma: 160 miles

Wondering how to get to Exuma? A ferry ride might not be the best choice.
The Time Spent on a Boat From Nassau to Exuma
How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma? As mentioned, it depends on where you’re going.
Many travelers to the Bahamas are looking to embark on a Nassau to Exuma day trip. That’s because Nassau is well-connected to the outside world, unlike the Exumas, which are a bit more remote.
Although day trips can take you to many different places, most prioritize a stop at Big Major Cay, or Pig Beach. If you’re interested in seeing the famous Exuma pigs and plan on taking the ferry to get there, you can expect to be on the boat for around three hours. That said, weather conditions can elongate the journey, and in some cases, can prevent the ferry from leaving altogether.

Visit the Exuma Sand Bar on a Bahamas Day Trip to Exuma
If you’re looking to get to Georgetown or Great Exuma, expect the ferry ride to take around 14 hours. Given the length of the journey, the ferry service from Nassau to Georgetown operates at night.
What to Expect on the Ferry

How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma?
Many travelers wondering how to get from Nassau to Exuma choose the ferry since it seems like an efficient way to traverse the island nation. Unfortunately, besides wasting a large chunk of your afternoon on the boat, taking the ferry comes with a few other downsides as well.
For one thing, the boat is often packed and full of people. Besides making the journey a crowded and uncomfortable experience, some travelers may feel apprehensive about being around dozens of people as the pandemic still rages on.
On top of the people, the boat from Nassau to Exuma also travels over rough, open water. That often makes it a bumpy experience — and an uncomfortable one, particularly if you’re someone who experiences motion or seasickness.
You’re also exposed to the sun, wind, and rain on the journey.
How to Get From Nassau to Exuma by Air

Fly from Nassau to Exuma by plane
If you don’t want to ask yourself, “How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma?” or wonder how much longer you’re stuck on the boat, know that there is an easier way to get to the Exumas. The solution is to travel by plane on a Nassau to Exuma day trip.
A Nassau to Exuma day trip by air allows you to enjoy some of the top highlights in the region, including the Exuma pigs. That said, it doesn’t require you to waste an entire morning and evening on a boat. In fact, a flight from Nassau to Staniel Cay (an island close to Pig Island) takes just around 30 minutes. That gives you more time to explore the region and all the amazing sites that the Exumas has to offer.
Other Benefits of Traveling by Plane
Shaving off hours worth of travel time and not having to ask yourself, “How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma?” are big benefits of traveling by plane. However, they’re not the only ones you get to enjoy.

Flights from Nassau to Exuma are a great alternative to the ferry or boats
Using a plane to answer the question of how to get to Exuma also lets you:
- Travel with fewer people: If you’re looking for a more personalized experience without the crowds, air travel is the answer. Go with a small group on a private-class plane, or book a private trip and have it all to yourself.
- Travel in comfort: You don’t have to worry about rough waters when you fly from Nassau Bahamas to Exuma. You can sit back, relax, and enjoy the other-worldly views out the window.
- Make the most of your time: If you’re constantly wondering how long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma or how much time you have left, it’s hard to enjoy your trip. Traveling by plane gives you more time on your journey and helps ensure that you enjoy every second of it.
- See the top sites: From the Exuma Pigs on Pig Island to nurse sharks, sandbars, and so much more, skipping the ferry and flying by plane gives you all the time to enjoy the top sites the Exumas have to offer.
How Long Is Ferry From Nassau to Exuma?
If you’re planning a trip to the Bahamas, you might be wondering, “How long is ferry from Nassau to Exuma?”. Instead of doing that, save yourself the time and the headaches and choose to traverse the Bahamas by air with a Nassau to Exuma Day Tour by Plane.
Looking to learn more about why air travel is the best answer to the question of how to get to Exuma? Get in touch with us today!
