Flying to the Bahamas requires a Passport Book (not the card), with at least 6 months left before its expiration, for each person entering the Bahamas, even infants. (See How Long Can We Stay for more information) Each arriving visitor, resident and citizen requires a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken with7in 7 days of arrival into the Bahamas, and a negative Rapid Antigen Test upon arrival. Each person must upload his or her negative RT_PCR results to the Bahamas Government travel website and apply for a Travel Health Visa as well. The Health Visa and Test Results must be printed and carried with each passenger. Pets require a Bahamas Pet Import Form and Health Certificate. (See Bringing Pets for forms and procedures)
As of October 2020, Western Air is operating two flights weekly between The Bight and Nassau.
There are now two air services between Ft. Lauderdale Executive Airport, FL (FXE) and The Bight (TBI) airport on Cat Island. One is Makers Air, and the other is Marlin Air, operated by Ezra Russell, see details at the bottom of this page. Otherwise, to fly to Cat Island you will need to connect in Nassau, where you clear Bahamian Immigration and declare how long and where you will be staying. Generally immigration officers in Nassau will only grant you up to 30 to 90 days for you visit. If you need to stay longer you need to contact the local immigration Dept. at Smith’s Bay in advance at 342-2149. You will be given a Bahamas Tourist card that should always be carried with you. After clearing immigration go downstairs and collect any checked bags and you will then go through Bahamas Customs and tell them you having nothing to declare. But be aware that drug use, even marijuana is illegal in the Bahamas, so only bring medications for which you have a prescription.
Cat Island is served by one airport in the south at The Bight (TBI). Arthur’s Town Airport is currently closed, no date has been set for reopening. SkyBahamas is no longer operating. Marlin Air (call Ezra 242-427-8520 or Tre Russell (pilot) 242-557-1478) and Western Air now. Round trip airfare between Nassau and Cat Island is about $280-$300 USD. Western Air flies twice daily between Nassau and The Bight. Always call for actual times and availability. Their aircraft are 30 seat twin turboprops and the flight is less than 30 minutes. Bahamas’ Civil Aviation Administration (their equivalent to the FAA) does not allow night time flights to the Out Islands.
If you’re planning on over-nighting in Nassau, the closest hotel to the airport (hence the least taxi fare) is Orange Hill, a ‘mom and pop’ style family resort with generally reasonable rates. If you want to stay in the city, and if your budget will afford it, the British Colonial Hilton is recommended. The BC Hilton is a historic landmark, and the location where Sean Connery filmed his last Bond movie, Never Say Never. There’s even a 007 suite at the hotel. The hotel is located next to the Straw Market Bay Street tourist shopping areas. It’s about a $50 / 30 minute taxi ride each way to and from the airport. If you want a lower cost downtown hotel, then we suggest the Towne Hotel, which is only a block from the Hilton and is a locals’ favorite, but definitely a budget type accommodations.
Once you arrive on Cat Island there are usually local taxi services available to drive you to Pigeon Cay. One way taxi fare from New Bight to Pigeon Cay is about $70 plus tip, always cash only, for two passengers. Extra Passengers and baggage is a bit more. We recommend making arrangements for a ride ahead of time just to be certain. And most drivers will take you to a grocery store as part of the trip so you can pick up any essentials or fresh items before getting settled in.
Makers Air operates between Ft Lauderdale Executive airport and the Bight, Cat Island. Flights are up to four days per week on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, usually only upon request, more like a charter service. Check their website for Airfares and actual schedules. Makers Air is pet friendly!
In addition, Makers Air offers “per pound” freight service to New Bight with Regular, Express, and Priority Rush delivery options. Rates begin at $2.00 per lb.
Makers Air Phone: 954-771-0330
Freight email: freight@makersair.com
2331 NW 55th Court, Hangar 19
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309