The easiest way to get to Exuma is to fly into Exuma International Airport, also called George Town Airport, with the airport code GGT. The airport is on Great Exuma near George Town. If you connect through Nassau, allow at least 1.5 hours to clear Bahamian Immigration and Customs, collect checked luggage and reach the domestic terminal. You can also reach Exuma by ferry or private boat.
At a Glance
| Where you are staying | Best arrival option | Airport or port |
|---|---|---|
| Great Exuma or George Town | Fly directly or connect through Nassau | Exuma International Airport, GGT |
| Little Exuma | Fly to Great Exuma, then cross the bridge | GGT |
| Stocking Island | Fly to GGT, then take a water taxi from George Town | GGT |
| Staniel Cay and the northern Exuma Cays | Fly to Staniel Cay or arrange a boat transfer | Staniel Cay Airport, TYM |
| Traveling by sea | Take a Bahamas Ferries service from Nassau or arrive by private boat | George Town or another official port of entry |
Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
Exuma International Airport, GGT, is the right choice for Great Exuma, Little Exuma and George Town. Staniel Cay Airport, TYM, is more suitable for Staniel Cay and the northern Exuma Cays.
Exuma International Airport, GGT
Choose GGT if you are staying on Great Exuma, Little Exuma or near George Town. Little Exuma is connected to Great Exuma by a bridge, so you do not need a separate flight or boat.
When searching for flights, use:
- Destination: George Town, Exuma
- Airport code: GGT
- Airport name: Exuma International Airport
Staniel Cay Airport, TYM
Choose Staniel Cay Airport if your accommodation is on Staniel Cay or if you are starting an itinerary through the northern Exuma Cays. The airport is an official port of entry with Customs and Immigration facilities. Staniel Cay also provides access to Thunderball Grotto, Pig Beach and nearby cays.
For a resort or vacation rental on Great Exuma, GGT is usually the more practical airport.
How Do You Fly to Exuma From the United States?
You can fly nonstop to GGT from selected U.S. airports, or fly to Nassau and connect to George Town on a domestic flight. Routes and schedules vary by airline and travel date.
Option 1: Take a Nonstop Flight to GGT
Common options include:
- Miami International Airport, MIA, to GGT on American Airlines
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ATL, to GGT on Delta Air Lines
- Connecting American Airlines itineraries from cities across the United States
American Airlines lists Miami and other U.S. cities among its George Town routes. Delta Air Lines also lists Atlanta as a gateway to Exuma International Airport.
A nonstop flight avoids a connection in Nassau and means you clear Bahamian Immigration and Customs when you arrive in Exuma.
Option 2: Fly to Nassau, Then Connect to Exuma
If you cannot find a suitable flight to GGT, fly to Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, NAS, and then take a domestic flight to George Town.
Bahamian domestic airlines, including Bahamasair and other regional carriers, serve the Nassau to George Town route. After landing in Nassau, international passengers must clear Bahamian Immigration and Customs, collect their checked luggage and continue to the domestic terminal. Official Bahamas tourism guidance recommends allowing at least 1.5 hours for the process.
This route can work well when:
- Your airline flies only to Nassau
- You plan to stay in Nassau first
- You are visiting more than one Bahamian island
- The Nassau to GGT flight has a better fare or schedule
Avoid a tight connection, especially when the international and domestic flights are on separate tickets.
Can You Take a Ferry From Nassau to Exuma?
Yes. Bahamas Ferries provides connections between Nassau and the Exumas, including passenger and cargo-passenger services. Weather, holidays and operational changes can affect the schedule, so confirm the sailing with the operator before booking other parts of your trip.
A ferry may suit you if you:
- Are already staying in Nassau
- Need to bring extra luggage or equipment
- Prefer traveling by sea
- Have flexible plans
For most travelers coming from the United States, flying through Nassau is simpler than arranging a ferry connection.
Can You Travel to Exuma by Private Boat?
Yes. Private boats, yachts and charter vessels can reach Exuma. You must clear Customs and Immigration at a designated Bahamian port of entry and obtain the required cruising documents.
Private boat travel is most suitable for:
- Yacht owners
- Experienced boaters
- Crewed yacht charters
- Travelers visiting several Exuma Cays
A boat also allows access to remote beaches, anchorages and uninhabited cays that cannot be reached directly by commercial aircraft.
How Do You Get From GGT Airport to Your Hotel?
At GGT, you can continue by:
- Prearranged hotel transfer
- Taxi
- Rental car
- Private driver
- Boat transfer, if you are staying on Stocking Island or another nearby island
George Town is close to the airport. Stocking Island is across the harbor and can be reached by water taxi or private boat.
A rental car is useful for exploring Great Exuma and Little Exuma independently. Arrange transportation before you arrive if your accommodation is remote or your flight lands late.
What Documents Do You Need to Enter Exuma?
Exuma follows the entry requirements for The Bahamas.
U.S. citizens generally need:
- A valid U.S. passport
- Proof of onward or return travel
Requirements vary for non-U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents and travelers from other countries. Check the official Bahamas immigration guidance and your government's travel information before booking.
The Best Route for Most Travelers
For a Great Exuma resort or vacation rental, book a flight to GGT. Choose a nonstop flight from Miami or Atlanta when the schedule works. If you fly through Nassau, leave enough time to complete the arrival process before your domestic flight.
If your trip centers on Staniel Cay or the northern Exuma Cays, check flights to TYM or arrange a private air or boat transfer from Great Exuma.