THE TRANSPORT
INTERNATIONAL
ACCESSIBILITY
The emerging trend is for holidaymakers to vacation closer to home and, particularly for US holidaymakers, Great Exuma offers a tropical island getaway that is both close-to-home and accessible through the island’s international airport and by sea.
EXUMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Exuma International Airport (IATA: GGT, ICAO: MYEF) is a public airport located on the island of Great Exuma, roughly six miles (15 minutes by car) from the main resort site at Rokers Point.
The airport boasts a runway and terminal large enough to service large aircraft and other regional jets from the United States and other Bahamian islands. It is currently the fourth largest airport in The Bahamas behind New Providence (Nassau), Freeport (Grand Bahama) and March Harbor (Abaco) – although that is likely to change following the impact on Abaco of Hurricane Dorian and the planned investment in Exuma’s airport – see below.
There is currently one terminal and boarding area at this commercially served airport. Odyssey Aviation is a fixed-based operator at the airport with direct access to the airport’s ramp. Exuma International Airport is a public/civil customs port of entry into The Bahamas with facilities that include a new control tower and extended runway length.
The Bahamian Government has designated Exuma International Airport as an important part of the Bahamian tourism economy and has recently announced that contracts have been signed for the development and enhancement of the airport with a budget of $65m.
The airlift to/from Exuma International Airport is best described as being in two categories: international flights from numerous international locations outside The Bahamas direct to/from Exuma; and internal flights to/from Nassau Lynden Pindling International Airport (the main international gateway to The Bahamas) from/to Exuma. Increasing the airlift to accommodate the resort’s guests can easily be achieved through these two categories. Should international airlines be unable to provide sufficient airlift direct to Exuma in the short-term, internal flights to/from Nassau can be more readily and economically increased. Details of the airlift to Exuma International Airport (pre-pandemic) are given below and include 50 to 80 seat regional jets to/from Miami, Atlanta and Toronto. A variety of airlines offer 34 to 68 seat turboprop flights to/from Nassau and Fort Lauderdale, with direct connections to many major cities in North America and Europe. Exuma International Airport reports that the following airlines serve Exuma with the frequency of services as indicated http:/www.exumaairport.com/exuma-airlines.html) although some services are temporarily suspended due to the pandemic:
• Air Canada - Toronto YYZ (Thurs, Sun)
• American Airlines - Charlotte CTL (Weekly)
• American Airlines - Miami MIA (Daily)
• Bahamasair - Nassau NAS (Daily)
• Delta - Atlanta ATL (Daily)
• Silver Airways - Ft Lauderdale FTL (Tues, Weds, Fri, Sat, Sun)
• Sky Bahamas - Nassau NAS (Daily)
• Western Air - Nassau (Twice daily with on-demand services added as needed)
PRIVATE AIR & SEA CHARTER
Guests can choose to travel by private yacht or air charter. Private helicopter charters from Nassau are also available to/from Exuma.
FERRIES
The Stocking Island Ferry to George Town, and the Bahamas Ferries (Nassau to George Town) provide regular routes to the island.
ON-ISLAND TRANSPORT
Resort guests will have access to a pool of golf buggies, enabling them to explore the resort and Rokers Point. For journey’s further afield, taxis are available across Exuma. There are several car hire companies on the island and quad bike and scooter rental is also possible. Water taxi services, boat rental and yacht charter also provide guests with options for more memorable travel experiences to local locations and nearby islands.