Exuma Sailing
Expedition Travel Information
Getting to Exuma
There are only two ways to get to the Exumas-
By boat or air.
Commercial Airlines
Private Plane
Exuma International Airport has a
new tower (118.0), a new 8,000 ft. runway with VOR/DME (112.2), ADF (328),
improved navigationaids, 100 octane aviation fuel and Jet-A fuel available
daily. Private pilots can call Peace & Plenty directly from the air on UHF
frequency 12.8 for reservations and information.
Out Island Mailboats
Inter-island mailboats run
weekly to/from all islands. The mailboats are a leisurely way to get around--
one-way passage to just about anywhere is to be had for around $35. Kayaks will
cost from $10-$20 each. Remember these mailboats run on Bahamas time; they're a
great way to slow down to the steady rhythm of the islands. Following is the
Mailboat schedule:
The Mailboat is a real Adventure. The Grand Master
arrives once a week to George Town from Nassau. It is approximately a twelve
hour journey. The Lady Francis follows a more leisurely route through the Exuma
Cays and arrives at Barre Terre. For somewhat of a schedule, call the
dockmasters office in Nassau at 242-393-1064.
Transportation on Island
Rental Cars & Scooters
There are several
rental car agencies on Exuma (no International Companies). There are two
agencies at the airport and several in town. Most cars are several years old
and are compacts. Rates are about $60-$80 per day. Scooters can be rented for
about $40 a day at Exuma Dive Center and at the Top to Bottom Store in George
Town.
Taxis
There are a number of very good taxis and
very accommodating taxi drivers in Exuma. Rates are set. One way from the
airport to George Town is $25 for one or two; $5 each extra. Airport to Barre
Terre is $60 for two. Christines Island Tours offers tours of the island in an
air-conditioned bus for about $20 each. Book trips at the Club Peace &
Plenty. Mary Dames (Taxi 25) gives a most informative historical tour of the
island.
Boats
15' and 17' Boston Whalers can be rented at
Minn's Water Sports for about $65-$80 per day plus gas.
Bicycles
Both 21 speed mountain bikes and cruiser
bikes with luggage baskets can be rented at Starfish for $20-30 per day.
Other Travel Information
Travel Documents
You will need to have a current
passport to get into the Bahamas. Birth certificates are no longer
accepted.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is recommended
in case of emergencies. Check out
Independent Traveler for information
on what type of insurance you may need and companies that offer travel
insurance. For an excellent article about travel insurance with explanations
and other referrals check
www.independenttraveler.com/resources
Banking
The Scotia Bank has a branch in George
Town. They have an ATM machine, and most bank services.
Holidays &
Sundays
There are a number of Bahamian Holidays, and all stores and
services except hotels and restaurants are usually closed on those Holidays.
The same is true on Sundays in Exuma. If you plan to arrive in the Bahamas on a
Sunday or a holiday, please note that the grocery stores and other stores WILL
NOT BE OPEN.
Exchange Rate/Money
The Bahamian Dollar
fluctuates with the US dollar, so the exchange rate is 1:1. Most Bahamian
stores and services accept either Bahamian or US currency. Note, however, that
there is a .5% exchange fee at the bank. Travelers checks are accepted most
places.
Costs
Virtually everything must be brought into
Exuma by plane or boat. There is a heavy customs tax which further adds to the
cost of goods (35-45% is the average). By the time you buy something in the
store here, it may be twice what you pay in the US. Good buys can be found at
the straw market, where local handmade and Nassau goods are sold. While there
are several modest hotels which charge less than $100 per night for a room,
they are the exception. Expect modest lodging to go from $70 to $100 per night;
first class from $120-$200 per night, and luxury above $200 per night.
Restaurant meal ranges: Breakfast $5-$8, Lunch $6-$10 and Dinner $10-$30.
|
Exuma Sailing
Expedition Reservations |
For reservations
click here or
call 888 I GO PLAY (888 446-7529).
*Prices do not include tax. See
our reservations page for
tax information. |
