How long is the flight?
Fort Lauderdale to Nassau is about 160 nautical miles — under an hour block in anything. Marsh Harbour and North Eleuthera are similar; the Exumas and Long Island add twenty to forty minutes.
Which islands can jets reach?
Nassau, Freeport, Marsh Harbour, North Eleuthera, Exuma and Providenciales take jets. Smaller cays with short strips suit turboprops, which is why the PC-12 and King Air are so common on these routes.
Documents you need
A valid passport for every passenger. The operator files an advance passenger manifest with both countries; private aircraft also need Bahamas customs and immigration forms, which the operator or FBO prepares.
Customs on both ends
Arriving in the Bahamas you clear at the FBO in a few minutes. Returning to the US you land at an airport of entry — Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach and others — where US Customs and Border Protection meets the aircraft. Allow twenty to thirty minutes.
Bringing your dog
See our guide to flying with pets: the Bahamas requires an import permit arranged in advance, and the US has its own re-entry rules for dogs.
