From a Dad Who's Done This Trip 100+ Times
Listen up, folks! I've been hopping between Nassau and Harbour Island for years with my family, and let me tell ya - this ferry ride is an adventure in itself. That pink sand beach? Worth every minute of the journey. But here's the thing - you gotta plan ahead. This ain't your everyday ferry service, and I've seen too many tourists miss out because they didn't know the weekend-only schedule. Stick with me, and I'll get you there without the headaches!
Your route to paradise
Nassau to Harbour Island Ferry Service
Currently one main ferry option connects Nassau to the famous pink sand beaches of Harbour Island
Bahamas Ferries - M/V Bo Hengy III
The weekend warrior of island hopping
Departure Schedule
Departure: 8:00 AM from Potter's Cay Dock, Nassau
Check-in: 6:30 AM (arrive early - no joke!)
Spanish Wells: 10:10 AM arrival
Harbour Island: 11:00 AM arrival
Return: 3:40 PM departure from Harbour Island
2025 Ferry Prices
All prices include taxes - no hidden fees here!
More ways to reach pink sand paradise
Alternative Routes to Harbour Island
Can't catch the weekend ferry? Don't sweat it - I've got you covered!
Fly to North Eleuthera + Water Taxi
The daily option - my go-to for weekday trips
- Fly Nassau to North Eleuthera (30 minutes, multiple daily flights)
- Taxi from airport to Three Island Dock (5 minutes, $5 per person)
- Water taxi to Harbour Island (10 minutes, $7-10 per person)
- Total time: About 1.5 hours | Total cost: $150-200 per person
Real talk: Yeah, it costs more than the ferry, but you save 2 hours and can go any day. Plus, that little plane ride? The views are insane!
Direct from Nassau (Charter Only)
For groups or those who like the VIP treatment
Got a group of 6-10 people? Charter boats run direct from Nassau to Harbour Island in about 2 hours. Costs around $2,500-3,500 for the boat (split it up, and it's not too bad). The captains know all the best spots for dolphin sightings too!
Knowledge is power
Insider Tips from 100+ Trips
Trust me, these tips will save your bacon (and your vacation)
Book in Advance
This ferry fills up FAST, especially during winter months. Book online at least 3 days ahead. I've seen families turned away at the dock - heartbreaking stuff!
Getting to Potter's Cay
Tell your taxi "Potter's Cay Dock, under the bridge to Paradise Island." It's about $15-20 from most Nassau hotels. Leave by 6:00 AM sharp - Nassau traffic is no joke!
Early Morning Survival
No coffee at the dock that early! Grab some at your hotel or pack a thermos. There's a snack bar on the ferry, but selection is limited. Pack some breakfast bars.
Day Trip Reality Check
You get about 4.5 hours on Harbour Island - enough to hit the pink sand beach, grab lunch, and maybe rent a golf cart. It's rushed but doable. Better to stay overnight if you can!
Seasickness Prevention
The ride can get choppy past Spanish Wells. Take Dramamine 30 minutes before boarding. Sit in the middle of the boat, eyes on the horizon. Trust me on this one!
Stay Connected
Cell service gets spotty between islands. Download offline maps before you go. The ferry has WiFi, but it's slower than my teenager getting ready for school!
Know before you go
What to Expect on Your Journey
Let me paint you a picture of your upcoming adventure
Your Ferry Day Timeline
6:00 AM: You're in a taxi heading to Potter's Cay. Nassau is just waking up, and you're wondering why you didn't book that afternoon flight instead. Hang in there!
6:30 AM: Check-in at the dock. Show your tickets (phone is fine), grab your boarding passes. The crew is friendly but efficient - they've got a schedule to keep!
7:30 AM: Boarding begins. Grab a seat inside for AC or outside for views. Pro tip: right side of the boat has better views heading out.
8:00 AM: Off we go! Wave goodbye to Nassau. The boat picks up speed, and suddenly you're flying across the most beautiful blue water you've ever seen.
10:10 AM: Spanish Wells stop. Some folks get off here (great fishing!). You might see the famous blonde, blue-eyed locals - descendants of the original Puritan settlers.
11:00 AM: HARBOUR ISLAND! You made it! The pink sand beach is a short walk or golf cart ride from the dock. Time to make those Instagram shots count!
3:40 PM: Back on the ferry. You're sandy, sun-kissed, and already planning your next trip. The ride back is usually calmer (and you'll probably nap).
6:30 PM: Back at Potter's Cay. Welcome back to civilization! Grab a taxi to your hotel and get ready to bore everyone with your pink sand beach photos.
Ready for Pink Sand Paradise?
Book your Nassau to Harbour Island ferry now - those weekend spots fill up fast!
Check AvailabilityOne Last Thing...
Look, I know this seems like a lot of info, but here's the deal - Harbour Island is special. That pink sand? It's real, and it's spectacular. The ferry ride might start crazy early, but when you're walking on that beach, trust me, you'll forget all about that 5 AM alarm. My kids still talk about our first trip there 10 years later. So book that ferry, set those alarms, and get ready for something amazing. See you on the water!