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CUSTOMS
Visitors may bring in certain items free of customs and stamp duty. They include apparel, toiletries and similar personal effects; one qt of alcoholic beverage; one qt of wine; one lb in weight of tobacco or 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (adults only); and any other articles up to the value of $100.
For more information call Customs House at 242/326-4401.
Also see the section in General Info: Illegal items.
IMPORTING ANIMALS
To temporarily import a pet dog, cat or bird you must obtain permission from the Ministry of Agriculture in advance of your arrival. Upon arrival the animal must be at least six months old and you must provide a certificate of vaccination, dated within the past 24 hours, from a veterinarian in the country of export.
For detailed information contact The Bahamas Department of Agriculture at 242/325-7502.
GETTING THERE
BY AIR
Flights arrive at Marsh Harbour International Airport (airport code MHH) or Treasure Cay Airport (airport code TCB). Flying time from Miami is about 40 minutes.
Airlines that service Abaco include Abaco Air (tel 367-2205), Air Florida Airlines (tel 367-5599, MH; 365-8906 TC), Air Sunshine (tel 367-2800, MH), American Airlines/American Eagle (tel 800/433-7300 or 242/377-23550), BahamasAir (tel 367-2095, MH; 365-8601, TC), Cherokee Air charters (tel 367-3450, MH), Continental Airlines/Continental Connection (tel 800/231-0856 or 242/394-6019, Nassau), Florida Coastal Airlines (tel 954/359-5555 or 888/I FLY FCA, Ft Lauderdale), Gulfstream International Airlines (tel 800/231-0856), LynxAir (tel 954/772-9808, Ft Lauderdale or 888/596-9247), Regional Air (tel 353-1225, MH; 367-0446, TC), Southern Air (tel 242/323-7217 or 323-6833, Nassau), Twin Air charters (tel 362-0140, MH; 365-8660, TC), US Airways (tel 800/622-1015) and Vintage Props & Jets (tel 367-4852, MH; 365-8852, TC).
Note: The phone numbers listed above are local access numbers unless otherwise stated. MH = Marsh Harbour; TC = Treasure Cay.
BY FERRY
Bahamas Ferries (tel 242/323-2166 or 242/394-9700) offers regularly scheduled service to Sandy Point, Abaco from New Providence Island. The ferry leaves from the main terminal at the western end of Potter's Cay (turn left under the bridge for Paradise Island) in Nassau. The fare for adults is $55 one way and $95 return, and for children 2-12 years, $35 one way and $60 return. Vehicles, motor bikes and bicycles cost extra.
BY PRIVATE YACHT
Visitors arriving by private boat must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated port of entry. Official ports of entry in Abaco are the government docks at Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbour, Sandy Point, Walkers Cay/Grand Cay, Spanish Cay and the Treasure Cay Marina.
Prior to your arrival you should contact the Harbour Control/Marina Office on VHF channel 16. Fly the yellow quarantine flag and Customs and Immigration will come to your vessel. Only the captain can leave the boat until you've been cleared. Everyone on board must fill out an immigration card and provide proof of citizenship.
The entry fee for vessels up to 35 ft is $150 and for those more than 35 ft, $300. The fee covers four people and is valid for two entries during a 90-day period. For each additional person an additional $15 must be paid.
GETTING AROUND
If you're walking where there is no sidewalk, face oncoming traffic.
BY CAR
Cars, golf carts and scooters are all available for rent. Most rental cars have the steering wheel on the left, which is the North American standard, although driving is on the left, which is the British standard. To rent a car you can use your valid driver's license from home or an international driver's license.
Roads are poorly lit outside main areas. Flooding frequently occurs after heavy rain showers. Watch for unmarked construction zones and oncoming vehicles driving down the centre of the road.
Driving is on the left. Seat belt use is mandatory.
If you decide to see the island by motor scooter, drive defensively and be sure to get a helmet from the rental agency. It is for your protection and is required by law.
CAR RENTALS (country code 242)
Marsh Harbour: A&P Auto Rentals, 367-2655; Bargain Car Rental, 367-0500; H&L Car Rentals, 367-2840; Quality Star Car Rentals, 367-2978 or 367-2979; Reliable Car Rental, 367-4234; Rental Wheels, 367-4643; Sea Star Car Rentals, 367-4887 (airport) or 561/249-4134 (in the US); Treasure Texaco Quality Star, 367-2978
Treasure Cay: Cornish Car Rental (airport), 365-8623; Cay Airport Car Rental, 365-8961; Triple J Car Rental, 365-8761
GOLF CART RENTALS (country code 242)
Green Turtle Cay: Bay Street Golf Cart Rentals, 365-4070 or 877/459-9108 (toll free from the US); C&D Cart Rental, 365-4084; Cay Cart Rentals, 365-4406; D&P Cart Rental, 365-4655; Island Roadrunner, 365-4610 and 262/437-3565 (in the US); Kool Karts, 365-4140 and 954/234-2423 (in the US); Seaside Carts, 365-4120 or 477-5497
Guana Cay: Donna Sands cart rentals, 365-5195; Guana Cay Cart Rentals, 365-5016
Hope Town: Hope Town Cart Rental, 366-0064; Island Cart Rentals, 366-0448 or VHF channel 16; T&N Cart Rentals, 366-0199
Man-O-War Cay: Water Ways Boat Rentals, 365-6143
Treasure Cay: Blue Marlin Golf Cart Rentals, 365-8687; Cash's Resort Carts, 365-8771 or VHF channels 16 or 79
MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER RENTALS (country code 242)
Marsh Harbour: Rent-A-Ride Bicycle & Scooter Rentals, 367-4289; Rental Wheels, 367-4643
BICYCLE RENTALS
Hope Town: Bike Shop, 366-0292; Harbour's Edge, 366-0087
Marsh Harbour: Rent-A-Ride Bicycle & Scooter Rentals, 367-4289; Rental Wheels, 367-4643
Treasure Cay: Wendell's Bicycle Rentals, 365-8687
BY TAXI
Look for the Bahamahost decal in the vehicle's window for knowledgeable and courteous drivers who have completed the Ministry of Tourism's Bahamahost program.
All taxis are required to have working meters. Taxi fares are set by the government, although they may vary by island. In Abaco, the government has set zone rates from both airports to certain destinations. Otherwise, in general, the first 1/4 mile costs $3 and each additional 1/4 mile, 40¢. For each additional passenger over two it costs an additional $3. There is no charge for accompanied children under five years. Having a taxi wait (except when hired by the hour) costs 30¢ per minute. There is no charge for up to two pieces of hand baggage, plus small bags and packages carried by each passenger. For each additional piece of regular-sized luggage there is a charge of 75¢; for large duffel bags and boxes, $1.
Tour cars may be hired for sightseeing at $45 per hr, (five or fewer persons). For each additional 1/2 hr or part thereof, $22.50; large cars, $60 per hr (up to twelve persons), $30 for each additional 1/2 hr.
TAXI SERVICE
- Jenson Duncombe, 365-0161
- Sidney Hart, 365-8572
- Cliff McIntosh, 365-0591
- Drexel/Manuletha Bootle, 365-8397 or 375-9675
- Gordon Murray, 365-8096
BY BUS
Enovah's Bus Service (tel 559-8465) operates daily throughout Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town, Murphy Town and Spring City. The fee is $1.
The Great Abaco Express (tel 646-7072) operates daily throughout Marsh Harbour, Dundas Town, Murphy Town and the northern settlements such as Treasure Cay and Crown Haven. The fee ranges from $1-$10 per person depending on the destination. The bus departs Marsh Harbour for Crown Haven at 5am and 12:30pm and departs Crown Haven for Marsh Harbour at 9:30am and 5:30pm.
Fares and schedules are subject to change.
BY FERRY
Albury's Ferry Service (tel 367-0290, 367-3147 or VHF channel 16) operates regularly scheduled service between Marsh Harbour and Man-O-War Cay, Hope Town, Great Guana Cay and Scotland Cay. The fare for adults is $16 one way and $22 round trip on the same day. The fare for children 6-11 years is half price. Children five years and under ride free.
The ferry leaves from the Albury Ferry Dock in Marsh Harbour for Man-O-War Cay at 10:30am, 12:15pm, 2:30pm (except Sun and holidays), 4pm and 5:45pm daily. It returns from Man-O-War at 8am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:15 pm (except Sun and holidays) daily. The trip takes 20 minutes.
For the 20-minute trip to Hope Town, the ferry leaves from the Albury Ferry Dock in Marsh Harbour at 7:15am, 9am, 10:30am, 12:15pm, 2pm, 4pm and 5:45pm. It departs Hope Town at 8am, 9:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6:30pm daily.
For Great Guana Cay and Scotland Cay, the ferry leave from the Conch Inn dock at 6:45am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm and 5:45 daily. It returns at 8am, 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:45pm and 6:30pm daily.
The Green Turtle Ferry (tel 365-4166 or 365-4128) provides regularly scheduled service between the Treasure Cay Airport and Green Turtle Cay. The fare is $7 to New Plymouth and $8 to White Sound one way and $11 to New Plymouth and $13 to White Sound round trip on the same day. There is a minimum charge of $35 for 1-2 people and $40 for 3-5 people.
The ferry departs the Airport Ferry Dock at 8:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm and 5pm. From Green Turtle Cay it departs at 8am, 9am (at minimum charge), 11am, 12:15pm (at minimum charge), 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm (from New Plymouth only).
Bahamas Ferries (tel 242/323-2166 or 242/394-9700) offers regularly scheduled service between Sandy Point, Abaco and Nassau, New Providence. The fare for adults is $55 one way and $95 return, and for children 2-12 years, $35 one way and $60 return. Vehicles, motor bikes and bicycles cost extra.
Rates and schedules are subject to change, so it's best to call ahead.
BY BOAT
With 120 miles of islands, uninhabited cays and beaches, renting a fully equipped boat is a great way to see the Abaco Islands. Most rental companies specify a limited range within the Abaco Islands in which you can take the boat.
BOAT RENTALS (country code 242)
Green Turtle Cay: Reef Rentals, 365-4145
Hope Town: Island Marine Boat & Rentals, 366-0282
Marsh Harbour: Blue Wave Boat Rentals, 367-3910 or VHF channel 16; Concept Boat, 367-5570; Rainbow Rentals, 367-4602 or VHF channel 16; Rich's Rentals, 367-2742; Sea Horse Boat Rentals, 367-2513
Man-O-War Cay: Water Ways Boat Rentals, 365-6143
Treasure Cay: JIC Boat Rentals, 365-8582; Rich's Rentals, 367-2742
BY AIR
Numerous airlines provide air service to and/or between the Islands of The Bahamas.
Islands with airports include Acklins Island (Delectable Bay), Andros (tel 369-2640, Congo Town; 368-2030, Fresh Creek; 329-2140, San Andros), Bimini (tel 347-3100), Berry Islands (tel 325-5788, Chub Cay; Great Harbour Cay), Cat Island (tel 342-2016, New Bight; 354-6001, Bennet's Harbour), Crooked Island (Colonel Hill), Eleuthera (tel 332-2250, Governor's Harbour; 334-2183, Rock Sound; 333-4760, Spanish Wells), Great Exuma (Moss Town), Great Inagua (Matthew Town), Long Island (Deadman's Cay and Stella Maris), Mayaguana (Abraham's Bay), Ragged Island (Duncan Town) and San Salvador (Cockburn Town).
Airlines that service the Out Islands from various Out Islands include Bahamasair (tel 242/300-8359, toll free from the Out Islands), Stella Maris Resort Air Service (tel 242/338-2050, Long Island), Twin Air (tel Abaco - 242/365-8660, Treasure Cay and 242/362-0140, Marsh Harbour; Eleuthera - 242/333-4041, Spanish Wells; 242/333-2444, Harbour Island; 242/332-3340, Governor's Harbour; and 242/334-2795, Rock Sound) and Western Air (tel 242/329-4000, Andros).
Airlines that service the Out Islands from Nassau include Airstream (tel 242/356-6666), Bahamasair (tel 242/377-5505), Caribbean Aviation (tel 242/328-6539 or 377-3317), Diving Safaris Ltd (tel 242/393-1179), Four Way Charter (tel 242/377-5751), Island Helicopters (tel 242/363-4016), Leair Charter (tel 242/377-2356), Sky Unlimited (tel 242/377-3276 or 377-8993), Southern Air Charter (tel 242/377-2014 or 377-8993), Take Flight Air Charters (tel 242/362-1877 or 362-2561) and The Travel Club (tel 242/362-1606).
| Disclaimer: Information is provided as a service to visitors and is updated regularly. All
information should be verified prior to travel. |
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