Aircraft Guide · Bahamas Charter
The right private jet for the Bahamas depends on which island you're flying into. Nassau (NAS) handles every jet category up to ultra-long-range, while out-islands like Staniel Cay, Harbour Island, and parts of the Exumas have short, narrow strips that restrict you to light jets and turboprops. Aircraft selection also drives pricing, customs handling, and whether you can land at all.
Short hop, often empty-leg eligible
Most US-East-Coast → Bahamas flights are 1–3 hours. Light and super-light jets are the cost floor and most operators reposition daily between Miami and Nassau, creating frequent empty leg opportunities.
Weight and runway limits at out-islands
Staniel Cay (MYES) has a 3,000 ft runway. North Eleuthera (MYEH) and Harbour Island access is limited. Heavy jets and most midsize aircraft cannot land at the smallest strips — pilot, runway, and MTOW restrictions apply.
Bahamas customs and APIS filing
Every flight into the Bahamas requires APIS filing, customs clearance at port of entry (Nassau, North Eleuthera, Marsh Harbour, etc.), and a C7A general declaration. Haute Jets handles all filings for you.
Pilot island qualification
Several out-island airports require crew with prior Bahamas experience or specific airport familiarization — not all operators carry it.
| Destination | Airport | Recommended Aircraft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau | NAS / MYNN | Light, midsize, heavy, ultra-long-range | Full international port of entry, 11,000 ft runway, all categories accepted. |
| Paradise Island | NAS via car/ferry from Nassau | Same as Nassau | 5–10 minute transfer to Atlantis or Ocean Club. |
| Exumas (Great Exuma) | GGT / MYEF | Light, super-light, super midsize | 5,000 ft runway, port of entry. Midsize OK, heavy jets limited by weight. |
| Staniel Cay | MYES | Turboprop, very light jet (Phenom 100, CJ1) | 3,000 ft narrow runway. Most light jets cannot land. Requires Bahamas-experienced crew. |
| Harbour Island | ELH / MYEH (North Eleuthera) + boat | Light, super-light, midsize | Fly into North Eleuthera (7,000 ft runway), 5-min boat to Harbour Island. |
| Marsh Harbour (Abacos) | MHH / MYAM | Light, midsize, heavy | 8,300 ft runway, port of entry. |
| Bimini | BIM / MYBS | Light, super-light | 5,400 ft runway, port of entry. |
| Treasure Cay | TCB / MYAT | Light, super-light, midsize | 7,000 ft runway, port of entry. |
Indicative all-in charter pricing from East Coast US to the Bahamas. Includes fuel surcharges, FET, segment fees, and Bahamas customs/handling. Live quotes in 60 minutes.
| Route | Light Jet | Midsize Jet | Heavy Jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami → Nassau | $8,500–$11,500 | $12,500–$16,500 | $18,500–$24,500 |
| Miami → Exumas (GGT) | $10,500–$13,500 | $14,500–$18,500 | Limited / not recommended |
| Miami → Staniel Cay (MYES) | $11,500–$15,000 (turboprop / very light) | Cannot land | Cannot land |
| New York → Nassau | $22,000–$28,000 | $28,000–$38,000 | $42,000–$58,000 |
| Palm Beach → Nassau | $8,000–$11,000 | $11,500–$15,500 | $17,500–$23,500 |
| Boston → Nassau | $26,000–$32,000 | $32,000–$42,000 | $48,000–$65,000 |
Pricing is one-way charter, all-in. Round-trip and empty-leg pricing is materially lower.
Miami (OPF, FXE, MIA)
Highest-volume departure market — 30–45 minutes flight time to Nassau, frequent empty legs available.
Palm Beach (PBI)
Closest US East Coast departure to the Bahamas.
Fort Lauderdale (FXE, FLL)
Excellent FBO infrastructure and operator inventory; same flight time as Miami.
New York (TEB, HPN, FRG)
Most common Northeast departure. Typically a 2:30–3:00 flight in a midsize or super midsize jet.
Boston (BED, HPN)
Common winter route. Midsize or super midsize recommended for non-stop service.
Atlanta (PDK, FTY)
Strong operator base; 1:45–2:15 in a light or midsize jet.
Frequently Asked
A light jet such as the Citation CJ3+, Phenom 300, or Learjet 75 is the best value for Miami to the Bahamas. Flight time is 30–45 minutes to Nassau, and light jets can access most out-island runways. For groups over 6 or trips into Nassau (NAS) with significant baggage, a midsize jet like the Citation XLS+ is the next step up. For Staniel Cay or other short-strip out-islands, a turboprop (King Air 350) or very light jet (Phenom 100) is required.
Heavy jets cannot land at most Exumas airports. Great Exuma (GGT/MYEF) has a 5,000 ft runway that accepts most midsize and super midsize jets but is weight-limited for heavy jets. Staniel Cay (MYES) is 3,000 ft and accepts only turboprops and very light jets. For groups requiring a heavy jet, fly into Nassau (NAS) and continue by helicopter or seaplane to the Exumas.
Miami to Nassau is approximately 30–45 minutes of flight time, plus customs clearance on arrival. From Opa-locka (OPF) or Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE), block time door-to-door is typically 90 minutes including ground handling. From Palm Beach (PBI) it's closer to 35 minutes airborne.
Yes. The Bahamas requires a valid passport for all US citizens, regardless of whether you fly commercial or private. Haute Jets files APIS (Advance Passenger Information System) data for every passenger before departure and handles customs clearance on the Bahamas side at the port of entry.
International ports of entry include Nassau (NAS), North Eleuthera (ELH), Marsh Harbour (MHH), Great Exuma (GGT), Treasure Cay (TCB), Bimini (BIM), and Freeport (FPO). Smaller out-island strips (Staniel Cay MYES, Norman's Cay MYEN, Harbour Island via ELH) are accessible by light jet, very light jet, or turboprop depending on runway length.
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