TRAVEL TIPS
Crooked and Acklins Islands Getting Here and Around
Air Travel
Crooked and Acklins have one airport each: Colonel Hill Airport (CRI) on Crooked Island and Spring Point Airport (AXP) on Acklins Island. Neither is open unless there's a flight expected. Bahamasair and Pineapple Air fly from Nassau to Crooked and Acklins islands twice a week. The flights are quite early in the morning, making it hard to fly in from overseas without staying one night in Nassau. Many Crooked Island visitors have found a solution to that: fly in on a private aircraft direct from the United States. The private 3,500-foot airstrip at Crooked Island Lodge is complimentary for hotel guests. Nonguests pay landing and parking fees. This airstrip is most convenient for private and charter flights if you're staying in the area of Pittstown and Landrail Point. Ask your hotel to make arrangements for picking you up at the airport in case there are no taxis.
Hotels will arrange airport transportation. Generally someone from even the smallest hotel will meet you at the airport, despite the fact that taxis are usually waiting on flights.
Contacts
Acklins Island Spring Point Airport. Midway along Acklins Island, Acklins Island. 242/344–3169; www.bahamasair.com; www.pineappleair.com. Airport is closed most times except mornings when flights arrive or when they depart.
Crooked Island Colonel Hill Airport. On the northeast side of Crooked Island, Crooked Island. 242/344--2357.
Boat Travel
Mail boats that bring supplies to the islands each week make an adventurous mode of transportation. You'll ride with groceries, large and small appliances, automobiles, and sometimes even livestock. All boats depart from Potter's Cay in Nassau. Schedules change frequently. M/V Sea Spirit sails Tuesday at 3 pm to Acklins Island, Crooked Island, and Long Cay, returning Friday morning (30 hours; $90 one-way).
Ferry service between Cove Landing, Crooked Island, and Lovely Bay, Acklins Island, usually operates twice daily on varying schedules between 9 and 4.
Contacts
Ferry Service. Ferries between Crooked and Acklins are shared: one is operated by Elvin Scavella from Crooked, another by Elvis Collie from Acklins, and they run from Cove Bay and Lovely Bay. It's best to call the Island Administrator's office for their cell numbers Crooked Island. 242/344–2197; 242/344--2415.
Mailboat Port/Dockmaster's Office in Nassau. Potter's Cay, Nassau, New Providence Island. 242/393–1064.
Car Travel
There are many car-rental operators but to get a good one, reserve a car through your hotel prior to your arrival, but even with a reservation, be prepared for the possibility of not having one. Gas is also not always available on the island, as it's delivered by mail boats, which are sometimes delayed. Fortunately, it's easy to get a ride to most places with locals. They are very friendly and want to help all the time.
