Private Jet Charter to Exuma (Great Exuma, Bahamas)
Private jet charter to Great Exuma starts at $8,000+ one way, with flights from Miami taking approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Private flights operate directly into Exuma International Airport (MYEF / GGT). The 7,000 ft (2,134 m) Runway 12/30 supports turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets under standard conditions, with heavy and ultra-long-range jets feasible on operational review. Customs operates during daytime hours. Exuma is the gateway to the Exuma Cays and the famous swimming pigs at Big Major Cay. Hogani Jets coordinates each charter through licensed Part 135 operators on direct routing from South Florida, the Northeast, and Nassau.
Great Exuma is a destination where private aviation is not a convenience upgrade, it is the practical travel mode. Commercial service into GGT is limited, connections are indirect, and the broader Exuma Cays have no commercial access at all. For clients whose itinerary extends beyond Great Exuma into the cays, private aviation is the only viable option.
Direct Access without Commercial Routing Complexity
There is no meaningful direct commercial service into GGT from most U.S. markets. Private charter eliminates connecting flights through Nassau or Miami entirely. From South Florida, passengers are on the ground in the Exuma in under 90 minutes from wheels up.
Gateway to the Exuma Cays
Exuma International Airport is the entry point for one of the most spectacular island chains in the Caribbean. Beyond Great Exuma, the cays stretch northward for more than 100 miles: Big Major Cay, Staniel Cay, Norman's Cay, and dozens of uninhabited islands accessible only by air or water. A Hogani Jets-coordinated itinerary can structure cay-level access as part of the original charter plan.
Low Density, Controlled Scheduling
GGT operates at a fraction of the volume of Nassau or Miami. Arrivals are straightforward, FBO handling is personal, and departure scheduling is predictable. For clients who travel to avoid crowds rather than find them, Exuma delivers what Nassau cannot.
Great Exuma is served by one primary airport for private jet operations, with two secondary airports and several smaller airstrips supporting cay-level access depending on aircraft capability and routing.
| Airport | ICAO / IATA | Runway | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exuma International (PRIMARY) | MYEF / GGT | 7,000 ft (2,134 m) Rwy 12/30, Asphalt | Main charter hub near George Town. Full customs and immigration for international arrivals, during daytime hours. PAPI both ends. Supports turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets, with heavy and ULR feasible on review. |
| Staniel Cay Airport | MYES / TYM | 3,031 ft (924 m) Rwy 17/35, Asphalt | Serves central Exuma Cays. Turboprops and select light aircraft only. Direct cay-level access. No customs, domestic routing only. Self-service ramp with no FBO. |
| Norman's Cay Airport | MYEN / NMC | 4,711 ft (1,436 m) Rwy 03/21, Asphalt | Northern Exuma Cays. Turboprops and limited light aircraft. No customs, domestic routing only. |
For U.S. charter clients, all international arrivals must clear through Exuma International (MYEF / GGT). Staniel Cay and Norman's Cay are domestic-only and require prior customs clearance at GGT or Nassau before onward routing.
Exuma International is served by Odyssey Aviation as the primary FBO and ground handler. Odyssey operates across several Bahamian airports, giving consistent handling standards for clients routing through multiple Bahamas destinations on one itinerary.
| FBO Name | Frequency | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Odyssey Aviation Exuma | 129.90 | Full-service FBO in a new facility with customs and immigration on-site for international arrivals. Jet-A1 fuel. Government permit facilitation and pre-arrival document preparation. Courtesy transportation. Paragon Aviation Group member, part of the same Odyssey network as Nassau. Consistent standards across multi-island Bahamas itineraries. |
Cay-level airports differ on ground handling. Staniel Cay (MYES) is a self-service ramp with no FBO; fuel and handling are basic and arranged directly through the operator. Norman's Cay (MYEN) similarly has no formal FBO. For full FBO service, GGT is the arrival point, with the cay legs handled as domestic segments.
Matt's Recommendation
Exuma is one of my favourite stops on a Bahamas multi-island itinerary precisely because the FBO experience is personal in a way Nassau can never be. Odyssey Exuma handles far fewer aircraft per day than their Nassau operation, which means your arrival actually gets attention. If you are routing Nassau to Exuma to Staniel Cay, the consistency of the Odyssey network across those stops is genuinely useful. Just note Staniel Cay itself is a self-service ramp, so plan fuel and handling accordingly.
Yes. Private jets fly nonstop into Exuma International Airport from South Florida, the Northeast, and Nassau. The Bahamas is an independent Commonwealth nation. U.S. citizens enter with a valid passport and no visa is required. Note that customs at GGT operates during daytime hours, which is a planning point for late arrivals.
Nonstop Routes into GGT
- Miami and Fort Lauderdale: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by turboprop or light jet. The primary departure market for GGT charters.
- Â Nassau: approximately 40 minutes by turboprop or light jet. A common add-on leg for clients routing through Nassau first.
- Atlanta: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes by light jet or midsize jet.
- Washington D.C.: approximately 3 hours. Midsize jet is the practical choice.
- New York and Teterboro: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours by midsize jet.
For cay-level access beyond GGT, routing to Staniel Cay (MYES) or Norman's Cay (MYEN) requires a separate domestic leg by turboprop or compatible light aircraft after customs clearance at GGT.
Exuma International operates a single 7,000 ft (2,134 m) asphalt runway (12/30) with PAPI both ends. This supports turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets under standard conditions, with heavy and ultra-long-range jets feasible on operational review. Cay-level routing introduces more restrictive runway constraints.
Aircraft Feasibility at GGT
| Aircraft Category | Passengers | Feasibility | Operational Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Turboprop | 6-9 | Fully feasible | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12. Preferred for multi-stop cay itineraries including Staniel Cay. |
| Light Jet | 5-9 | Fully feasible | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300. Primary aircraft for South Florida to GGT direct charters. |
| Midsize Jet | 7-9 | Fully feasible | Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP. The common large-cabin choice for GGT. |
| Super Midsize Jet | 8-10 | Fully feasible | Challenger 300, Citation Sovereign. Performance evaluation required; payload restrictions may apply. |
| Heavy Jet | 10-19 | Feasible with review | Possible with a performance and payload review where conditions allow. Confirmed with the operator. |
| Ultra-Long-Range Jet | 12-19 | Feasible with review | Runway sufficient for most ULRJ operations under standard conditions, subject to operator review. |
Midsize jet is the routine choice for most GGT charters. Heavy and ultra-long-range jets are feasible on operational review, confirmed with the operator against payload and conditions. Passenger figures shown are maximum capacity; typical configurations carry fewer.
Cay Airport Feasibility
Routing onward to the cays is governed by much shorter runways. These are honest planning limits, not full-service jet airports.
| Cay Airport | Runway | Feasibility | Operational Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Staniel Cay (MYES) | 3,031 ft | Turboprops and select light aircraft only | Too short for light jets. Jets do not operate here. Self-service ramp, no FBO. Domestic only after GGT or Nassau customs. |
Norman's Cay (MYEN) | 4,711 ft | Turboprops; light jets pending operational approval | In the 4,000 to 5,000 ft band, so light jet access is subject to operator and payload approval. No formal FBO. Domestic only. |
Flight Logistics and Arrival Planning
Exuma is an international destination with daytime customs at GGT. Through the Part 135 operators Hogani Jets works with, customs pre-clearance documentation, immigration requirements, and GGT arrival handling are coordinated ahead of each flight.
- Passengers arrive into the Odyssey Aviation FBO terminal at GGT and clear customs and immigration without commercial terminal queues.
- Â Ground transfer to Great Exuma resorts and properties is arranged through the resort or coordinated at booking with Hogani Jets.
- Â For cay-level itineraries continuing to Staniel Cay or Norman's Cay, the domestic leg is planned as a separate segment after customs clearance at GGT.
- Â Customs at GGT operates during daytime hours, with other hours on request, a planning point for late arrivals.
- Â A valid passport is mandatory. U.S. passengers do not require a visa.
Aircraft selection for Exuma is governed first by runway capability at GGT and any secondary cay airstrips in the itinerary. Cruise speed is included below as a planning reference, useful on the longer routes from the Northeast.
| Category | Example Aircraft | Passengers | Cruise Speed | Range | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 | 6-9 | ~310-357 mph | ~1,800 nm | Best for multi-stop cay itineraries including Staniel Cay |
| Light Jet | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 | 5-9 | ~480-521 mph | ~1,875 nm | Primary aircraft for South Florida to GGT direct charters |
| Midsize Jet | Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP | 7-9 | ~506-514 mph | ~2,100 nm | The common large-cabin choice from Atlanta, D.C., and New York |
| Super Midsize | Challenger 300, Citation Sovereign | 8-10 | ~516-541 mph | ~3,100 nm | Feasible with performance review on the 7,000 ft runway |
Baggage planning is important for Exuma charters. Groups travelling with dive or fishing gear, or multiple large cases, should plan around a midsize aircraft and confirm cargo capacity at booking. Turboprops and light jets have limited holds for larger groups with resort-length luggage.
The majority of private jet charters into Exuma originate from South Florida, with the Nassau-to-Exuma shuttle as a common add-on leg for multi-island Bahamas itineraries.
| Route | Distance | Flight Time | Best Aircraft Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami (KOPF) to Exuma (MYEF) | ~370 mi / 321 nm | ~1h 20m | Turboprop or Light Jet. King Air 350, Citation CJ3 |
| Fort Lauderdale (KFXE) to Exuma | ~355 mi / 308 nm | ~1h 20m | Light Jet. Most cost-efficient South Florida entry |
| Nassau (MYNN) to Exuma | ~130 mi / 113 nm | ~40 min | Turboprop. King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 |
| Atlanta (KPDK) to Exuma | ~970 mi / 843 nm | ~2h 30m | Light or Midsize Jet. Phenom 300, Citation XLS+ |
| Washington D.C. (KJYO) to Exuma | ~1,175 mi / 1,021 nm | ~3h | Midsize Jet |
| New York (KTEB) to Exuma | ~1,290 mi / 1,121 nm | ~3h 30m | Midsize Jet |
Private jet charter to Great Exuma starts at $4,000+ one way for a turboprop from Nassau, rising with distance and aircraft size. Pricing is driven by route distance, aircraft category, and whether the itinerary extends into the cays beyond GGT. All prices are starting points; the final quote reflects the specific aircraft and schedule.
| Route | Aircraft | One-Way Price | Passengers | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nassau to Exuma | Turboprop | $4,000+ | Up to 9 | ~40 min |
| Miami to Exuma | Turboprop / Light Jet | $8,000+ | Up to 9 | ~1h 20m |
| Fort Lauderdale to Exuma | Light Jet | $12,000+ | Up to 9 | ~1h 20m |
| Atlanta to Exuma | Light / Midsize Jet | $20,000+ | Up to 9 | ~2h 30m |
| Washington D.C. to Exuma | Midsize Jet | $22,000+ | Up to 9 | ~3h |
| New York to Exuma | Midsize Jet | $22,500+ | Up to 9 | ~3h 30m |
Prices reflect standard one-way charter starting rates including flight time, repositioning, fuel, crew, taxes, and international handling fees. Final pricing depends on the specific aircraft, date, and availability.
Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573 for a current quote.
Hourly Charter Rates by Aircraft Category
One-way charter prices include flight time plus repositioning, fuel, crew, taxes, and international handling fees. The hourly rates below show the underlying cost per flight hour for each aircraft category. These rates are standard across Hogani Jets routes.
| Aircraft Category | Hourly Rate | Example Aircraft |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | $1,800 to $2,800 / hr | King Air 350, Pilatus PC-12 |
| Light Jet | $2,500 to $3,500 / hr | Citation CJ3, Phenom 300 |
| Midsize Jet | $3,500 to $5,000 / hr | Citation XLS+, Hawker 800XP |
| Super Midsize Jet | $4,500 to $7,000 / hr | Challenger 300, Citation Sovereign |
| Heavy Jet | $7,000 to $11,000 / hr | Gulfstream G450, Challenger 605 |
Pricing Factors Specific to Exuma
- Peak season from December through April adds 15 to 20% above standard rates. The Exumas attract a high-net-worth leisure market during winter months, which compresses aircraft availability and elevates pricing.
- International handling fees at GGT apply on arrival and departure, typically adding $600 to $1,200 to the total trip cost.
- Cay-level routing beyond GGT adds cost when a second turboprop segment is required. Staniel Cay and Norman's Cay legs are typically priced as separate charter segments.
- Repositioning costs apply when the nearest available aircraft is based outside the departure market. South Florida departures benefit from shorter repositioning distances than Northeast markets.
Exuma operates as a year-round private aviation destination, though timing significantly affects both pricing and operational conditions.
- Peak season (December through April): Best weather in the Exumas and highest demand. Book 4 to 8 weeks in advance for Christmas, New Year, and Spring Break windows.
- Shoulder season (May and November): Favorable conditions with pricing typically 15 to 20% below peak rates. Excellent visibility and calm seas make this the best value window.
- Hurricane season (June through October): Meaningful weather risk, particularly August and September. Flexible departure scheduling is essential.
- Â The Exumas sit in the central Bahamas chain, slightly more exposed to Atlantic weather systems than Nassau, so weather windows matter more here than at larger hub airports.
This guide is written for travelers arriving by private jet. The focus is on ground logistics, resort options, and the specific experiences that make Exuma worth the flight, including the ones that affect your departure planning.
Where to Stay on Great Exuma
The luxury hotel set in Exuma is deliberately small, the island's appeal is exclusivity, not scale. Most high-net-worth charter clients arriving at GGT either stay at one of two primary resort properties or, more often, continue directly to a charter yacht for their time in the cays. We are honest about this: if the goal is the cays, the yacht is the real answer.
| Hotel / Resort | From GGT | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Isle Resort & Residences | ~5 mi / ~10 min | Luxury Villa Resort | Villas with private pools directly on Emerald Bay Beach. Full resort amenities. The primary upscale property on Great Exuma for charter clients. Excellent for families and groups. |
| Sandals Emerald Bay | ~5 mi / ~10 min | All-Inclusive Luxury | One of Sandals' top properties. Couples-focused all-inclusive with championship golf and direct beach access on Emerald Bay. Requires Sandals reservation structure. |
| Charter Yacht (Exuma Cays) | Via GGT FBO | Private Charter | The preferred choice for most high-net-worth clients in the Exumas. A live-aboard yacht gives daily access to different cays, the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, remote beaches, without committing to one island. Hogani Jets coordinates the aviation leg; yacht brokers handle the vessel. |
If the goal is the Exuma Cays, the swimming pigs, Thunderball Grotto, the sandbars, a charter yacht is the honest recommendation over a land-based resort. The cays are spread across more than 100 miles of water; a yacht lets you wake up somewhere different every morning. The flight gets you there; the yacht is the destination.
The Swimming Pigs at Big Major Cay
Big Major Cay, locally known as Pig Beach, is one of the most searched private travel experiences in the Caribbean. A colony of feral pigs lives on the uninhabited island and swims out to meet boats in the surrounding waters. Access is by boat only from Staniel Cay or by charter yacht anchored nearby. For clients whose primary goal is the swimming pigs, the practical routing is: fly private to GGT, clear customs, then either take a domestic turboprop leg to Staniel Cay (MYES) and a short boat from there, or board a charter yacht at GGT and sail north. Hogani Jets handles the aviation legs.
Places to Visit in the Exuma
The following spots are the most requested by visitors. All details flagged for Matt's confirmation before publishing.
- Â Big Major Cay (Pig Beach): The famous swimming pigs, the single most aspirational Exuma experience, reached by boat from Staniel Cay or by yacht.
- Thunderball Grotto (Staniel Cay): A spectacular snorkeling cave used in James Bond films, accessible at low tide.
- The Exuma sandbars: Photogenic shifting sandbars in shallow turquoise water, a yacht-and-boat highlight.
- Compass Cay: Home to the friendly nurse sharks visitors can swim alongside, by boat from Staniel Cay.
- George Town and Stocking Island: The island's social hub plus the beaches and Chat 'N' Chill across the harbour.
Activities That Affect Flight Planning
- Scuba diving: FAA recommends a 24-hour interval between diving and flying. The Exumas offer some of the best diving in the Bahamas, including Thunderball Grotto. Schedule dive days at least 24 hours before departure.
- Boat charters and cay hopping: Day trips returning to Great Exuma by evening do not affect departure scheduling.
- Â Fishing: The Exumas are a world-class bonefishing destination. No flight planning impact for same-day guided trips.
Practical Considerations
Exuma uses the Bahamian dollar, pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, so no currency exchange is required. Cell coverage is reliable in George Town and at the main resorts but becomes limited or absent across the outer cays. Medical facilities on Great Exuma handle routine cases; serious events require evacuation to Nassau or Miami, a practical consideration for remote cay itineraries.
Matt's Recommendation
The Exumas are where private aviation makes the most sense of anywhere in the Bahamas. There is simply no practical commercial alternative for the cays, and even Great Exuma is a connection-heavy commercial route from most U.S. cities. Clients who have done Nassau before and want something quieter, more exclusive, and genuinely remote should be looking at Exuma. The swimming pigs alone generate enough search interest that I hear about it on almost every Bahamas inquiry.
Hogani Jets coordinates all private jet charters through licensed Part 135 operators. Hogani Jets does not operate the aircraft directly. Every charter is conducted by a licensed Part 135 direct air carrier whose crew, maintenance, and operations remain under that carrier's independent operational control, with certifications and safety records reviewed as part of every booking.
Contact Hogani Jets at charter@hoganijets.com or +1-855-660-0573 to discuss Exuma routing and charter options.
Reviewed by Matt Hogan — Founder, Hogani Jets & Aviation Specialist.
How much does a private jet charter to Exuma cost?
Private jet charter to Great Exuma starts at $4,000+ for a turboprop from Nassau. South Florida light jet departures start around $12,000+, and Northeast midsize departures around $22,500+. Final pricing depends on aircraft, date, and availability.
How long is the flight from Miami to Exuma?
Flight time from Miami or Fort Lauderdale to Exuma International Airport is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes by light jet or turboprop. From Nassau, the flight is approximately 40 minutes by turboprop.
Which airport serves Great Exuma for private jets?
Exuma International Airport (MYEF / GGT), near George Town, is the primary arrival airport for all private jet operations into Great Exuma. The 7,000 ft (2,134 m) Runway 12/30 supports turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets, with heavy and ultra-long-range jets feasible on operational review, and full customs on-site during daytime hours.
Can private jets fly directly to Staniel Cay?
No. Staniel Cay Airport (MYES / TYM) has a 3,031 ft (924 m) runway suitable for turboprops and select light aircraft only, too short for light jets. It is a self-service ramp with no FBO, and is domestic routing only. International arrivals clear customs at GGT or Nassau first, then continue by turboprop.
How do I get to the swimming pigs from Exuma airport?
The swimming pigs are at Big Major Cay, accessible by boat from Staniel Cay. The most direct route from GGT is a domestic turboprop flight to Staniel Cay (about 20 minutes), then a short boat trip. Alternatively, a charter yacht from GGT can anchor near Big Major Cay as part of a broader Exuma Cays itinerary. Hogani Jets coordinates the aviation legs.
What is the runway length at Exuma International Airport?
The runway at Exuma International (MYEF) is 7,000 ft (2,134 m), Runway 12/30, asphalt with PAPI both ends. This supports turboprops, light jets, and midsize jets under standard conditions, with heavy and ultra-long-range jets feasible on operational review.
Do I need a passport to fly private to Exuma?
Yes. The Bahamas requires a valid passport for all visitors. U.S. citizens do not require a visa for stays under 8 months. Customs and immigration are processed on arrival at Exuma International during daytime hours.
What is the best time of year to fly private to Exuma?
December through April offers the best weather and peak season conditions. May and November are the best value months. June through October carries hurricane risk, particularly August and September.
Can I reach the outer Exuma Cays by private jet?
Norman's Cay (MYEN / NMC) has a 4,711 ft (1,436 m) runway supporting turboprops, with light jet access pending operational approval given the runway band. Staniel Cay (MYES / TYM) has a 3,031 ft (924 m) runway for turboprops only. Both are domestic-only, have no formal FBO, and require prior customs clearance at GGT. Smaller cays are boat-access only.
Where should I stay in Exuma?
Grand Isle Resort & Residences at Emerald Bay is the primary luxury villa resort, about 10 minutes from GGT, with Sandals Emerald Bay the all-inclusive option on the same beach. For cay exploration, most high-net-worth clients opt for a live-aboard charter yacht rather than a land-based resort, since the luxury hotel set is small.
Is Hogani Jets a direct air carrier?
No. Hogani Jets is an air charter broker and does not own or operate aircraft. All charters are facilitated through licensed Part 135 direct air carriers who maintain full operational control and regulatory compliance for every flight.
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