George Town on Great Exuma is about 300 miles southeast of Miami, roughly a 70-minute flight. People make this trip for the cays: a chain of more than 360 islands, sandbars and private retreats where the water shifts through every shade of turquoise and the famous swimming pigs of Big Major Cay wait for visitors.
A light jet handles the run efficiently for up to six, while a midsize such as a Citation XLS+ adds cabin height and room for yacht-week luggage. Many guests heading to Staniel Cay or a private island book a turboprop instead, because it can continue onto the shorter island strips.
Miami International (MIA) is a good choice for this route when guests are connecting from long-haul flights, since the FBOs on the field make a same-airport transfer easy. Otherwise Opa-Locka (OPF) offers a calmer ground experience for locals.
Exuma International (MYEF) has a private aviation handler that coordinates Bahamian customs and immigration on arrival. Staniel Cay (MYES) is also an airport of entry, which lets turboprops clear customs and land within walking distance of the yacht club.
Winter and spring deliver steady trade winds and clear water, ideal for boating. May and June are less crowded with warm, flat seas. Yacht charters out of the cays book up around the holidays, so align the flight with the boat early.