Charter Flights From Miami to Rum Cay, Bahamas
From city lights to uncharted flats
Miami to Rum Cay Private Charter Flights
Rum Cay’s reef‑ringed solitude lies 460 nautical miles from South Florida, and because the island is not a Bahamian Port of Entry, every private flight clears immigration elsewhere first. A Pilatus PC‑12 NGX flies the 405 nautical mile Miami‑to‑San Salvador leg in about two hours 10 minutes, taxis to the GA apron for a plane side passport stamp, then continues the short 55‑nautical‑mile hop to Rum Cay in just 25 minutes.
San Salvador’s airport is small enough for five‑minute customs lines yet long enough (8,000 feet) for turboprops and light jets. Port Nelson’s 4,500‑foot strip welcomes only domestic arrivals, so you’ll land there already cleared and free to head straight to Sumner Point Marina, Conch Bar Beach, or the surf breaks at Sumner Point.
Alternate Port‑of‑Entry options include Exuma and Nassau, but neither is as close — adding flight time and backtracking. With Miami‑to‑San Salvador nonstop and a quick reposition, the entire journey takes under three hours of flying and less than thirty minutes of ground time.
Recommended Aircraft
Pilatus PC‑12 NGX
Rough Estimate
$20,600 (Round Trip)
Capacity
Up to 6 passengers
Flight Time
2:35 (Total)
Remote island, smooth arrival
Plan your Miami to Rum Cay charter flight today
From filing the San Salvador manifest to timing the quick hop into Port Nelson, we choreograph each leg and quote the total up front. You get clear numbers, real answers, and an airplane ready when the tide is right for fishing.
Additional aircraft options
All price estimates are for a round-trip, Friday through Sunday itinerary. Actual quotes vary depending on factors like season, available aircraft and more. Your quoted price may be more or less than the estimates on this page.
Citation CJ4
7 people
$27,7000
Midsize Jet
Runway is too short
N/A
Heavy Jet
Runway is too short
N/A
Clear customs at ZSA, land footsteps from Rum Cay surf
Best Airports for Miami and Rum Cay Charters
For Miami Beach and downtown, Opa‑locka is the quickest option. Miami Executive suits Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and points south. For Rum Cay, first land at San Salvador for Bahamas customs, then fly the short flight to Port Nelson. Rum Cay’s airport has limited services and no fuel, so plan fuel at San Salvador or in Florida and arrive during daylight.
Departing Miami
Miami‑Opa‑locka Executive (OPF/KOPF)
15001 NW 42nd Ave., Opa‑locka FL 33054
Miami International (MIA/KMIA)
2100 NW 42nd Ave., Miami FL 33126
Arriving Rum Cay
San Salvador Intl (ZSA/MYSM)
Queen’s Highway, Cockburn Town BS
Port Nelson (RCY/MYRP)
Airport Road, Rum Cay BS
Destination Highlights
Rum Cay rewards anglers with record‑size wahoo, uncrowded coral heads, and bonefish‑filled flats. A private charter gets you from dock to trolling lines hours sooner than scheduled flights.
Aircraft Comfort & Options
The Pilatus PC‑12 NGX seats six, sports an enclosed lavatory, and loads spearfishing gear through a full‑height cargo door. For stand‑up headroom and eight seats, a Phenom 300E shortens the Miami‑to‑San Salvador leg by fifteen minutes.
When to Fly & What to Expect
Peak fishing runs November–March; Friday afternoon slots at San Salvador fill first. Summer has calmer seas for diving but afternoon squalls—depart before noon to dodge them. Landing fees on Rum Cay are cash‑only and modest.
On‑Island Basics
Rum Cay is small and centered on Port Nelson. Beaches, eateries, and the government dock sit within a short drive of the settlement, and most boat trips start there. The pace is unhurried and nights are quiet, so you spend time near the water rather than moving around the island.
Shipwrecks, straw work, and sapphire flats
Four fast facts for Rum Cay explorers
HMS Conqueror Site
A 19th‑century British battleship lies in 30 feet of water; snorkelers glide over iron cannons still peppered with coral.
Rum Cay Salt Pond
A protected lagoon east of Port Nelson where mangroves shelter juvenile turtles, lobsters, and fish. Quiet shores suit walks and easy paddling with a guide.
Hartford Cave Petroglyphs
Guided visits to Hartford Cave north of Port Nelson reveal Lucayan petroglyphs. It is one of The Bahamas’ densest rock art sites. Bring a flashlight.
Flamingo Bay
Flamingo Bay sits on Rum Cay’s northwest corner. Access requires settled weather and careful navigation through coral heads. Expect quiet anchorage, sand, and clear water.
Miami to Rum Cay FAQs
Why is a customs stop required on this route?
Rum Cay’s airstrip lacks immigration officers, so Bahamian law requires first landing at a Port of Entry. San Salvador is closest — about 20 minutes’ flight onward — and offers full customs services. Once stamped, the aircraft may proceed to Rum Cay as a domestic leg, allowing you to avoid larger, busier Nassau.
How long does the San Salvador customs process take?
With manifests pre‑filed, plan on ten to fifteen minutes. Officers board the aircraft, scan passports, and collect the $29 departure tax for your return. Because the GA apron handles only a few flights daily, queues are rare.
What baggage fits in a PC‑12 NGX on this itinerary?
Roughly 40 cubic feet — which accommodates about six roller bags plus fishing rods up to seven feet if loaded diagonally. Spearfishing shafts and dive tanks travel in the pressurized aft hold; your pilot will secure them in padded racks.
Are there fuel or restroom facilities at Rum Cay?
The strip offers avgas and Jet A from a single truck, but no passenger lounge. The aircraft lavatory and cabin service handle needs; any catering comes from San Salvador. Your AvSky advisor pre‑orders fuel to avoid delays.
How does hurricane season affect Rum Cay operations?
From August to October, Port Nelson may close ahead of storms because it lacks advanced radar. AvSky monitors Bahamas MET reports and, if a closure looms, will reposition the aircraft to Exuma or Nassau and reschedule your departure without extra admin fees — though villa policies may differ.