Your Journey Begins in Acklins

Relax on the Acklins

The Bahamas' Best-Kept Secret

Air Flight Charters provides private charter flights across the Southeast U.S., Florida Keys, Bahamas, Cuba, Turks & Caicos, and the Caribbean. As a direct aircraft operator, we own and maintain our fleet, prioritizing safety, reliability, and personalized service.

When you charter to Acklins with us, every detail is handled, from customs to seamless arrivals at Spring Point Airport (AXP / MYAP). Located in the remote southeastern Bahamas, this 120-square-mile island is one of the Caribbean’s most pristine and least-visited destinations, with fewer than 700 residents. 

Part of an atoll with Crooked Island and Long Cay, Acklins surrounds the shallow Bight of Acklins, a vast turquoise lagoon known globally for exceptional bonefishing. With no crowds or commercial development, the island offers empty pink-sand beaches, historic Lucayan sites, and an authentic, untouched Bahamian experience.

Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

From world-class fishing to ancient history, Acklins offers experiences you simply cannot find anywhere else in the Bahamas. Here is what makes this hidden gem truly special:

  • World-Class Bonefishing: The Bight of Acklins is widely regarded as one of the finest bonefishing destinations in the hemisphere. The shallow, crystal-clear lagoon sees minimal fishing pressure, meaning larger, less wary fish. Prime season runs from March through June.
  • Pristine, Empty Beaches: Lovely Bay Beach, Pompey Bay Beach, and Castle Island Beach offer miles of pink-tinged sand where you’ll rarely encounter another visitor.
  • Ancient Lucayan History: Acklins is home to what is believed to be one of the largest Lucayan Indian settlements in the Bahamas, located along Pompey Bay Beach. National Geographic archaeologists have identified numerous ancient sites in the area.
  • Castle Island Lighthouse: At the southernmost point of Acklins, this historic lighthouse offers spectacular views and makes for an adventurous day trip by boat.
  • Bird Watching and Wildlife: The Plana Cays, northeast of Spring Point, are a protected reserve for endangered great iguanas and the rare Bahamian hutia, the only native mammal of the Bahamas. Flamingos, herons, egrets, and Bahama parrots are also common sights.
  • Complete Seclusion: Acklins didn’t have public electricity until the late 1990s. Today, it remains one of the least-developed inhabited islands in the Bahamas. If your idea of paradise involves zero crowds and total escape, this is it.
Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

Reaching Acklins requires more than standard travel planning. With very limited commercial service and infrequent schedules, accessing the island through traditional routes can be time-consuming and restrictive.

Private charter flights provide the most efficient and reliable way to reach Acklins, offering direct routing and complete control over timing. With Air Flight Charters, travelers can bypass multiple connections and arrive closer to their intended destination without delays.

  • Direct Access to a Remote Island: Avoid limited commercial routes and reach Acklins without relying on multi-leg itineraries.
  • Flexible Scheduling: Plan arrivals and departures around your needs, not airline availability.
  • Efficient Regional Connectivity: Combine Acklins with other Bahamian islands through seamless private routing.
  • Minimal Ground Delays: Smaller airports allow for faster transitions and quicker arrivals.
  • Ideal for Fishing & Exploration Trips: Perfect for travelers visiting Acklins for bonefishing, boating, or extended stays.
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Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

While Spring Point is the only airport located directly on Acklins Island, the surrounding district offers additional options for travelers exploring the entire atoll.

Spring Point Airport (AXP / MYAP): Primary Gateway to Acklins

This is the main airport serving Acklins Island. Located on the western side of the island near the settlement of Spring Point, this regional airport handles both domestic commercial flights and private charters.

  • IATA Code: AXP
  • ICAO Code: MYAP
  • Runway: One asphalt runway designated 13/31, measuring 5,000 feet (1,524 meters)
  • Elevation: 11 feet (3 meters) above sea level

Private charter passengers benefit from streamlined processing and direct access to the island’s unspoiled interior. Bahamasair currently serves this airport with flights from Nassau, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

One thing to keep in mind: there is no customs facility at Spring Point Airport. That service is located at Stella Maris (MYLS / SML) instead.

Nearby Airports for Island Hopping

For travelers looking to explore the entire Acklins-Crooked Island-Long Cay atoll, two additional airports serve neighboring Crooked Island, just a short flight away:

  • Colonel Hill Airport (CRI / MYCI): Located on Crooked Island, approximately 25 miles (40 km) northwest of Spring Point. This airport receives flights from Nassau via Bahamasair.
  • Pitts Town Airport (PWN / MYCP): A smaller regional airport also serving Crooked Island, located near Pitts Town Point, approximately 36 miles (58 km) northwest of Spring Point.

With Air Flight Charters, you can arrange multi-stop itineraries that include all three airports, perfect for exploring the entire Acklins-Crooked Island-Long Cay atoll without returning to Nassau between islands.

Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

Acklins is remote and operates differently from resort islands. Here is what you actually need to know before you go.

Arrange Airport Pickup Before You Arrive

No taxis are waiting at Spring Point Airport (AXP). Rental cars are not available at the airport. Your lodge or guesthouse must arrange your pickup in advance. Confirm this before you depart.

ATMs Do Not Work Reliably

The island has limited banking infrastructure. Cash is required for most purchases, tips, and local services. Bring enough Bahamian or U.S. dollars to cover your entire stay. Do not rely on finding a working ATM.

Cell Service Is Limited

Reliable cell service exists only in and near Spring Point. Once you travel to more remote fishing flats or settlements, expect no signal. WiFi at lodges is often slow and inconsistent. Download maps and any needed documents before arrival.

Dining Options Are Limited

Your lodge or guesthouse provides most meals. There are no stand-alone restaurants with regular hours. Confirm meal plans with your accommodation before booking.

Medical Facilities Are Basic

The nearest hospital is in Nassau. Serious medical issues require evacuation. Pack all prescription medications you need for your stay. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is recommended.

Grocery Selection Is Minimal

Small local shops carry basics like bread, canned goods, and drinks. Do not expect fresh produce, specialty items, or a wide selection. Stock up in Nassau before flying to Acklins, or pack what you need.

Temperatures by Season

  • December to April: 75°F to 84°F (24°C to 29°C). Dry season. Best weather for fishing and beach time.
  • May to June: 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). Warmer, fewer visitors, excellent bonefishing.
  • July to October: 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C). Hurricane season. Travel insurance is strongly advised.

What to Pack

Insect repellent (essential at dawn and dusk), reef-safe sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, all prescription medications, a first-aid kit, a portable power bank, and a reusable water bottle.

The Bight Is Very Shallow

The Bight of Acklins is a massive shallow lagoon, often knee-deep miles from shore. This is excellent for bonefishing, but it means boat navigation requires local knowledge. Do not take a rental boat into unfamiliar areas without guidance.

Sundays Are Quiet

Most businesses close or operate reduced hours on Sundays. Arrive before Sunday or stock up on supplies on Saturday.

Plan for Slow Pace

There are no major attractions, no nightlife, no organized tours. Days are defined by fishing, beachcombing, and quiet. This is the appeal, not a shortcoming. Travelers seeking constant activity may find Acklins too slow.

How Long to Stay

A minimum of 5 days is recommended, given travel time from the U.S. Fishing packages typically run 6-7 days. Shorter stays often feel rushed.

Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

Below are the most requested private charter routes to Spring Point Airport (AXP / MYAP):

  • Miami (MIA / KMIA) to Acklins: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. The shortest international route from the U.S. mainland to this remote out-island.
  • Fort Lauderdale (FLL / KFLL) to Acklins: Approximately 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes. A favorite for South Florida travelers seeking a true off-the-grid escape.
  • West Palm Beach (PBI / KPBI) to Acklins: Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. The closest Florida departure point to Acklins.
  • Orlando (MCO / KMCO) to Acklins: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes. Direct access from Central Florida without coastal detours.
  • Atlanta (ATL / KATL) to Acklins: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Bypass the limited Bahamasair connections with a direct private flight.
  • Northeast Corridor to Acklins: Fly non-stop from New York (JFK / KJFK), Boston (BOS / KBOS), or Washington D.C. (DCA / KDCA) in approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, arriving directly at Spring Point without ever setting foot in Nassau.
  • Tampa (TPA / KTPA) to Acklins: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, offering Gulf Coast travelers direct access to this hidden paradise.

From neighboring Crooked Island’s Colonel Hill Airport (CRI / MYCI), similar flight times apply, with the added benefit of being just a short hop from Acklins for multi-island itineraries.

Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas

Acklins can be part of a broader Bahamas itinerary, with nearby islands offering contrast while remaining accessible through private charter.

  • Crooked Island: Located just across a narrow channel, sharing similar natural features and quiet surroundings.
  • Long Island: Known for dramatic cliffs and blue holes, offering a different landscape within the Bahamas.
  • Exuma: A more developed island chain with marinas, resorts, and vibrant coastal experiences.

Plan Your Acklins Private Charter Today

Ready to discover one of the Bahamas’ last true hidden gems? Contact Air Flight Charters to arrange your private flight to Spring Point Airport (AXP / MYAP).

Depart from any airport of your choice. Arrive in a world of pristine flats, empty beaches, and total tranquility, on your schedule, not an airline’s.

Explore The Acklins Island, Bahamas
Explore Our Empty 
Leg Flights

Flexible Travel with Empty Leg Opportunities

Empty leg flights may occasionally align with routes to Acklins, particularly from Florida or Nassau. These options provide flexible travelers with an efficient way to access the island while maintaining the same private charter experience.

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Reach One of the Bahamas’ Most Remote Destinations

Acklins represents a different side of the Bahamas, quiet, expansive, and largely untouched. Air Flight Charters ensures that reaching it remains simple and efficient, offering direct access, flexible scheduling, and a seamless journey into one of the region’s most secluded island environments.

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    FAQs About Acklins Island

    It’s a remote and secluded paradise with pristine, uncrowded beaches, untouched reefs teeming with sea life, and exceptional activities like fly-fishing for a “Grand Slam” and shelling.

    Due to its remote location and limited commercial service, a private charter provides direct, efficient access, allowing you to maximize your time in this secluded paradise.

    You can enjoy unparalleled peace and privacy, world-class fly-fishing, shelling, snorkeling on vibrant reefs, stargazing, and the simple pleasure of having miles of beach virtually to yourself.

    Our founder, Chris, has a deep personal history with the island, including memorable fishing triumphs. This firsthand passion ensures we can help plan a truly authentic and extraordinary Bahamian getaway.

    What makes Acklins Island a unique travel destination?

    It’s a remote and secluded paradise with pristine, uncrowded beaches, untouched reefs teeming with sea life, and exceptional activities like fly-fishing for a “Grand Slam” and shelling.