TRAVEL TIPS
Getting Here and Around
Air Travel
The island has one airport, in Cockburn Town (ZSA) which is modern, comfortable, and has a long runway. A new fuel depot and FBO by Odyssey Aviation means even more long-haul flights will commence and private aircraft can easily refuel here. XL, the French charter vacation company, flies from Paris on Wednesday, Air Canada from Montreal on Tuesday, and at least one carrier such as Spirit Airlines or American Eagle once a week from Fort Lauderdale or Miami. From Nassau, Southern Air has 13 flights each week in and out of San Sal, and Bahamasair has daily flights. A host of charter companies fly in from Florida and Nassau. If you have a group of six or more, a direct flight from Florida can be worthwhile, for convenience if not for saving dollars. Club Med's website has packages that include air charters, and Riding Rock Resort and Marina can arrange them as well.
Contacts
San Salvador Cockburn Town Airport. San Salvadore Island. 242/331–2131.
Boat Travel
Mail boats that bring supplies to the island each week make an adventurous mode of transportation. M/V Lady Emerald sails from Nassau three times a month (also going to Cat Island), and M/V Lady Francis does the same (also going to Rum Cay). Both leave Nassau on Thursday at teatime and arrive the next morning. 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 so best to call the Dockmaster's Office in Nassau to get the latest information.
Mailboat Port/Dockmaster's Office in Nassau. Potter's Cay, Nassau, New Providence Island. 242/393–1064.
Bike Travel
For a short visit to Columbus Cross or the lighthouse, a bike is a sufficient mode of transportation. Bike rentals are available at Club Med and Riding Rock Resort.
Car Travel
If you want to see the entire island, rent a car. Queen's Highway forms an oval that skirts the island's coastline, and road conditions are excellent. Car rentals are about $85 a day.
Contacts
D&W Car Rental. San Salvador Island. 242/331–2484; 242/331–2488; 242/331--2184.
Riding Rock Resort and Marina. In addition to cars, Riding Rock Resort rents bicycles, minivans, and golf carts. San Salvador Island. 800/272–1492; 242/331–2631.
Scooter Travel
Scooters are a fun, breezy, and convenient way to get around the entire island.
Contacts
K's Scooter Rentals. Kate &Keith of K's Scooter Rentals rent 50cc, fully automatic, two-seater scooters hourly, daily, or weekly. Credit cards accepted, valid driver's license required. Cockburn Town Airport, San Salvador Island. 242/331–2125; 242/331–2651; 242/225–7392. Mon.–Sat. 9–7.
Taxi Travel
Club Med meets all guests at the airport. Riding Rock, five minutes away, provides complimentary transportation for guests. If you want to take your own taxi, it's approximately $10 to either resort.
Contacts
Clifford "Snake Eyes" Fernander. San Salvador Island. 242/331–2676; 242/427–8198.
Nat Walker. San Salvador Island. 242/331–2111.
