Next Stop, Nassau: What to Know Before You Fly

Flying to Nassau just got easier. Starting December 11, 2025, Tradewind Aviation begins brand-new scheduled flights from Stuart, Florida (SUA) nonstop to Nassau in The Bahamas. Travelers will be able to seamlessly and quickly access one of the most vibrant capital cities in the Caribbean five days a week. 

When you fly personal with Tradewind, you’ll arrive in Nassau in less than an hour, relaxed and ready to explore beautiful Cable Beach or tee off at Ocean Club. All flights are Tradewind-operated in a modern Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, which features a pressurized and air-conditioned cabin, with comfortable seating for eight guests along with complimentary snacks and refreshments onboard.

Flying out of Stuart is the ultimate convenience for Palm Beach area residents looking to escape to The Bahamas. Step from your car to the jet lounge of a private terminal, avoiding the lines and crowds of a commercial airport, as well as the benefit of only needing to arrive an hour before departure. Here’s what you need to know before you go, to help make flying to Nassau a breeze.  

Entry Requirements

U.S. citizens must show a passport with more than six months of validity. No visa is required for stays under 90 days. 

All guests traveling to the Bahamas must fill out a Bahamas Customs C17 Declaration Form. You can save time by downloading the app Exempt and completing the form electronically in advance. After submitting your travel documents, you’ll receive a QR code. Upon arrival at Customs in The Bahamas, enter the designated Exempt lane in the inspection area, scan the QR code at the counter, and an officer will process your form, saving you even more time.

Check-in & Luggage Policy

When you fly to Nassau from Florida, Tradewind makes the trip stress-free throughout the entire journey. Check-in at the private terminal 60 minutes before departure, as all flights close 30 minutes prior to takeoff.

At Stuart, it’s best to enter the exact address of the departure FBO—2240 Witham Field Drive, Stuart, Florida, 34996—into your GPS, as there are many APP Jet Center buildings at the airport. Drive past the Tradewind building and the APP Jet Center for departures to Nassau will be straight ahead. Complimentary self-parking is available, but limited, so feel free to also explore rideshare or car service options.

Each Tradewind guest may travel with 50 pounds of total luggage, inclusive of personal items and carry-on sized bags. One personal item can be brought into the cabin as long as it measures no more than 6 inches by 9 inches by 17 inches. If your bag is too large for the cabin, no worries—the Tradewind team will allow you to take out whatever belongings you want to keep with you for the short flight, before the bag will be carefully stowed in the luggage hold of the aircraft.

Should you wish to bring more luggage than 50 pounds, here are some options:

• Purchase another seat on the aircraft, if available, at the prevailing rate to receive additional luggage allowance.
• Book a Tradewind private charter Bahamas flight, which offers greater luggage capacity flexibility depending on the size of your party.
• Ship oversized items like golf clubs ahead of your trip to your destination.

What to Pack

The tropical climate of Nassau doesn’t require a lot of clothing. Choose breathable, natural fabrics like cotton and linen, add a light sweater for cooler winter evenings, and pack something slightly dressier for evenings out in restaurants and casinos. 

For women, breezy linen or cotton sundresses, tailored shorts, and lightweight tops with sandals are appropriate for daytime. Swimsuits and a cover-up can move from beach to bar, and water shoes and a rash guard or sun shirt come in handy for other water sports.  Dressier evenings call for a touch of resort elegance with a simple slip dress, or silk pants and top with sandals and a lightweight wrap like a pashmina. Don’t forget a wide-brim hat and sunglasses for sunny relaxation!

Men might opt for linen or seersucker shorts, well-cut polos, and swim trunks that can double as casual shorts when paired with a shirt. For resort-elegant evenings, bring linen pants or lightweight chinos with a crisp button-down or easy linen shirt. Add a lightweight sport jacket, with leather sandals or boat shoes. Activities will determine activewear, but water shoes, a hat, and sunglasses are necessities.

The Seasons in Nassau

Nassau’s equatorial setting results in basically two seasons: a cool/dry season from December to April, and a hot/wet season from April through November.

Winter (December–February):

This is peak season in Nassau, and the weather is perfect with warm, sunny days. Daytime highs range from the upper 60s to high 70s, with low humidity. The calm sea is ideal for yachting, scuba diving, or lounging beachside with a coconut cocktail. The big Junkanoo Festivals happen on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, featuring elaborately costumed dancers and musicians parading in the streets. Hotel rates are at their peak during this season, so book early to secure prime suites and butler-serviced villas.

Spring (March-May):

Offering a balance of sunshine, warm breezes, and inviting ocean waters, spring is an excellent time to consider flying to Nassau. Guests should expect balmy days in the high 70s to low 80s and a lower chance of rain than summer months. The ocean is warming up for ideal swimming and snorkeling, and after the spring break rush, crowds begin to thin, making it easier to find quiet stretches of sand. 

Summer (June–August):

As the humidity increases, the days feel warmer. Summers are hot with highs reaching 90 degrees. Afternoon showers are brief, and the ocean is pleasingly warm. Families can enjoy several festivals including the Goombay Summer Festival and Bahamas Independence Week, both in July. 

Autumn (September–November):

Autumn is The Bahamas shoulder season, meaning fewer visitors for a quiet getaway. The landscape is lush and the ocean warm, ideal for basking in the water and even taking on a water adventure like wreck diving. This is a good time for an intimate retreat, especially for those who are more crowd-averse.

With a perennially warm climate, a rich cultural and dining scene, plus exciting nightlife, there’s never a bad time to visit Nassau. Now thanks to direct flights from Stuart with Tradewind Aviation, your Bahamian paradise is just one easy flight away.

To learn more about Tradewind’s private charter and scheduled flights to Nassau and booking your vacation, please visit our website. For questions regarding scheduled flights, contact our scheduled service team at scheduledservice@flytradewind.com or 1-800-376-7922 option 1. To receive a private charter quote, please submit an inquiry here or contact our specialists at sales@flytradewind.com or 1-203-267-3305 option 2.