Few things beat the feeling of sneaking in a city visit during a layover in Dead Man’s Cay. Deadman’s Cay Airport is well-positioned for exactly that — downtown is reachable in about 40 minutes. Here’s what you need to know to make it happen smoothly.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of LGI:
- Can you legally enter Bahamas? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Taxi / Shared Van, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BSD. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some BSD in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
How to Get Into Dead Man’s Cay
From LGI, the Taxi / Shared Van gets you to Dead Man’s Cay in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi / Shared Van offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
What to Budget for Your Dead Man’s Cay Side Trip
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Dead Man’s Cay:
Transport to the city and back runs about $13 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $25 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $48 USD total.
Cards are increasingly accepted in Dead Man’s Cay, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Storing Your Luggage at Deadman’s Cay Airport
Luggage storage options at LGI can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Dead Man’s Cay for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
What’s Worth Seeing in Dead Man’s Cay
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Dead Man’s Cay, two standouts are:
- Gordon’s Beach Stroll — You don’t need long to appreciate it — even a brief visit is refreshing.
- Deadman’s Cay Cave — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside LGI, you can spend time at Airport Waiting Area or try Aircraft Observation Deck (Informal). Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food & Dining Options
In Dead Man’s Cay
If you make it into town, Dean’s Pizzeria & Bar is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Long Island Breeze Restaurant & Bar.
Inside LGI
If you’re staying in the terminal, Airport Snack Corner is your main option. Island Refreshments Bar works too if you want something quick.
Rest Areas & Lounges
If your layover is an overnight one or you just need to recharge, look for quiet seating areas near less-busy gates. Some travelers report finding usable rest spots near the international departures area at LGI.
For something more comfortable, check if there’s a lounge you can access — many offer day passes regardless of your airline or class of travel. Apps like LoungeBuddy can help you find options.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and LGI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Dead Man’s Cay and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Dead Man’s Cay count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave LGI. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.