One-Hour Hop: Chub Cay (CCZ) to Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE) — Makers Air Guide

From Chub Cay (CCZ) to Fort Lauderdale Executive (FXE), Makers Air turns a transnational crossing into a one-hour seam of sky that opens up the best of the Bahamas and South Florida for anglers, divers, and island-bound travelers. The route links Chub Cay — a small, privately operated harbor in the Berry Islands known for its bonefishing flats and marina — with FXE, Fort Lauderdale’s convenient general aviation field where arriving aircraft taxi directly to U.S. Customs for a quick clearance. That clarity of movement is the trip’s value: instead of long ferry waits or multi-leg itineraries, you sweep between turquoise sand flats and the palm-lined Intracoastal in about sixty minutes. Expect aviation details to shape your day: Makers Air asks passengers to check in 60 minutes before departure and notes that flights close 20 minutes prior, so punctuality is essential. Every ticketed traveler may check up to 40 pounds of baggage; the carrier provides complimentary valet parking at the Fort Lauderdale end. Pets travel for a fee and must meet Bahamas Department of Agriculture permit rules; agricultural goods such as fruit and plants are strictly regulated. What makes this hop notable for outdoor enthusiasts is pure access. Chub Cay’s reefs and shallow flats are immediate draws — bonefish, permit, and crispy white sandbars ideal for wading and sight-fishing — while the Bahamas’ coral and seagrass systems invite snorkeling and small-boat exploration. On the Florida side, FXE puts you minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s marinas, sportfishing charters, and coastal trails, so a morning flight can mean an afternoon on the water. Practicalities are straightforward but non-negotiable: carry a valid passport, have receipts for any excess freight, and be prepared that anything over the included weight is subject to an excess baggage fee. Makers Air warns that refunds are not issued for missed flights; weather, customs delays, and mechanicals can affect schedules. For travelers chasing a focused outdoor itinerary — a bonefishing weekend, a reef-diving day, or a quick link between private marinas — this air shuttle removes friction and extends your usable time on the water. The route celebrates utility over spectacle: a short, efficient passage between two marine playgrounds that are, together, an engine of sportfishing, snorkeling, and coastal recreation. Book smart: arrive early to complete Bahamas digital forms via the Exempt app when required, pack light to stay within the 40-pound allowance, and keep invoices for any items shipped. If you travel with a pet, reserve crate space — Makers Air rents crates and charges pet transport fees. Schedules can shift with weather, so build a buffer day into connections. With those basics handled, the CCZ→FXE hop is less transit than launchpad: an efficient connector between two coastal playgrounds.