Travel Tips (2024)

Put-in-Bay Climate

The temperature on South Bass Island averages 77° F (25° C) in summer, and the water temperature is just slightly less. In the summer there is a steady breeze blowing almost without exception from the southwest. Average annual rainfall is approximately 20 inches. In the winter months, the average temperature is 30 F and islanders hope for an ice-covered lake to enjoy ice fishing, a Lake Erie

Put-in-Bay Airport

Some guests choose to fly their private planes to the South Bass Island Put-in-Bay Airport, located on the northwestern end of the island. Put-in-Bay’s airport is NOT an international airport, so if you are flying from Canada, you must clear customs at the Port Clinton Airport (PCW). Fuel is not sold at the Put-in-Bay Airport so plan accordingly. The runways at our airport are not lit so takeoffs and landings are not permitted after dusk or before dawn. A nominal ramp fee is charged for parking. Pilots arriving should reserve a golf cartfor transportation on the island prior to arrival.

Flight Times from Major Gateways Cleveland 20 minutes, Detroit 45 minutes, Columbus 1 hour, Cincinnati 1.5 hours.

Put-in-Bay Ferries

There is only one high-speed passenger ferryboat company that services Put-in-Bay, South Bass Island. TheJet Expressis a high speed, passenger-only ferry that arrives just a short walk from the Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel and Conference Center and the downtown area. TheJet Expressoffers late night service departing from Port Clinton, Sandusky Kellys Island.

Getting Around Put-in-Bay

Taxis are also readily available to bring you directly to the Put-in-Bay Resort Hotel and Conference Center if you don’t want to walk. We highly recommend that you do not bring your car to the island. Wait times to get on or off the island can run as long as four hours. Parking can be limited downtown and the island is small enough that a car is really unnecessary. Put-in-Bay Travel Tips favorite form of transportation, however, is the golf cart! These fuel-efficient and fun vehicles can get you anywhere you want to go on the island. They are great for a scenic drive, a quick hop from one point to another, or for transporting friends from the airport to the hotel. Golf cart reservations are recommended and may be made by visiting Delaware Carts website. Delaware Carts rents 4-6-8 passenger golf carts by the hour, daily, overnight and weekly. Put-in-Bay Travel Tips BOOK ONLINE IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR GOLF CART!!!

Most major roads are well-maintained asphalt. Please remember to obey all speed limits, wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, and drive on the right! Bicycles and mopeds are also available for rent.

Other Put in Bay Travel Tips

Location/Size– South Bass is 5 miles long by 2.5 miles wide, the largest of the three Bass islands.

Clothing– Dress at Put-in-Bay here is mostly informal, resort casual, even in the evening. Hats and sunscreen are a must to protect you from the sun if you plan on sitting by the pool or on the patio. Even if you tan easily, the sun will burn you if you’re not prepared, ruining what could be your best vacation.

Currency– Since South Bass is part of the United States, even though it is close to Canada, the currency is the U.S. dollar. Traveler’s checks and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Drinking Water– Our water comes from the Village of Put-in-Bay city water system and is perfectly fine to drink. The fresh water supply on South Bass is not plentiful, so please do your best to conserve it.

Electricity– Standard North American, 120 volt/60 cycle.

Language– Being part of the U.S., the language is English. The local lilt given to English is referred to as Ohio State Buckeye-Pride!

Weddings at Put-in-Bay– Everything can be arranged for your wedding including clergy, music, catering, rooms and your reception. Contact one of our managers for details. Please visit our Put-in-Bay weddings page for more details and Put-in-Bay Travel Tips.

Time Zone– Put-in-Bay Ohio is in the Eastern Standard Time Zone.