Climate

The temperature on this Lake Erie island averages 77°F (25° C) in summer, and the water temperature is just slightly less. In the summer there is a steadiness of the winds, blowing almost without exception from a northwesterly direction. Average annual rainfall is approximately 20 inches, although it almost never rains on the weekends.

Lake Erie Island	Average-Temp		Average-Rainfall	Water Temp
	Summer	Winter		Summer	Winter
South Bass Island	77	30	20"	68	ICE

Airport

Many guests choose to fly their private planes to the South Bass Airport, located on the northwestern end of the island. South Bass Aiport is NOT an international airport, so if you are flying from Canada, please check with your local customs agents.

Ferries

There are two ferryboat companies that service the island. The Jet Express is a passenger only ferry that arrives just a short walk from the Commodore Resort and the downtown area. The Jet Express offers late night service departing from Port Clinton Ohio.

The Miller Ferry departs from Catawba Island and is a passenger and vehicle ferry. Taxis are readily available to bring you directly to the Commodore Resort.

Getting around the Island

Taxis are readily available on South Bass Island. We recommend North Coast Cab for fast, safe, and friendly taxiing.

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. Cars are generally not allowed on the island unless you have an overnight reservation confirmed through Millers Ferry, which is the car-carrying ferry line servicing the island. Parking can be limited downtown and the island is small enough that a car is really unnecessary.

The favorite form of island 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, and they are located right next door to the Commodore Resort.

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 Travel tips

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

Clothing - The dress 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!

Marrying at Put-in-Bay - Everything can be arranged-from clergy to music to videotape to reception. Contact one of our managers for details. please visit our weddings page for more details.

Photo Tips - Because of the intense light during the day, slower film like 100 or 200 ASA will be the most practical. For non-automatic exposure cameras, cut the exposure down a stop or two when at the docks or on Perrys monument since the water and sand will reflect a lot of the brightness. For a clear image, 100 ASA film is recommended.

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