Mailboats between islands

I have read elsewhere about the possibility of traveling in
a very budget way by mailboat or other inexpensive transport
boat throughout the vast islands. Does such a system exist
and how thorough are its wanderings? How about cost? We
are interested in doing this with backpacks and a dog,
leaving from somewhere in central america. Any advice would
be surely appreciated. Karlos

[There are 3 posts - the latest was added on Sat 24 April, 15:36]

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1. Mailboats? Added by: JohnJohn
   [Timestamp: Tue 6 April, 22:50 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   I've never heard of them being in use between the islands of
   the Caribbean. Most transportation is done by air
   (LIAT,BWIA) and what surface mail goes out of the islands is
   bound for mainland countries by cargo ship. It is also
   difficult to travel to most islands with animals due to
   quaranteen restrictions. Between some of the islands in the
   Eastern Caribbean it is possible to go from one island to
   the next on small charter boats, even on fishing boats. Such
   arrangements have to be made locally from each island and
   arrangements made to rendevous with immigration authorities
   on arrival. For instance the distance between Martinique and
   St. Lucia, or St.Lucia and St. Vincent is barely more than
   twenty miles and on a calm day one could conceivably water
   ski from one island to the next if one was a good skier. But
   these are separate countries and take their national
   integrity quite seriously. You have to report to customs and
   immigration upon arrival, even if it means going out of your
   way to find them.

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2. Mailboats! Added by: Sam
   [Timestamp: Thu 8 April, 2:33 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   JohnJohn's first sentence says it all. And with a dog yet?
   Leaving central American by boat to visit other 'islands'
   which probably means visiting other countries would seem to
   be a small fantasy. Karlos, you might want to do a bit more
   research for your adventure.

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3. Mailboats Added by: Richard
   [Timestamp: Sat 24 April, 15:36 Tasmanian Standard Time]

   You might be thinking of the inter-island ferries in the
   Bahamas. You can contact the Bahamian Tourist Board for
   information. A nice trip that I can recommend is the ferry
   that services the Abacos. You can fly into Marsh Harbour
   and pick up the ferry there.

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