BSIBC

Bahamas Cruising Information and Web Links

The Bahamas is an attractive destination for boaters in SW Florida. Such a trip requires considerable preparation and planning. The following information is intended to provide a start in the planning process.

U.S. User Fees:
U.S. Regerstered or documented vessels over 30' must have a user fee decal. The fee s $25 per year. for more infromation go to: www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/user_fee_decal.xml

If you do not receive your decal before you depart for your trip, print the user fee decal application and purchase confirmation befre you go and have it available for inspection. For more information contact Customs at (317) 298-1245.

Bahamian Fees:

Crusing permit: Vessels up to 35', the fee is $150.00, vessels over 35', the fee is $300.00. The fees are non-refundable and include the cost of a Fishing permit, a Cruising permit and any Attendance Fee payable to the Customs Officer, as well as any overtime and travel costs required for the attendance of an Immigration Officer.

If the vessel departs and returns within 90 days of the original arrival date, it is exempted from a second fee. You get two ins and two outs within a 90 day period. If the boat hs more than 4 persons on board there is an additional tax due in the amount of $15.00 per person above the age of 6 years. When the paperwork is completed the owner or operator is issued a Temporary Cruising Permit good for a stay in the Bahamas of up to 12 months. Beyond 12 months the boat owner can apply for a renewal of the Cruising Permit for a fee of $500.00 each year up to two years, for a total maximum stay of 3 years. The Customs Official who clears you and your boat into his country has the ability to determine te length of the Cruising Permit. This is a good reason to treat him or her with respect and great courtesy. Any renewal must be applied for with a written application to Bahamas Customs in Nassau prior to expirationof the existing permit, and with a payment of $500.00 for each 12 months requested. Make copies of your Cruising Permit. If you need to fly home you will need a copy to present to Bahamas Immigration when you return. Leave the original Permit on the boat. When leaving the Bahamas all persons must pay a $15.00 departure tax.

Click here for Bahamas Entry Forms

Flags Required:
***U.S. Flag

***Yellow Quarantine Flag

***Bahamian Courtesy Flag

Clearing Bahamian Customs:

***All persons onboard must complete and sign an immigration card. Keep the carbon copy. It will be needed when you depart the Bahamas and pay the departure tax.

*** Each person needs two forms of identification. Acceptable forms include Passport, Drivers License & Birth Certficate with a raised seal (original). For information to obtain a passport call the National Passport Agency (202) 647-0518. You can also downloat a passport application at www.travel.state.gov.

Bahamian Ports of Entry (POE)

You must clear into one of the following POE:

The Abacos: Green Turtle Cay, Marsh Harbor, Spanish Cay, Treasure Cay,or Walker's Cay

The Berrys: Chub or Great harbor Cays

North Bimini: Alice Town

Cat Cay: Hawk's Nest Marina

Andros: Congo Town, Fresh Creek, Mangrove Cay or Morgan's Bluff

Nassau, New Providence: Any Marina in Nassau

Grand Bahamas: Freeport harbor, Lucayan Marina Village, and Port Lucaya; Old Bahama Bay at West End

PREPARING FOR THE TRIP
Click on the link "Preparing for the trip" for information about preparing the boat, an emergency bag, securing the boat for the crossing, useful/necessary items, medical supplies and food provisioning.

TYPICAL CRUISE FOR THE ABACOS
Click on the link http://members.tripod.com/capkool/islands.html for a typical 2 week cruise through the Abacos. The link shows charts for each leg of the trip and provides information for Marinas alsong the way. Click here for The Cruising Guide to the Abacos http://www.go-abacos.com/cruiseguide/#anchor1172588 The following link provides a list of important phone numbers and other information for the Abacos. You should print this before you go. Click here http://www.rmhyc.com/rmhyc_links.htm

This page is under construction. Thank you for your patience.

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