BoatingRegulations & FAQ

What do private vessels need in order to enter The Islands of The Bahamas?

To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need the following:
a) One (1) copy of The Bahamas Customs Clearance Form PDF
b) One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
c) Proof of Citizenship—Passport
d) Vessel registration documents (Vessel title / proof of ownership)
e) AIS Equipment Installed and Fully Operational (Above 50 ft)

Do I need a permit to fish in The Bahamas?

If you plan on fishing from a non-Bahamian owned vessel, you will need a permit. Visit our Fishing Regulations & FAQs page to familiarize yourself with catch limits, permit requirements and more.

What is the clearing process for entering the islands?

Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.

See complete process under Entering/Exiting Policies.

What should I do if I have a firearm with me?

 If you have a firearm on board (shotguns and handguns only), you must declare it with Bahamas Customs. You must provide the serial number, name of the manufacturer, plus an exact count of ammunition. While you are allowed to have a firearm on your boat, you cannot remove it. Weapons must be under lock and key at all times. In cases of emergencies, which require your departure by air, you must notify Bahamian Police or Customs. They will accompany you to retrieve the firearm and present you with a receipt. Upon your return to the island, Bahamian Police or Customs will escort you to your vessel and return your firearm. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely.

What do I do if I’m arriving by air, returning by boat?

Travellers are advised to purchase return tickets (and seek reimbursement upon returning home for the unused ticket) even when they are confirmed to return via private boat. However, if the traveller arrives at Bahamas Immigration on a single ticket, the owner/operator of the boat must present himself/herself and the vessel's cruising permit. A copy of the cruising permit will be permitted for crew members who may be arriving by plane and returning by boat as their names will appear on the manifest. A letter will not suffice.

There are two ways to obtain a cruising permit including pre-registration online via official cruising permit vendors, before you arrive in The Bahamas or filling out paperwork upon arrival at Bahamas Customs and Immigration. More details outlined below:

1) Online (preferred): Prior to travel, boaters can submit an electronic declaration, or apply for a permit through one of the offical cruising permit vendors. These online systems are the preferred and easiest way to clear customs. Those boaters who choose to pre-register online will still have to proceed to see Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry.

2)In-person: Boaters can also obtain this permit when they visit Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry, upon arrival.

Official Cruising Permit Vendors

Visit Website Visit Website

Click2Clear Sign Up Video Tutorials

Inward Declarations Payments & Printing Your Cruising permit Clearing Outbound Refunds

How to apply for a cruising permit?

Register as a new user and follow the prompts

Applicant will be asked to submit the following information:

Vessel's registration

Passenger/crew identification documents

Permits for pets

List of firearms and ammunition

When should Inbound Declaration be submitted prior to arrival

It is suggested that the electronic declaration be submitted online before departure from the home port.

What payment methods are accepted by the Customs Department?

While digital payments are preferred, manual payments are still accepted. Consumers should only pay government approved providers and check Bahamas.com as digital payment options expand.

Payment methods include:

Cash

Online Payment – Importers must register with Click2Clear. (In the near future)

Manager’s Cheque

Company’s Cheque – A letter of guarantee must be on file from the drawer’s bank

Credit Note (Available only through Click2Clear)

Bahamas Boating Regulations 

A cruising permit is required for all foreign, private, non-commercial pleasure boats (and occupants) to sail in Bahamian waters.

Entering Policies 

All visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.

Foreign pleasure vessels above 50 ft are required to have an Automatic Identification System (AIS) active at all times while in Bahamian waters. Non-compliance will result in a fine of $1,000.

Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens must present a passport. Upon your arrival in The Bahamas, you will be asked to fill out an Immigration Arrival/Departure Card, which you will keep until your departure.

Exiting Policies

Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the Immigration Card (filled out upon first arrival) at the last Bahamian port you visit.

When a private vessel arrives at a port of call in the United States, the Master or Captain of the vessel must report their arrival immediately upon first landfall to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by calling the following toll free number or visiting the following website:

1-800-432-1216
www.cbp.gov

The Captain will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry and must physically present him/herself and their passengers for admission to the US.

Please visit www.dhs.gov for admission requirements.

When you call for clearance, have the following information available:
1) Vessel name and registration/document number
2) Vessel owner name and citizenship
3) Vessel commander/master name, date of birth and citizenship
4) Passengers' names and dates of birth
5) Foreign ports or places visited and duration of stay
6) Total value of all acquisitions and purchases made

Boaters and sailors traveling to The Bahamas can enter the country at numerous ports scattered throughout our islands.

The Abacos

Marsh Harbour

• Baker’s Bay Marina, Guana Cay (Private for members only)
• Cherokee Air
• Conch Inn Marina
• Great Abaco Beach Resort Marina
• Jib Room Marina
• Mangoes Marina
• Leonard M Thompson International Airport
• Marsha Harbour Public Dock

Green Turtle Cay

• Green Turtle Public Dock 

Sandy Point

• Sandy Point Airport (Upon Request)
• Sandy Point Public Dock (Upon Request)

Spanish Cay

• Spanish Cay Airport (Private must pre-arranged)
• Spanish Cay Marina

Treasure Cay

• Treasure Cay Airport
• Treasure Cay Public Dock
• Treasure Cay Marina

Andros

Fresh Creek

• Fresh Creek Airport
• Fresh Creek Public Dock

Congo Town

• Congo Town Airport

San Andros

• San Andros Airport
• San Andros Public Dock

Bimini/Cat Cay

• Big Game Marina
• Bimini Public Dock
• Bimini Sands Marina
• Blue Waters Marina
• Brown’s Marina
• Resort World Sea Plane Base
• Resorts World Marina
• Sea Crest Marina
• South Bimini Airport
• Weech's Dock

The Berry Islands

Chub Cay

• Chub Cay Airport
• Chub Cay Club Marina

Great Harbour Cay

• Bullock’s Harbour Public Dock
• Great Harbour Cay Airport
• Great Harbour Cay Marina

Cat Island

• Arthur’s Town Public Dock (Upon Request)
• Bennett’s Harbour Public Dock (Upon Request, $100 charge)
• New Bight Airport
• Smith’s Bay Public Dock (Upon Request)

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

Harbour Island

• Harbour Island Public Dock
• Harbour Island Marina
• Romora Bay Marina
• Valentines Marina

Spanish Wells

• R&B Boat yard 
• Spanish Wells Public Dock
• Spanish Wells Yacht Haven Marina

North Eleuthera

• North Eleuthera Airport
• White Crown Aviation

Governor’s Harbour

• French Leave Eleuthera Marina
• Governor’s Harbour International Airport
• Governor’s Harbour Public Dock

Rock Sound

• Cape Eleuthera Marina
• Davis Harbor Marina
• Rock Sound Airport

The Exumas

Great Guana Cay

• Black Point (Upon Request)
• Black Point Airport
• Black Point Public Dock
• Government Dock at Black Point

Great Exuma

• Exuma International Airport
• Exuma Public Dock
• Emerald Bay Marina
• Exuma Yacht Club Marina

Staniel Cay

• Staniel Cay Airport (Upon Request)
• Staniel Cay Dock (Upon Request)

Grand Bahama Island

Freeport

• Bradford Marine
• Freeport Container Port
• Freeport Harbour
• Grand Bahama International Airport
• Grand Bahama Yacht Club
• Lucayan Marina Village, Next to Port Lucaya
• Lucayan Yacht Club
• Running Mon Sunrise Resort & Marina, A Knowles Marine & Boat Yard
• Ocean Reef Marina (Upon advanced request)
• Port Lucaya Marina
• Port Lucaya Marina Village
• Xanadu Marina 

East End

• South Riding Point 

West End

• Blue Marlin Cove Marina 
• Old Bahama Bay Marina
• West End Airport (Restricted)

Inagua

• Inagua Airport
• Inagua Public Dock

Long Island

• Clarence Town Public Dock (Upon Request)
• Deadman’s Cay Airport (Domestic Flights Only)
• Flying Fish Marina at Clarence Town (Upon Request)
• Salt Pond Public Dock (Upon Request)
• Simms Public Dock (Upon Request)
• Stella Maris Airport
• Stella Maris Marina

New Providence

Nassau 

• Albany Marina
• Arawak Container Port
• Bayshore Marina
• Brown's Boat Basin
• East Bay Yacht Basin (Closed)
• Harbour Central Marina
• John Alfred Dock
• Kelly’s Dock
• Lynden Pindling International Airport
• Lyford Cay Marina
• Marlin and Bayshore Marina (Sometimes take in transit yachts)
• Nassau Harbour Club
• Nassau Yacht Haven
• Palm Cay Marina
• Prince George Dock
• Rubis Harbour View Marina
• Seaboard Marine
• Southwest Bay Dolphins
• TPA Marina

Paradise Island

Atlantis and Hurricane Hole Marina

San Salvador

• Riding Rock Marina
• San Salvador Airport
• San Salvador Public Dock

The fees will cover:

Cruising Permit Fees (Temporary Permits – up to 12 months):
· Vessels up to 50 ft: $500
· Vessels over 50 ft and under 100 ft: $1,000
· Vessels over 100 ft: $3,000.

12-month permit refers to the duration the vessel is registered to remain in the country. Allows up to two entries within a 30-day period.

Anchorage Fees
· Up to 50 ft: $200
· 50 ft – 100 ft: $350
· Over 100 ft: $1,500

Fishing Permit Fees (separate from cruising permit):
· Valid for 30 Days
· Vessels up to 50 ft: $100
· Vessels over 50 ft: $300

Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) Allows unlimited visits for up to 2 years:
· Vessels up to 50ft: $1,500
· Vessels over 50ft and under 100 ft: $2,500
· Vessels over 100 ft: $8,000

Departure Tax:
· The cruising permit fee covers the departure tax for up to 3 people on board.
· Each additional person will be charged a $30 departure tax per visit

If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Bahamas Customs and Immigration office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends.

Yacht Charters Value Added Tax (VAT) FAQ

What is VAT (Value Added Tax)?

• VAT is a requirement for all companies doing business in The Bahamas, local and foreign.
• VAT (Value Added Tax) is a tax charged on almost all goods and services that are imported, bought and sold for use in The Bahamas.

What does the new VAT registration mean for yacht charters?

• The Government of The Bahamas seeks universal compliance of payment of Value Added Tax (VAT) by all entities doing business in The Bahamas, and as a result, all yachts conducting charter trips in Bahamian waters will be required to pay a VAT of 10% beginning 1 July 2022. 

Will the VAT be placed on the value of the Charter?

• A VAT of 10% will be placed on the value of all charters conducting trips in The Bahamas.

Does the VAT replace the Charter Fee?

• Yachts conducting charter trips will still be required to pay the 4% charter Fee.

How do Yacht owners become a VAT registrant business?

• Yacht owners should visit revenue.gov.bs/Home to become a VAT registrant business and receive a Bahamian Tax Identification Number (TIN).

How often should Yacht owners conducting charters file their VAT payments?

• Yacht owners will need to file their VAT payments quarterly, like all other Bahamian businesses.

Will yacht owners conducting charters be able to charge customers a VAT?

• As a VAT registrant, foreign yacht charter operators can now charge VAT to their customers.

Will preexisting contracts signed prior to 1 July 2022 incur the 10% VAT?

• No, any yacht charter contracts signed and paid for prior to 1 July 2022 will not incur the 10% VAT.

Where should Charter Yacht Brokers, Managers and Captains direct questions their questions regarding the new VAT updates?

• All questions and concerns should be directed to vat@bahamas.gov.bs or visit revenue.gov.bs/Home for more information.

What is a Bahamas Boating Fling?

Boating flings are the Bahamian equivalent of a road trip. A lead boat pilots the way for a caravan of boaters across the Gulf Stream to The Bahamas. We welcome all boaters to join us in one of our upcoming Boating Flings. 

When do Boating Flings take place?

Boating flings take place every summer in June and July. All Boating Flings depart on Thursdays, after a mandatory Captains’ Meeting on Wednesday afternoon, and return on Sundays. 

2025 Fling Schedule

For additional information on our upcoming boating flings, please visit our events page. 

June 5-9 2025 - Grand Bahama Island

June 12-15 2025 - Bimini

June 19-22 2025 - Bimini

June 26-29 2025 -  Bimini

July 7-17 2025 -  Abaco Extended Fling

July 24-27 2025 -  Bimini

*Tentative dates are subject to change.

Do I have to join at the departure point?

Yes, all registered participants must depart together.

Departure Point:
Bahia Mar Yachting Center
801 Seabreeze Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
Ph: (800) 755-9558 or (954) 627-6309

Do I have to register?

Yes, Boating Flings have a limit of 30 boats and spaces fill up quickly.

There is a non-refundable $125.00 registration fee, per boat per fling. Please make your check or money order payable to:

Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board
1200 South Pine Island Road
Suite. 450
Plantation, FL 33324
Attn: Vertical Markets Department

Register

Are there any vessel limitations or regulations?

The minimum boat length for all flings is 22 feet. We accept a maximum of 30 boats per fling. Each boat must comply with The Bahamas’ Entry & Exit Requirements.