10 Things
to Know

Before Boating The Bahamas

THE ISLANDS OF THE Bahamas

Less than 50 nautical miles from coastal Florida lies the Boating and Fishing Capital of the World. Explore more than 700 islands, many only accessible by boat, in the clearest water on Earth. Fish to your heart’s content. Snorkel underwater caves and reefs teeming with brilliant marine life.

Do all this and so much more, year-round. Here are some things to keep in mind before you set out on your adventure.

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1

FILL ’ER UP

Make sure you have the fuel to island-hop where and when you want.

Consider using a high-quality particle/water fuel filterDuring high season, keep in mind some marinas temporarily run low on fuelSave fuel when you can by charting the most direct course possible

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BRING
ENOUGH
FUEL

Bring enough food and water to last a week, and be sure to keep a list of marinas where you can find fresh water, food, and other essentials.

Make note of marinas with good reverse-osmosis facilitiesBring extra cash — you won’t find ATMs between Nassau and GeorgetownPack a mix of canned, frozen and fresh foods

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Explore Our Interactive Map

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3

Chart
Your course

Make sure you have a backup, handheld GPS or conventional navigation charts, and a compass in case you need them at sea.

View Official Ports of Entry

Select any one of our 16 islands and start exploring. Let the adventure begin.

MapBahamas-Full FREEPORT THE ABACOS INAGUA BIMINI THE BERRY ISLANDS NASSAU & PARADISE ISLAND ANDROS ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND RUM CAY SAN SALVADOR RAGGED ISLAND CAT ISLAND MAYAGUANA LONG ISLAND THE EXUMAS ACKLINS & CROOKED ISLAND

Click to select the island you would like to explore in The Bahamas

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The Abacos

Experience the boating capital of The Bahamas in the one-of-a-kind island chain known as The Abacos. Sailing, fishing, award-winning golf, and quaint colonial island towns are all waiting to be discovered in this sun-drenched destination in the northern Bahamas.

Island Highlights

  • Elbow Reef Lighthouse
  • Man-O-War Cay
  • Tahiti Beach
  • Hope Town

TCB | Treasure Cay International Airport

MHH | Leonard M. Thompson Airport 

YAS | Sandy Point Airport

Acklins & Crooked Island

Acklins and Crooked Island offer a stunningly secluded getaway by a shimmering lagoon. From bonefishing and birdwatching to exploring the serene island town of Long Cay, this destination is a hallmark of undisturbed Out Islands charm.

Island Highlights

    • The Bight of Acklins
    • Ancient Lucayan Sites
    • Sleepy Long Cay
    • Turtle Sound

          AXP | Spring Point Airport

          PWN | Pitts Town Point Airport

          CRI | Crooked Hill Airport

          Andros

          Journey to the largest island in the Bahamas and explore natural wonders like no other. Left virtually untouched, Andros is home to breathtaking blue holes, coral reefs, underwater wrecks, national forests, and more.

          Island Highlights

          • Blue Holes National Park
          • West Side National Park
          • The Andros Barrier Reef
          • Androsia Batik Factory

          ASD | Andros Town International Airport

          SAQ | San Andros Airport

          TZN | South Andros

          The Berry Islands

          Bordered by the Tongue of the Ocean, The Berry Islands are home to some of the most diverse and abundant sea life in The Bahamas. This unique marine destination comprises nearly 30 idyllic cays, most of which are uninhabited.

          Island Highlights

          • Chub Cay
          • Sugar Beach
          • Hoffman’s Cay Blue Hole
          • Flo’s Conch Bar

          GHC | Great Harbour Cay Airport

          CCZ | Chub Cay International Airport

          Bimini

          World-class fishing, thrilling dives, and island adventure await on the storied island of Bimini. From diving with sharks and visiting shipwrecks to pursuing the prized blue marlin at sea, Bimini offers memorable experiences for intrepid travellers.

          Island Highlights

          • Dolphin House Museum
          • Bimini Road
          • The Fountain of Youth
          • SS Sapona Shipwreck

          BIM | South Bimini Airport

          NSB | North Bimini Airport

          Cat Island

          Surfing, kiteboarding, hikes through tropical landscapes to the highest point in The Bahamas—you might be surprised at what you find in quiet Cat Island. From historical sites to watersports and beachside bars, there’s no shortage of things to do and see along the pink sands.

          Island Highlights

          • Mt. Alvernia & The Hermitage
          • Sir Sidney Poitier’s Boyhood Home
          • Old Bight Beach
          • Port Howe

          TBI | New Bight Airport

          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          Discover colourful New England-style architecture, astounding natural beauty, and pristine clusters of sandbars and cays on these two picturesque Bahamas hideaways—each is unique and not to be missed.

          Island Highlights

          • Glass Window Bridge
          • Pineapple Fields
          • Pink Sands Beach
          • Spanish Wells

          GHB | Governor’s Harbour Airport

          ELH | North Eleuthera Airport

          The Exumas

          From untouched beaches and breathtaking resorts to the famous swimming pigs, The Exumas is where the beauty of the Bahamas meets unforgettable adventure. Make memories like no other among crystal clear waters and four-legged friends.

          Island Highlights

          • Big Major Cay (aka Pig Beach)
          • Thunderball Grotto
          • Compass Cay Marina
          • Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

          GGT | Exuma International Airport

          TYM | Staniel Cay Airport

          Freeport - Grand Bahama Island

          Freeport Grand Bahama Island is a bustling paradise of island activities and fun in the sun. Experience the thrill of kayaking through mangroves, exploring underwater caves, off-roading through pine forests, and much more.

          Island Highlights

          • Peterson Cay National Park
          • Port Lucaya Marketplace
          • Lucayan National Park
          • Gold Rock Beach

          FPO | Grand Bahama International Airport

          Lucayan Harbour

          Inagua

          Those with a passion for birdwatching look no further than the island of Inagua. Situated in the southernmost part of The Bahamas, Inagua is home to three national parks serving as habitats for over 80,000 flamingos and 140 other species of birds.

          Island Highlights

          • Inagua National Park
          • Little Inagua National Park
          • The Great Inagua Lighthouse
          • Union Creek Reserve

          IGA | Inagua International Airport

          Long Island

          The shores of Long Island boast world-class bonefishing, thrilling encounters with marine life and thriving reefs, and the world’s second deepest blue hole. While adventure fills the waters, on land, life is tranquil and serene.

          Island Highlights

          • Dean’s Blue Hole
          • Cape Santa Maria Beach
          • Columbus Point
          • Twin Churches

          SML | Stella Maris Airport

          LGI | Deadman’s Cay Airport

          Mayaguana

          An isolated and secluded escape, Mayaguana is an outdoor-lover’s destination. Whether it’s a footprint-free beach or a far-off fishing spot, the island is the perfect blend of solitude and charm.

          Island Highlights

          • Booby Cay
          • Abraham’s Bay
          • Horse Pond Beach
          • Pirates Well

          MYG | Mayaguana Airport

          Nassau & Paradise Island

          No other capital city boasts paradise as its neighbor. While Nassau promises big city thrills, nearby Paradise Island offers miles of natural wonder. Immerse yourself in an island experience that delivers the best of both worlds.

          Island Highlights

          • National Art Gallery of the Bahamas
          • Queen's Staircase
          • Fort Fincastle
          • Government House

          NAS | Lynden Pindling International Airport

          Prince George Wharf

          Ragged Island

          Beyond the shorelines of Ragged Island, anglers will find remarkable deep-sea fishing. Bonefish, barracuda, tuna, and kingfish are just a few of the more common catches around the island, while the quaint settlement of Duncan Town is a quintessential island escape.

          Island Highlights

          • Duncan Town
          • The Jumentos Cays
          • Hog Cay
          • Pigeon Cay

          DCT | Duncan Town Airport

          Rum Cay

          This hidden treasure of a destination boasts ancient Lucayan art, sprawling white sand beaches, thrilling dive sites—even a secret surf spot. A short boat ride away, Conception Island is perhaps one of the most well-preserved areas in The Bahamas.

          Island Highlights

          • Port Nelson
          • The HMS Conqueror Shipwreck
          • Conception Island National Park
          • Hartford Cave

          RCY | Port Nelson Airport

          San Salvador

          San Salvador may be one of the smallest islands in The Bahamas, but it stands out amongst the larger destinations. Historic monuments, scenic lakes, tranquil beaches, and natural parks abound.

          Island Highlights

          • Great Lake National Park
          • Watling’s Blue Hole
          • Gerace Research Centre
          • Bonefish Bay Beach

          ZSA | San Salvador Airport

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          4

          You know
          The Drill

          Service Equipment

          Pack safety equipment,
          including flares
          and signalling devices.

          Ensure your mooring lines
          and fenders are in
          good condition.

          Service Jackets

          Bring life jackets
          for all passengers.

          Check your fuel system
          for any leaks.

          Service Tooltip

          A toolkit with a prop
          wrench is always handy.

          Be sure your fire extinguishers
          are fully charged.

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          5

          Your ID,
          Please

          Don’t leave home without proof of citizenship.

          U.S. Citizens need a valid U.S. passport and a Bahamas visa if visiting for more than eight monthsU.S. Residents need a valid U.S. Alien Registration Card (aka green card) and a valid passport from country of citizenship. For visits more than 30 days, a valid passport and a Bahamas visa are requiredFor other countries, contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Bahamas embassy, consulate or High Commission for more information

          Learn More
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          6

          Have Your
          entry docs
          Ready

          Besides your passport and, if required, a Bahamas visa, all private vessels entering The Bahamas need to provide the following to customs officials:

          One Bahamas customs clearance formOne Bahamas immigration card per personVessel registration documents (vessel title/proof of ownership)

          Download Form
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          7

          Fees &
          Formalities

          Vessels entering Bahamian waters are subject to a search. Also, be prepared to pay entry fees covering cruising and fishing permits as well as a departure tax for three individuals (crew or passengers) for the duration of your stay. Boating and Fishing permits can now be purchased online before you arrive to The Bahamas.

          Fly the yellow quarantine flag to notify
          customs authorities of your arrival
          Know that customs and immigration
          officials will board your vessel
          Vessels can stay for up to one year,
          per the discretion of the customs officer

          View Fees
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          8

          Find your
          Island

          Here’s a list of marinas that will help when you decide where to drop anchor.

          View Marinas
          Petal Bahamas

          Book your marina, dock,
          and hotel today and GET A
          $300
          Fuel Credit
          Offer Details

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          9

          Be ready
          for anything

          The Islands of The Bahamas await — don’t let a broken fan belt prevent your adventure.

          Be sure to pack a first-aid kit, spare parts, and toolsTune in to NOAA weather on your VHF weather channels for marine weather advisories in your area/region.

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          10

          FISHING 411

          The Bahamas is a year-round fishing paradise, from the deep sea to flats, from small schools to trophy catches.

          Here’s where to apply for fly/flat fishing permits, sport fishing permits, and sport fishing tournament licences. Also find out more about sport fishing regulations and fly/flat fishing regulations. And here’s a handy gamefish chart to help you plan when to go.

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          Permits Go Paperless

          Our new online portals make it fast and easy to apply and pay for your Bahamas fishing and boating permits even before you arrive in The Bahamas.

          Discover Your Next Adventure

          All
          All The ExumasCat IslandThe BahamasFreeportBiminiNassauThe AbacosAndrosEleuthera & Harbour IslandNassau & Paradise Island
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          The Exumas

          A Family Business

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          The Exumas

          Chopped and Chiseled

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          Cat Island

          The Highest Point

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          Cat Island

          Family Heirlooms

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          The Bahamas

          An Island Rhythm

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          The Exumas

          The Winds of Tradition

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          The Exumas

          Island Delights

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          Cat Island

          An Open Invitation

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          The Exumas

          Protecting What's Home

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          Freeport

          The King of Conch

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          Freeport

          Preserving a Natural Treasure

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          Bimini

          Wild, Wild Dolphins

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          Cat Island

          Sweet Cat Island

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          Bimini

          Poetry in Stone

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          Freeport

          A World of Wonder

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          Nassau

          An Artful
          Generation

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          Freeport

          Secrets of the West End

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          Nassau

          SPIRITED ENDEAVOURS

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          Bimini

          A Boater's Summer Fling

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          Nassau

          A Culinary Revolution

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          Nassau

          In True Bahamian Fashion

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          The Bahamas

          Islands On The Fly

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          The Abacos

          The Albury Family

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          The Abacos

          Where The Artists Gather

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          The Abacos

          Fishing For The Big Catch

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          Mary Fly Fishing Guide
          Andros

          A Fly Fishing Dream

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          Bahamas BEATS

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          Andros

          Exploring a Deep-Sea Frontier

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          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          Lady of the Pineapple Fields

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          The Exumas

          Exuma Cays Land & Sea Park

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          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          An Island Hopping Story

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          Andros

          Androsia Hand Made Batik

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          The Abacos

          The Last Light of Its Kind

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          The Exumas

          A Once-In-A-Lifetime Day

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          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          The Hidden Coast

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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          People to People Experience

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          The Exumas

          You & Me Between the Cays

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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          Junkanoo, A Celebration

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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          The Conch Shacks

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          Andros

          An Island Full of Holes

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          The Bahamas

          Something Blue, A Sandbar Wedding

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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          A Garden of Marvel

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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          All Day Fish Fry

          Let's Go
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          Nassau & Paradise Island

          This is Nassau

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          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          Naturally Majestic Queen's Highway

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          Eleuthera & Harbour Island

          A Race Across Dunmore

          Let's Go