Months after increasing boating fees, the government of the Bahamas may consider reversing course. The higher Bahamas boating fees and related entry protocols are under review as a result of feedback from local marinas and visiting yacht owners.
Higher rates went into effect on July 1, 2025. They impact every size boat and megayacht, with rates depending on LOA. For instance, yachts from 50 to 99 feet (15 to 27 meters) LOA pay $1,000 for a temporary cruising permit. Double the previous cost, the permit allows entrance into the country twice within a 30-day period, but expires within 12 months. Additionally, once the 12-month period passes, extensions are no longer possible, so a new permit is necessary. The rate for a superyacht exceeding 100 feet (30.5 meters), meanwhile, under the same temporary cruising permit rose to $3,000.
Additionally, a few new fees apply. Firstly, a passenger tax applies to all vessels, including superyachts, with more than three non-Bahamian-resident passengers ages six and older. The rate is $30 for each additional guest. Secondly, any yacht towing or carrying a tender exceeding 25 feet (7.6 meters) must pay a $500 fee. Fishing permits are no longer part of the cruising permit, requiring a separate $300 payment for all yachts 50 feet and larger. These permits are valid for 30 days, although they are renewable, for the same fee. Similarly, yachts 50 to 99 feet must pay $350 for an anchoring permit, while yachts 100 feet and larger must pay $1,500.
For private- or charter-yacht owners whose vessels frequently cruise to The Bahamas, a new permit structure exists as well. A Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC), intended to streamline procedures, allows unlimited entry for up to two years. Yachts 50 to 99 feet LOA pay $2,500, while larger superyachts pay $8,000. However, owners and captains have expressed confusion and frustration over the application process in online forums and on social media. The digital card still requires filling out physical forms and in-person visits, for example. Visiting cruisers have also expressed the same frustration regarding the higher Bahamas boating fees. Some owners have scaled back plans to cruise the islands. Others say they’re skipping the islands entirely.
The negative reaction has turned into lost revenue in some islands. Last month, Chantelle Sands, the president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, told Guardian Business, a local newspaper, that yacht visits have declined severely. These in turn have hurt local businesses. “The chamber fully respects the government’s intention to safeguard revenue and support environmental protection,” she notes. “However, the practical effect of these fees are proving deeply harmful to Abaco’s economy, and the assumptions behind the policy do not accurately reflect the realities of our boating market or visitor demographic.” She further adds, “Many marinas are now operating far below normal capacity for this time of year.”
Not every area of the Bahamas is hurting, however. Staniel Cay Yacht Club in the Exumas and Harbour Island marinas have both been “jammed,” according to one source. The same source says some Abacos marinas are actually seeing an uptick in business, and that Hurricane Hole Marina in Nassau was full in mid-December. (We reached out to the marina for commentary and are awaiting a response.)
Regardless, the feedback from stakeholders has reached the upper levels of government. On December 22, the country’s Ministry of Tourism issued a statement from its head, I. Chester Cooper. Cooper (above) is further the country’s deputy prime minister. “Over the past several weeks, we have listened closely to the concerns expressed by our marina operators, tour guides, service providers and small business owners—particularly in Abaco, Bimini, and The Exumas—regarding recent changes to the regulatory framework affecting our boating sector,” Cooper states. “We have also heard reports of cancellations and the sentiment from some visitors that they felt unwelcome.” Therefore, the government will conduct “a review of the current framework and its implementation.”
“The Ministry of Tourism is focused on ensuring that The Bahamas remains one of the most welcoming and competitive destinations in the region for boating activities,” he continues. “I am confident that through dialogue, cooperation, and good faith, we can arrive at an outcome that reflects our values, protects our interests, and reaffirms to the world that The Bahamas remains open, responsive, and ready to welcome all who wish to responsibly enjoy our waters.”
Patsy Hymel
We have cancelled our plans due to the new rates and will probably not come due to these higher fees. Fuel and water is already costly, and to add these higher fees is just the icing on the cake!
John
In your article you neglected to mention the additional requirement that all vessels greater than 50 feet (I have a 52,) are required to invest in AIS position reporting equipment, costing several thousand dollars and the Bahamian government requires the vessel to continuously report its position 24 hours per day. This is nonsense and on that basis alone I will no longer visit the Bahamas, which I have been going to since 1965. Please, let’s stop this bureaucratic nightmare that your government is pursuing and recognize that the nonsense you are pursuing under the guise of environmental protection, is just that, nonsense! Visitors to the Bahamas respect the environment and this is just an excuse to exercise your bureaucratic muscle.
And fortunately you can see the result that you have caused. Reverse all this and we’ll come back again. If not, so long Charlie!
Diane M. Byrne
The reason we didn’t mention AIS is because laws already require them for yachts exceeding 300 gross tonnage on international voyages, and these fall under our editorial focus.
John
Your article mentions in several places the details for yachts in the 50-99 foot range so I was just bringing to light the requirement for AIS which will directly affect those in that length range that do not have AIS
John
Also the existing laws do not require that when docked , you must transmit position data 24 hours per day.
John
Here’s what search assist has to say:
Overview of Bahamas AIS Rules
Starting July 1, 2025, new regulations require foreign pleasure vessels 50 feet in length or longer to have a functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) while in Bahamian waters. This system must remain operational whether the vessel is underway, anchored, or docked.
Please let me know if the is incorrect.
Thank you
Diane M. Byrne
Yes, this is correct. We realize not all boaters affected by the regulation have AIS. Our earlier statement about AIS was meant to explain that the majority of yachts we cover do have it as required by international law. That, and the practice among many megayacht crews to keep it on regardless of where the yacht is, are why it’s not in the original article. Since government officials are currently reviewing the legislation, perhaps the AIS requirements will change.