New Bahamas Cruising Fees

Summary: Bahamas Boating & Fishing Fee & Regulation Updates (July 1, 2025)

Here’s a summary of the key changes in Bahamas boating and fishing fees and regulations effective July 1, 2025, based on the article below from Bahamas Marinas:

1. New Cruising Permit Fees for Pleasure Vessels

• Vessels under 50 feet: $500 for up to 12 months (Bahamas Marinas)

• Vessels 50–99 feet: $1,000 for 12 months (Bahamas Marinas)

• Vessels over 100 feet: $3,000 for 12 months (Bahamas Marinas)

These permit fees cover:

• The cruising permit (Regulation 90(a))

• Customs & immigration attendance and travel expenses

• Allowance for two entries into The Bahamas within a 30-day period

• Ancillary/towed equipment or on-board gear generally not subject to additional charges (except tenders over 25 feet, which incur $500) (Bahamas Marinas)

Some other important rules:

• You can’t extend a cruising permit beyond 12 months; when the period expires, a new permit is required. (Bahamas Marinas)

• Vessels already holding valid permits at the time of change are grandfathered under existing terms until those expire. (Bahamas Marinas)

• If a permit was obtained earlier through “Click to Clear” before the fee increase, it will be rejected at check-in and reissued with the difference due upon arrival. (Bahamas Marinas)

2. Fishing Permits Now Separate

• Fishing permits are no longer included with the cruising permit. (Bahamas Marinas)

• Foreign pleasure vessels under 50 feet: $100 (per 30 days) (Bahamas Marinas)

• Foreign pleasure vessels 50 feet and over: $300 (per 30 days) (Bahamas Marinas)

• Fishing permits must be renewed every 30 days (even if the cruising permit is valid for 12 months) (Bahamas Marinas)

• Tenders do not require a separate fishing permit if the mother vessel remains in The Bahamas (Bahamas Marinas)

3. Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC)

• FDCCs allow unlimited Bahamas visits over a two-year period. (Bahamas Marinas)

• Fees:
   • Under 50 feet: $1,500
   • 50–99 feet: $2,500
   • Over 100 feet: $8,000 (Bahamas Marinas)

• Note: FDCC does not cover customs/immigration attendance or travel costs (Bahamas Marinas)

• Applications won’t be available via “Click to Clear” until mid-July; until then, applications must be made upon arrival (cash or card at customs) (Bahamas Marinas)

4. Anchorage Fees

• Anchoring fees apply to foreign vessels (even when also docking) and cover a 12-month period under Regulation 91B. (Bahamas Marinas)

• Fees by vessel size:
   • Under 50 feet: $200
   • 50–99 feet: $350
   • Over 100 feet: $1,500 (Bahamas Marinas)

• These fees apply to both day excursions and overnight stays (Bahamas Marinas)

5. New AIS Requirement

• New Regulation 40B mandates that every foreign vessel over 50 feet in Bahamian waters must:
   1. Be equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS)
   2. Have the AIS properly functioning
   3. Keep the AIS switched on at all times while in Bahamian waters (Bahamas Marinas)

• Violation of this rule may result in a fine of $1,000 upon summary conviction (Bahamas Marinas)

https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/post/bahamas-boating-and-fishing-fee-structures-and-regulations-as-of-july-1-2025