Bahamas fees increase

[Sea Change]

At about $300, checking in to the Bahamas was already far more expensive than most countries. But given how beautiful it is, most people paid up without too much grumbling.
From the 1st of July, a new price structure is coming in to force. There will be a cruising permit, an anchoring fee, and a fishing license. Altogether this adds up to $1650 for boats between 35-100ft. Immigration fees per person may be payable in addition.

It's such a shame. It used to be the case that any reasonably able person could get out and see beautiful places like this in their own boat, and all you needed was the skills and determination to do it. Now places like this are turning in to playgrounds for the wealthy. I'm not sure I see any way to change this. It's undeniably better for a country to invite a smaller number of rich people, who spend much more money, than a large number of commoners.

I think we'll visit Cuba instead next year.

 

[TSailors]

I'm so glad I live far away from Bahamas. It would be a shame to live close by, and be subjected to those prices.

 

[Sea Change]

I'm so glad I live far away from Bahamas. It would be a shame to live close by, and be subjected to those prices.

Well it's certainly got the Floridians worked up. But to be fair, the huge numbers of them that descend on the Bahamas every year in multi million dollar sports fishing boats have somewhat given the Bahamian government the impression that anybody on a boat is a cash cow ready to be milked.

 

[geem]

Well it's certainly got the Floridians worked up. But to be fair, the huge numbers of them that descend on the Bahamas every year in multi million dollar sports fishing boats have somewhat given the Bahamian government the impression that anybody on a boat is a cash cow ready to be milked.

Add in the several hundred US yachties that park in Georgetown for the season for only $300. You can see why the Bahamians might like to cash in. It's already way to crowded. Thinning it out but still taking the same cash must look appealing

 

[Sea Change]

I wish they would offer a short term visit rate alongside these fees. A bit like T&C. The Bahamas is an enormous area and going around it completely would be difficult.
I've been told (although on no particular authority) that boats should be allowed to pass through without stopping off they stay 3nm offshore. Which itself can be difficult when there are passes to negotiate.

 

[KevinV]

I wish they would offer a short term visit rate alongside these fees. A bit like T&C. The Bahamas is an enormous area and going around it completely would be difficult.
I've been told (although on no particular authority) that boats should be allowed to pass through without stopping off they stay 3nm offshore. Which itself can be difficult when there are passes to negotiate.

Innocent passage gives more freedom than that - anchoring for the safety of the vessel and crew for instance.

You can't blame the Bahamians for wanting to reduce the numbers who come to fish their waters and party aboard without bringing much/any cash ashore. Tobago Cays is a prime example of what happens if you don't keep it sensible - totally ruined.

 

[Sea Change]

Innocent passage gives more freedom than that - anchoring for the safety of the vessel and crew for instance.

Any links to an authority for that? It would certainly make it easier to pass through the area without the fear of having my vessel impounded, which is what I've been told will happen if I try visiting without a permit.

You can't blame the Bahamians for wanting to reduce the numbers who come to fish their waters and party aboard without bringing much/any cash ashore. Tobago Cays is a prime example of what happens if you don't keep it sensible - totally ruined.

You can visit the Tobago Cays for $30/night, for which they'll give you use of a mooring if you want it.
Given how tiny the Cays are it does make sense to limit the number of boats visiting.

I just find the Bahamian attitude to this hypocritical and greedy. They're claiming that they need to reduce the impact of so many boats visiting, but they're perfectly happy to sell islands for development within marine protected areas. The Aga Khan bought an island in the Exumas park, where you're not allowed to do so much as pick up a shell from the beach. He then dredged 13 acres of seabed so that his megayacht could reach the dock he built. There was a bit of a fuss made about it but ultimately, money talks, and the Bahamas are listening.

 

[KevinV]

Any links to an authority for that? It would certainly make it easier to pass through the area without the fear of having my vessel impounded, which is what I've been told will happen if I try visiting without a permit.

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

Article 18.2 allows for sailing through another states waters and anchoring en route if safety demands it - through crew fatigue or bad weather for instance (as explained to me by a US immigration officer denying me entry to Puerto Rico)

 

[Sea Change]

UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON THE LAW OF THE SEA

Article 18.2 allows for sailing through another states waters and anchoring en route if safety demands it - through crew fatigue or bad weather for instance (as explained to me by a US immigration officer denying me entry to Puerto Rico)

That seems pretty black and white, thanks.
I don't want to be the test case though. Hopefully other people will go first.

 

[Seven Spades]

Under innocent passage you cannot stop and anchor.

The problem with what they have done is that other islands might copy the pricing structure. If that happens how could anyine really afford to cruise the carribean, many people would only be able to visit 3-4 islands in a season.

 

[Sea Change]

Final fee structure has been published. It's a bit less than originally proposed.
A sub 50ft boat will now have to pay $700, plus $100/month if you want to fish

Bahamas Boating and Fishing Fee Structures and Regulations as of July 1, 2025

 

[Seven Spades]

Well that's a slight improvement. What I don't understand is why it costs more for a fishing licence for a longer boat. if a couple as on a 42ft boat or a 52ft boat I don't see what difference it makes to the fishing.

 

[Sea Change]

Well that's a slight improvement. What I don't understand is why it costs more for a fishing licence for a longer boat. if a couple as on a 42ft boat or a 52ft boat I don't see what difference it makes to the fishing.

None of it really makes much sense.
They complain about Americans coming over and spending the whole season in Georgetown, pumping out in to the sea, etc. But they charge for the whole year in one block.
Strange how they have the ability to charge monthly for fishing but not for anything else.
If I could pay pro rata the $700/yr would be acceptable, and in line with current fees.

Sadly I think most people will grumble for a bit and then just pay up and carry on as if nothing happened. We're on a 1980s 47ft boat and we generally feel like we're on a much lower budget than everybody else. The place is chock full of 50ft+ brand new catamarans, and multi million $ sports fishing boats.