Bahamas Clearing Frequently Asked Questions

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
b) One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
c) Proof of Citizenship—Passport
d) Vessel registration documents (Vessel title / proof of ownership)

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 the Bahamas 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. UPDATE: Center Consoles are NOT allowed to carry ANY firearms. If firearms are found on a Center Console they will be confiscated. Any infraction of this law will be dealt with severely by Customs.

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

Travelers 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 traveler 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.

Bahamas Boating Regulations

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

Obtaining a Cruising Permit

There are three ways to obtain a cruising permit including, submitting your initial IslandFASTpass.com form, pre-registration via Click2Clear before you arrive in The Bahamas or filling out Bahamas customs forms upon arrival at Bahamas Customs and Immigration.

1) Let IslandFASTpass complete your Bahamas customs forms and get your clearing approval prior to arriving.

2) Prior to travel, boaters can submit an electronic declaration, also known as Click2Clear. Those boaters who choose to register via Click2Clear will still have to proceed to see Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry.

3) Boaters can also obtain this permit when they visit Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry, upon arrival.

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.

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

All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee.
Up to 34’: $150 for 3 months; $300 annually
35’ – 100’: $300 for 3 months; $600 annually
100’ – 150’: $500 for 3 months; $1,000 annually
150’ – 200’: $800 for 3 months; $1,600 annually
Over 200’: $1,000 for 3 months; $2,000 annually
Fees Subject To Change

The fees will cover:
1) Cruising Permit
2) Fishing Permit
3) Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person above three will be charged a $20 departure tax. This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period.

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.

There is no overtime charge.

To find out more about our personalized service view our home page

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.

2021 Fling Schedule

June 10-13, 2021 – Grand Bahama

June 17-20, 2021 – Bimini

June 24-27, 2021 – Bimini

July 08-18, 2021 – Extended Fling – Eleuthera

July 22-25, 2021 – Bimini

July 29 – August 01, 2021 – Bimini

*Tentative dates subject to change.

Call 1-800-32SPORT (7678) for further information.

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 $75.00 registration fee, per boat per fling. Please make your check or money order payable to:

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism
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.

ABACO
Abaco Beach Resort & Boat Harbour Marina, Marsh Harbour
(877) 533-4799 • reservations@abacobeachresort.com • https://abacobeachresort.com
The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, Marsh Harbour
(242) 367-0077 • info@TheAbacoClub.com • https://theabacoclub.com
Baker’s Bay Golf & Ocean Club US: (954) 256.9561 • (242) 365-4247 • info@bakersbayclub.com • http://bakersbayclub.com
Hope Town Inn & Marina, Hope Town US: (850) 588-4855 • (242) 577-0225 • office@hopetownmarina.com • http://www.HopeTownMarina.com
Lighthouse Marina HopeTown, Hope Town (242) 366-0154 • info@htlighthousemarina.com • http://www.HTLighthouseMarina.com
Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort US: (800) 327-1584 • (954) 525-7711 • (242) 365-8250 • info@treasurecay.com • http://www.TreasureCay.com

BIMINI
Bimini Bay Marina
US (786) 322-4440 • reservations@biminibaymarina.com • www.biminibaymarina.com
Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina US (800) 867-4764 • (242) 347-3391 • reservations@biggameclubbimini.com • http://www.BigGameClubBimini.com
Bimini Sands Marina & Residences, South Bimini (242) 422-0560 • info@biminisandsmarina.com • http://www.BiminiSandsMarina.com

CAT ISLAND
Flamingo Hills Resort & Marina (to open in 2020) US: (954) 584-6286 • (242) 464-6404 • info@flamingohills.com • http://www.FlamingoHills.com
Hawk’s Nest Resort & Marina US: (954) 376-3865 • (242) 342-7050 info@hawks-nest.com • http://www.Hawks-Nest.com

ELEUTHERA & HARBOUR ISLAND
Cape Eleuthera Resort & Marina US: (844) 884-1014 • (242) 334-8500 • reservations@capeeleuthera.com • http://www.CapeEleuthera.com
Davis Harbour Marina at Cotton Bay Club (242) 334-6303 • info@davisharbourmarina.com • http://www.DavisHarbourMarina.com
French Leave Resort & Harbour Marina Village, Governor’s Harbour (242) 332-3778 • Reservations@FrenchLeaveEleuthera.com • http://www.frenchleaveresort.com
Romora Bay Resort & Marina, Harbour Island US: (800) 688-0425 • (242) 333-2325 • marina@romorabay.com • http://www.RomoraBay.com
Valentines Residences Resort & Marina, Harbour Island US: (866) 389-6864 • (242) 333-2142 • reservations@valentinesresort.com • http://www.ValentinesResort.com

EXUMA & EXUMA CAYS
Brown’s Marine & Boat Storage, George Town Dry and wet slips, dealer & engine repair • (242) 336-3330 • brownsmarine@live.com
Highbourne Cay Marina, Exuma Cays (242) 355-1008 • info@highbournecaybahamas.com • http://www.HighbourneCayBahamas.com
Marina at Emerald Bay (Sandals Resort) Office: 242-336-6100 • E: smcphee@grp.sandals.com • Cell: 242-357-0193 • E: dale.westin@grp.sandals.com • http://www.MarinaEmeraldbay.com
Safe Harbour Marina at Cave Cay, Exuma Cays (242) 357-0143 • secj@aol.com • http://www.cavecay.com
Staniel Cay Yacht Club, Exuma Cays US: (954) 522-3248, (954) 467-6658, (242) 355-2024 • marina@stanielcay.com • http://www.StanielCay.com

GRAND BAHAMA ISLAND
Bradford Marine Shipyard Bahamas, Freeport Harbour US: (954) 377-3900 • (242) 350-7710 • bahamas@bradford-marine.com • https://www.bradford-marine.com
Grand Bahama Yacht Club, Port Lucaya (242) 373-8888 or (242) 373-7616 • info@grandbahamayachtclub.com • http://www.GrandBahamaYachtClub.com
Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour, West End US: (888) 983-6188, (954) 763-6382 • (242) 602-5171 • info@obbresort.com • www.oldbahamabayresorts.com
Port Lucaya Marina, Port Lucaya
(242) 373-5884 • info@portlucayamarina.com • www.portlucayamarina.com

LONG ISLAND
Flying Fish Marina, Clarence Town US: (954) 654-7084 • (242) 337-3430, info@flyingfishmarina.com • http://www.flyingfishmarina.com

NEW PROVIDENCE & NASSAU
Albany Bahamas, SW New Providence US: (888) 909-7001 • (242) 676-6012 • marina@albanybahamas.com • http://www.AlbanyBahamas.com
Bay Street Marina , Nasau Harbour (242) 676-7000 • info@baystreetmarina.com • http://www.BayStreetMarina.com
Hurricane Hole, Paradise Island, Nassau (242) 603-1950 • info@hurricaneholemarina.com • http://hurricaneholemarina.net
Lyford Cay Yacht Harbour, NW New Providence (242) 362-7499 • harbour@lyfordcay.com • http://www.LyfordCay.com
Marina at Atlantis, Paradise Island, Nassau
(242) 363-6068 • https://www.atlantisbahamas.com/rooms/atlantismarina
Nassau Yacht Haven, Nassau Harbour Tel: (242) 393-8173 • info@nassauyachthaven.com • http://www.NassauYachtHaven.com
Palm Cay (Resort & Marina), SE New Providence US: (855) 223-8318, (242) 676-8552, (242) 324-5132 • info@palmcay.com • http://www.PalmCay.com

OTHER MARINAS

Abaco

• Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina
• Marsh Harbour Boatyard
• Orchid Bay Marina
• Schooner Bay
• Sea Spray Resort & Marina
• Spanish Cay Resort & Marina

Andros

• KAMALAME CAY MARINA

877-768-9423

https://www.kamalame.com/

• GOVERNMENT DOCK: MANGROVE CAY

242-369-1688

• GOVERNMENT DOCK: SOUTH ANDROS

242-369-2282

Bimini

• Cat Cay Yacht Club

Cat Island

• Flamingo Hills Resort and Marina

Eleuthera & Harbour Island

• Harbour Island Marina

Exuma & Exuma Cays

• February Point
• St. Francis Resort

Grand Bahama Island

• Ocean Reef Marina

Long Island

• Stella Maris Resort Club

New Providence & Nassau

• Bayshore Marina
• Brown’s Boat Basin
• Nassau Harbour Club and Marina
• TPA Marina

The Berry Islands

• Great Harbour Cay

242-367-8005

https://www.greatharbourcaymarina.com/

• The Berry Islands Club

242-471-9119

http://www.berryislandsclub.com/

• Chub Cay Resort & Marina

242-325-1490

https://www.chubcaybeta.com/

San Salvador

• Riding Rock Resort & Marina

242-331-2631