On July 1, the new Port Authorities Amendment Bill, which was passed by the Bahamian parliament earlier this year, went into effect and drastically increases the fees visiting cruisers will have to pay on entering the country. Plus, the authority has added new fees for anchoring, fishing and a new crew head tax.
The new fees for private boats under 34 feet increase from $300 to $500; boats 34 to 100 feet will now pay $1,000 instead of $500; and, yachts over 100 feet will face a $3,000 fee. The new crew head tax is $30 per person over the age of six and for crews of more than three people.
An unusual new requirement forces all vessels over 50 feet to be equipped with AIS. While AIS is generally considered a valuable safety tool and one most cruisers choose to carry, requiring it adds a significant additional expense for boats that have chosen to forego AIS. Failure to comply will result in a $1,000 fine.
Also new are the fees for anchoring permits at $350 and a fishing permit at $300. These both were included in the former Bahamian cruising permit fee.
The new fees are causing concern in the cruising and sportfishing communities and among marina owners. One marina owner reports that they have received several cancellations for the 2025-26 season and expects more customers to change their plans.
Among cruisers, hundreds of whom head to Georgetown, Exumas, every winter, social network groups and cruising forums are buzzing with comments and concerns. Some cruisers are considering alternative winter destinations, including the Florida Keys, Mexico and the Turks & Caicos.
While the bill has been passed and the new regulations are in place, the push back from the local marina and marine trades and from the cruising community has already begun and it would not be surprising to see some modifications to the fee structure going forward. We will keep you posted.
