If planning on cruising the Bahamas for more than three months next year, prices are about to go up. The Bahamas government have announced new rates for longer-term cruising permits as of 1 January 2020 based on the size of vessel and length of stay. Originally posted in August, this news item has been updated with revised fees in December 2019.

Published 5 years ago

The Bahamas government revealed the new fee structure for visiting yachts in the May 2019/2020 budget following benchmarking studies on similar fees in rival Caribbean countries.

Fees were last adjusted in 2003.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism have the following information on their website:

Current entry fees are as follows:
a) For boats up to 35′, the fee is $150.00
b) For boats over 35′, the fee is $300.00

Updated fees effective Jan. 1, 2020 are as follows:
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

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.

There is no overtime charge.

The new rates will become effective on January 1, 2020

Further reading:

• The Tribune: Cruising Permit Rise ‘Push Back’ Awaited (May 2019)
• The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism – entering and exiting policies

Noonsite has not independently verified this information.