Going to the Bahamas for the 1st time

[epiic]

I am trying to find out if there is a limit to the amount of wine, beer, liquor that I am allowed to have onboard when clearing customs.

Also, do they tax me on the food we have onboard?

What do I declare?

I've spent the past 40mins researching this topic and I haven't been able to get any solid information.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

[pete33458]

I doubt that there is a limit for food/beverages for personal consumption, at least within reason, only spare parts and prohibited items are of particular concern. You can also check this site

Entering/Exiting Policies | The Official Site of The Bahamas

and the contacts there to see if there is an official limit in value or quantity. But I have been there many times, and no one has ever even indicated the slightest interest in visiting my boat, you just fill out the forms and declare what you have and, unless it something like "50,000 liters of beer" I don't think you will ever raise an eyebrow.

BTW, most food (other than seafood) is expensive there, spirits are generally inexpensive, beer is not. I don't drink wine so I don't know about that.

Pete

[skipmac]

What Pete said, beer in the Bahamas is very expensive, distilled spirits are very cheap. Bring beer, buy booze. Wine, don't know. Probably have a pretty limited selection except in Nassau or Freeport.

[a64pilot]

I have heard flying in with boat spares can be an issue but never heard of it when they are on the boat?

[CSY Man]

Never been boarded or inspected or paid tax in the Bahamas.
Bring whatever you want and decleare it as personal belongings.
Easy

[Shrew]

Ships stores should not be subject to import taxes. Obviously, you're not rolling (floating) in with a shipping container of booze and declaring it 'for personal consumption'.

Having spares on board should be the same as ships stores. Flying in with spares would be possibly interpreted as you you attempting to circumvent the purchase of parts, and paying for tax and labor on-island, which is typically frowned upon.

[cofc]

Originally Posted by Shrew

Ships stores should not be subject to import taxes. Obviously, you're not rolling (floating) in with a shipping container of booze and declaring it 'for personal consumption'.

This. Once you've filled out where you claim your dinghy, motor, spearfishing gear, and what not. Literally just write "ship's stores". Bring all the beer you plan to drink x2. You'll be fine

[Byrdman]

BTW, dont bring a speargun or take it apart if you do. Hawaiian Slings and pole spears only and you cant take game using air, SCUBA.

They really DO NOT like a boat having a speargun on it...

No other issues and decent wine is like beer and it is more expensive. We use to bring a few cases for the women.

[jmac9365]

I've never had them ask me about that ...but I would definitely bring plenty of beer because it's very expensive there

[bvander]

List all big items like dingy, kayacs, bikes, SUPs.
Rest is boat stores and provisions, this broad catagory includes food, beverages, meds, clothing, boat parts and tools.
Am in Eleuthra, been for 6 weeks now, liquor stores are well stocked.
Premium spirits run about $20/bottle, local rum is $9
This year we see a large wine selection, and reasonable reds available for $10-15/bottle.
Beer remains expensive, even local stuff like Kalik and Sands.

[rwells36]

Don't bring more than 3 firearms and you will have to count ammo rounds.

[sailingfarmer]

You can bring in anything on your boat free for personal use. Guns, ammunition, spearguns, bang sticks could be a problem.... but like it was said earlier.... booze and wine is reasonable. Beer is expensive... meat is expensive. Things like spices or imported foods that are prepackaged are expensive. You might load up on anything that has a long shelf life like canned goods, cheeses, pasta, rice, etc. Your boat has a 1% chance of being boarded and inspected.

[akprb]

Amazingly casual in my experience. Been going over for 30 years, just got back last week and now sitting in Alaska about to shovel! What happened!?!

Smile in your face funds ready 300.00 or better and honest.

I was VERY surprised about the new firearms policy.

Have a great time and really soak it in. Your first time is the most vivid ;-)

[blueazimuth]

Guns
Must be declared, as do number and type of ammo.
Bangsticks
An Absolute no no -
Harvesting
Free dive using Hawaiian slings only. No trigger operated spear guns.
Scuba is Ok for photos etc., but not while harvesting.
Learn what you may harvest, how much, and where, and when. Remember, that some fish, like groupers, start life as females - which is why there is a strict minimum size. Big groupers - over 5 lb - are male so fair game.
I feed the boat, and only for that day. I absolutely do not fill the freezer. There is no need and could get you into a world of trouble in the Bahamas. When returning to the US you are subject to US daily limits, even if harvested in the Bahamas.
I declare "ship's stores in bond" which means, food, drink, spares for your boat, and nobody else. How much you carry is partly dependent on number of crew and length of time you expect to be in the Bahamas. Keep your US receipts - you may exceed your US duty free allowance if you return early. I've never been searched, nor asked to specify.
Above all, enjoy the Bahamas - to my mind, it is a wonderful cruising area.

[Caliber40]

Bring all the food and booze you can fit on the boat....wine IS very expensive....approx 2-3 times what you pay in the States....any 10-15 dollar bottle of wine is cheap stuff!

Check in where they don't board your boat if your nervous about it....food is outrageous....bring as much as you can store....paper towels $4+ a roll.....almonds over $20!
Bahamas are a wonderful place....you'll want to go back again a and again....each time you'll be smarter!