Bahamas entry fee

[RabidRabbit]

It's written in many books and guides that the entery fee is $150 for 35' under/ $300 35' and over. A cruiser I ran into said all vessels are now $300 reguardless of size. Has anyone been over this year to verifiy this change. I found many sites that listed the $150/300 rates but nothing else.

[Cheechako]

What price Paradise?...

[RabidRabbit]

Oh how terribly helpfull. Yes what price? That was my question.

[Cheechako]

No idea. Would you change your plans for $150? Are you leaving NOW? the third world changes continually.... just sayin'.

[RabidRabbit]

No leavin in 2ish weeks, and just like to know what to expect. I'm only doing a brief stay in the abacos on my way back to VT. I just would like to know how much it cost.

[Auspicious]

Still 150/300 with a 35' breakpoint as far as I know.

dave

[Waterway Guide]

Some ports are charging the old rates (up to 35' is $150, over 35' is $300) but some are charging the new rates (up to 30' is $150, over 30' is $300). If you boat is between 30'-35', be prepared to pay the $300 fee.

[RabidRabbit]

Have you gone over this year or last? and who is suzanne?

[RabidRabbit]

THats what I was looking for, I think bimini is charging the new rate. But I wasnt heading there anyway. Thanks

[Boatguy30]

In some ways, 30' is more sensible as that is the breakpoint for the US customs decal as well.

[Kettlewell]

It's really too bad they charge such a ridiculous fee--doesn't make any sense for many of us who used to pop over for a few weeks some winters. Heck, I used to check in on my way north just to break up the trip--no more, now I suggest bypassing the Bahamas unless you're planning on spending some time there.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

It's really too bad they charge such a ridiculous fee--doesn't make any sense for many of us who used to pop over for a few weeks some winters. Heck, I used to check in on my way north just to break up the trip--no more, now I suggest bypassing the Bahamas unless you're planning on spending some time there.

We will still be stopping there on our way down, but it does stink to pay $300 for a week or two stop. At 34' I thought I would be able to still only pay $150. Noonsite shows that they went back to the older 34' and less being charged $150.

[RabidRabbit]

Yeh I just wanna pop in on my way buy, and 300 is a bummer.

[Mambo]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

We will still be stopping there on our way down, but it does stink to pay $300 for a week or two stop. At 34' I thought I would be able to still only pay $150. Noonsite shows that they went back to the older 34' and less being charged $150.

Hi-
Your post isn't real clear. Your info says the current charge is $300 for what boat size? Do you have a link to the noonsite info you reference (I looked at noonsite's news page and also their Bahamas page and didn't find anything)? Thanks!

-M (FWIW - it was $150 for us to clear into Marsh Harbor in December '11)

[Cormorant]

Here's the current Bahamas gov't page:
Customs & Immigration - Vacation Planning | The Bahamas

Boats:

If entering The Bahamas by boat, there is a flat fee to clear Customs and Immigration, which is $150.00 for boats 30 feet and under and $300.00 for boats 31 feet and over. This covers a vessel with three persons or less. Also included is a cruising permit, a fishing permit, Customs and Immigration charges and the $25.00 Departure Tax is waived for up to three persons. Each additional person above three will be charged $25.00 Departure Tax. In Grand Bahama the Departure Tax is $28.00. If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangement must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration.