Bahamas Fees

[letsgetsailing3]

I guess I see both sides of this argument.

For the most part, however, I don't understand those who claim "I was going to spend a bazillion dollars there, but I can't fathom it on principle because of this $250/400 fee."

Seems like to me you factor it in. The more you were planning on spending there, the less this fee is a factor.

And maybe the Bahamas government knows this.

[SunDevil]

I think it is more about what are you getting for your money. If you go from January - March, it wouldn't be a problem. And if I had a boat, it would be on my list of places to go, but maybe not every year.

But, I understand the impact on the 'weekend' boater, and maybe the Bahamas wanted to reduce their numbers for some reason. I can think of a few both good and bad for why they would not have a day pass, week pass, or weekend pass, but I do think they should revisit it for some types of boaters.

[shadow]

I guess in the grand scheme of things, it's not that bad.. I would rather spend the money and get the bahamas checked off on my list.. It would be nuts to keep paying for that if you go there often...

[CHM]

I believe the entry fee discourages private boat traffic as many folks don't have the free time to cruise for an extended period of time crossing over from Florida. A friend of mine is there now for a week and will not be going back in 6 months, so the entry fee is part of his budget. If the entry fee were applied to everyone going to the Bahamas whether by air or sea, then at least there would be some "fairness" to it. But, that is not the case. I would go to the Bahamas often if it wasn't for this fee. It's already quite expensive to travel there for provisions and this additional fee put it over the top for me. One would thing they would want the additional tourist dollars flowing in, but perhaps the boating traffic is not worth it? That's the message I get from these fees. No doubt, we will go and pay the fees when I have a couple weeks to cruise, but will also consider other destinations.

[chrisjs]

We spent 4 months cruising 50ft trawler in the Bahamas 2 years ago. I did not feel that the fee was excessive for what we got in terms of beauty, sea life , and easy anchorages. Even the beer was reasonably priced (by the bottle). Like most others we carried most of our own provisions for the cruise, so did not contribute excessively to the local economies. However, I think the Bahamas government should consider introducing (1) a short stay license for perhaps up to one week for cruisers just passing through (2) consider a monthly/time regulated fee for longer term cruisers, so that the longer you stay, the more you pay. Regarding the WiFi etc, the Bahamas is not just a place for cruisers to visit, people actually live there!! Better WiFi would no doubt be a plus for some of those people, but given the level of poverty it may not be the highest priority for the Bahamian government.

[Group9]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

I guess I see both sides of this argument.

For the most part, however, I don't understand those who claim "I was going to spend a bazillion dollars there, but I can't fathom it on principle because of this $250/400 fee."

Seems like to me you factor it in. The more you were planning on spending there, the less this fee is a factor.

And maybe the Bahamas government knows this.

Government officials coming up with ideas for new taxes and fees can be incredibly short sighted.

One only has to look at the U.S. Congress, back when they passed the 20 per cent luxury tax on boats (and airplanes) in 1991. It was supposed to generate millions of dollars from all of these rich boat and plane owners. Instead, it put 50 companies out of business, caused 22,000 people to lose their jobs, and resulted in a huge net tax revenue loss to the government, because boaters just quit buying new boats and made do with their old ones.

Even Ted Kennedy, the biggest tax and spend liberal of the time, told them it was a bad idea. Because he knew who boaters were because he was one.

[AnchorageGuy]

As with all things Bahamas....Never mind....

The following directives from Mr. Hanna, Customs Nassau advise the following:

• That the increase in fees for boaters that was implemented recently have been reverted indefinitely. As such the fees remain at $300.00 for vessels 30′ and above and $150.00 for those less than 30 feet.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

As with all things Bahamas....Never mind....

The following directives from Mr. Hanna, Customs Nassau advise the following:

• That the increase in fees for boaters that was implemented recently have been reverted indefinitely. As such the fees remain at $300.00 for vessels 30′ and above and $150.00 for those less than 30 feet.

Ya gotta love the Bahama officialdom. Them and the same in the San Blas Panama.

I understand both sides of the fee thing. However, the Bahamas are not unique in charging high fees. Many other Carib countries also have those levels of fees whether one is just passing through or not. Columbia, Panama, Guatemala, Belize for example. Visiting yachts are not benefiting from any services paid by those fees in these countries either. And the Bahamas do not make foreigners check in with the government, with non-compliance fines of $5,000 USD, every single time they change anchorage or even slips in a marina like some countries (cough..USA...cough).

Mark

[waterworldly]

Originally Posted by Boatguy30

Or just throw up the flag and drop the hook for a few days in amongst other boats.

Bad idea. When a country makes all of its money on fees (there are no income or property taxes in the Bahamas), it is very good at finding just that sort of thing. They WILL take the boat. And I think they should. Look at the U.S. laws. They take the boat and you go to jail.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by waterworldly

Bad idea. When a country makes all of its money on fees (there are no income or property taxes in the Bahamas), it is very good at finding just that sort of thing. They WILL take the boat. And I think they should. Look at the U.S. laws. They take the boat and you go to jail.

I do not disagree with your point at all but a slight nit pick. The Bahamas economy is primarily based on land based tourism IE hotels, resorts and casinos. The fees paid by boaters is pretty small in comparison. Also significant is offshore banking and they charge significant import duties on just about everything (except rum it seems).

[Boatguy30]

I recall I was also responding to someone in transit and complaining about the fees. In high season, it would be quite easy to drop the hook for a few days somewhere in the Exumas where there are quite a few other boats. This is quite common the world over and certainly the excuse you were planning to check in in Georgetown the next day is plausible.

I imagine there must be some "rates" as the commonwealth calls them on land?

[Boatguy30]

Gov

It appears properties in Freeport are exempt and perhaps a few others. No doubt they get you for some good condo fees or whatever to cover things in those areas.