Provisioning for the Bahamas

[djtj0214]

We are planning a 2 month cruise to Abacos. I looked on line and they say that you cannot bring any fruits or vegetables into the country which I gather is fairly standard. They go on to say you cannot bring any meat into the country unless packaged in its original packaging and no home made items. Also, that if you have a case of beer, there is a $10 duty and other alcohol duties.

Has anyone had recent experience with Bahamas Immigration & Customs about these items?

[Fudogs]

The fish and conch and lobster are plentiful but you may be catching the yourself so bring a spear gun or Hawaiian sling
There is great local bakeries for bread
You may want to stock up on meat and bring Uht milk and all your bottled drinks and booze
Try canned meats
The local food at restaurants like conch salad or burgers is fantastic
In marsh harbour the food stores have everything



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[onestepcsy37]

In actual practice, customs does not board your boat to check on your provisions when you enter. I know of many boats that check in with fruits vegetables and meat and have never had a problem. Us included.

By the way, spear guns are illegal in the Bahamas; pole spears and hawaiian slings are legal.

[Fudogs]

All the local boys use spear guns in the Abacos.

[cofc]

You can bring in whatever you want. When you check in there will be a line on the form asking what is on board your boat. Just write ships stores. We brought 10 cases of beer when we came in November.

[onestepcsy37]

Originally Posted by Fudogs

All the local boys use spear guns in the Abacos.

Been there many times and never saw a spear gun being used, or even in someone's posession. In any case, you can lose your boat if you get caught, they probably have no boat to lose...

[cofc]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Been there many times and never saw a spear gun being used, or even in someone's posession. In any case, you can lose your boat if you get caught, they probably have no boat to lose...

Never seen one either. Pole and sling are more fun anyway.

[Amapola]

We've cruised the Bahamas many times and have never been asked about food--fresh or otherwise. We bring as much food and booze as we can because everything is so expensive there. We buy fresh vegetables and bread as we need it.

We also carry a firearm and ammo. We always declare. They are quite picky about that.

[dohenyboy]

I think only Bahamians can take conch.


Why can't things remain where i carelessly left them?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Fudogs

All the local boys use spear guns in the Abacos.

I've never seen anyone using spear guns in the Bahamas. If I remember correctly, years ago it was legal to use spear guns free diving but not with SCUBA. Now spear guns are totally banned and it will be a bad day for you if you're caught using one.

[stan7339]

Caught with one or using one. I use a sling but would like to purchase a spear gun to have on the boat . I read about all kinds of problems concerning anything considered a weapon. Including flare guns what questionable devices on a boat that get scrutinized . I know that is pretty broad considering all the different countries. I sure do not what to raise any red flags on any trips I am apart of.

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by dohenyboy

I think only Bahamians can take conch.


Why can't things remain where i carelessly left them?

No cruisers can have up to six at a time.


Toronto in summer, Bahamas in winter.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by stan7339

Caught with one or using one. I use a sling but would like to purchase a spear gun to have on the boat . I read about all kinds of problems concerning anything considered a weapon. Including flare guns what questionable devices on a boat that get scrutinized . I know that is pretty broad considering all the different countries. I sure do not what to raise any red flags on any trips I am apart of.

Not certain if mere possession on your boat is banned. My guess is you would be unlikely to have a problem having one unless it was rigged and in your hands or dinghy.

You are correct that in many countries a speargun will be considered a weapon and will be regulated just like a firearm. In some countries that can be a big pain. Unfortunately there is no consistent policy from country to country so you would need to research for all the places you intend to visit.

[dohenyboy]

I believe possession on board of spear guns is prohibited


Why can't things remain where i carelessly left them?

[PuttingDoctor]

So I hear lots of opinions... What are the firearm regs in the Bahamas? I have a 12 ga. pump I would like to carry. Should I just declare it as a long flare gun?


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