NASSAU,BAHAMAS- New cruising permit fees are now in effect as of April 1, catching the Bahamian boating industry by surprise and prompting the Association of Bahamas Marinas to inform boaters that the adjustments are real and “not an April Fool’s joke.”
As of April 1, The Bahamas boating fees have been revised and adjusted, introducing three levels of cruising permits for pleasure vessels: 30 days, six months, and 12 months. The sudden rollout came with no advance notice according to the Association stressed that boaters should be aware the changes are official.
Temporary 30-day permits now range from $150 for vessels up to 30 feet, to $600 for vessels over 100 feet. Six-month permits range from $300 to $2,000 depending on vessel size, while 12-month permits range from $500 to $3,000. These fees cover the cruising permit itself, attendance by Customs and Immigration officers, and related travel and overtime expenses.
Fishing permits are no longer included in the cruising permit fee and must be purchased separately. Fees range from $100 for vessels under 50 feet to $300 for larger vessels, and are valid for 30 days. Anchorage fees for foreign vessels not mooring at a marina have also been revised, ranging from $50 to $1,500 depending on vessel size and duration. For frequent visitors, a two-year Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) offers unlimited entries for vessels from $1,500 to $8,000.
Popular marina Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina also made note of the adjustments, stressing that the revised fees are official and not an April Fool’s joke, and encouraging visitors to review the new fee structure before arrival.
Increased boating fees and related regulatory were reforms introduced as part of broader budget measures in 2025. The changes raised costs for visiting vessels, including higher cruising permit fees, new anchorage fees and monthly fishing permit charges, sparking concern across the maritime sector.
Industry stakeholders, particularly in key boating destinations such as Bimini, Abaco and The Exumas, have reported a decline in visitor activity during the current winter boating season, with some describing it as significantly below prior years.
The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) in a statement said it had been working with the government and industry partners to review, clarify, reassess and recalibrate the compilation of amendments put forth in the Custom Management (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, which went into effect on July 1st 2025.
Jackson Weech, President of The BHTA stated; “We are most pleased with the results of our collaboration and communication with The Government of The Bahamas, which has resulted in important adjustments reflected in The Customs Management (Amendment) Regulation 2026, which goes into effect April 1st, 2026. The new regulations include additional “duration of stay” categories, certain expansions of re-entry time limits, and most importantly, what we believe to be, a fair and reasonable fee schedule, which achieves the aims of the government while ensuring the broadest spectrum of sea faring visitors continue to be inspired to visit our shores. The BHTA will work with our partners in the public and private sector, to disseminate the revised regulations in an expedient, effective manner. Tourism communities: entrepreneurs, service providers, team members, owners and operators of Marinas, Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions throughout the archipelago look forward to continuing to welcome our valued, vibrant, and diverse boating community, which forms an important segment of our tourism industry in The Bahamas.”
