Boating in The Abacos: Marinas & Port of Entry Guide

The best way to explore The Bahamas is by boat and we have gathered all the important information in one place to help you ‘set sail’ sooner! This guide to the Abacos is complete with current open marinas, port of entry locations, step-by-step instructions on how to enter The Bahamas by boat, and updated fees for boats.

MARINAS

1. Green Turtle Club (Port of Entry – Green Turtle Public Dock)
2. Great Abaco Beach Resort Marina – Marsh Harbour (Port of Entry)
3. Spanish Cay Marina – Spanish Cay (Port of Entry)
4.  Orchid Bay – Guana Cay
5. Hope Town Inn & Marina – Hope Town/Elbow Cay
6. Lighthouse Marina – Hope Town/Elbow Cay
7. Donny’s Marina – Green Turtle Cay
8. Rosie’s Place Marina – Grand Cay
9.  Wendells Marina – Grand Cay

Mooring Balls Available in Treasure Cay, Guana Cay, Man-o-War Cay, Hope Town and Little Harbour

HOW TO ENTER THE BAHAMAS BY BOAT
To enter The Islands Of The Bahamas, private vessels need the following:

• One (1) copy of the Bahamas Customs Clearance Form
• One (1) Bahamas Immigration Card per person
• Proof of Citizenship—Passport
• Vessel registration documents (Vessel title / proof of ownership)
• One (1) travel health card per person – complete HERE  (The application includes a requirement for a negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test taken no more than 5 days before arrival in The Bahamas OR proof of vaccination at least 2 weeks before arrival in The Bahamas)

ARRIVING BY BOAT

Visiting boaters must clear Customs and Immigration at the nearest designated Port of Entry. As you enter each port, fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify Customs of your arrival. Only the captain is permitted to leave the boat until your vessel has been cleared.

Customs and Immigration officials will come to your vessel. Everyone on board must have proof of citizenship and fill out an immigration card. US citizens must present a passport. Before leaving The Islands Of The Bahamas, be sure to surrender your copy of the immigration card at the last Bahamian port you visit.

ENTRY FEES

All boaters entering The Bahamas are required to pay an entry fee.

•  For boats up to 35′, the fee is $150.00
• For boats over 35′, the fee is $300.00

Fees Subject To Change

Updated fees effective Jan. 1, 2020 are as follows:

• Up to 34’: $150 for 3 months; $300 annually
• 35’ – 100’: $300 for 3 months; $600 annually
• 100’ – 150’: $500 for 3 months; $1,000 annually
• 150’ – 200’: $800 for 3 months; $1,600 annually
• Over 200’: $1,000 for 3 months; $2,000 annually

The fees will cover:

• Cruising Permit
• Fishing Permit
• Departure Tax for up to three (3) persons. Each additional person above three will be charged a $20 departure tax. This fee is good for a second re-entry within a 90-day period.

If you plan to stay longer than 12 months, special arrangements must be made with Bahamas Customs and Immigration. Bahamas Customs and Immigration office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Officers are on call during holidays and weekends. There is no overtime charge.

Information taken from https://www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies AND https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/visitor-info/marine-vessel-declarations-cruising-permits/

FOR INFORMATION AIR TRAVEL CHECK OUT OUR POST ON COMMERCIAL, CHARTER, AND CARGO FLIGHTS