New Regulations & Costs For Bahamas Cruisers

Making plans to cross the Gulf Stream to the Bahamas this year? You’d better check your budget (and brand-new Bahamian regulations) first. New fees and rules for recreational boaters went into effect on July 1, 2025, with only a week’s notice. Here’s what you need to know:

• The Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2025 requires every foreign vessel 50 feet or larger to be equipped with a properly functioning Automatic Identification System (AIS) that it is turned on at all times. This applies to any foreign vessel docked or anchored in the Bahamas, traversing the waters of the Bahamas, or passing through. There is a fine of $1,000 for any vessel disregarding this new regulation.
• Changes to the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, increased costs for temporary cruising permits. If your boat doesn’t exceed 34 feet, the cost is now $500; over 34 feet to 100 feet, $1,000; over 100 feet, $3,000. Each permit covers two entries within 30 days.
• Under the Fisheries Resources (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, the costs for recreational fishing permits on foreign vessels are $100 for vessels up to 34 feet and $300 for vessels over 34 feet. This must be paid in addition to the cruising fee; previously it was included.
• Pleasure vessels carrying more than three passengers at or above 6 years old must pay a $30 nonresident passenger tax per person.
• Want to drop anchor instead of paying for a slip? That will now cost you an additional $200 for boats up to 34 feet, $350 for boats over 34 feet to 100 feet, and $1,500 for vessels over 100 feet.
• If you cruise the Bahamas often, you might be eligible for a Frequent Digital Cruising Card, or FDCC. Once approved, it allows unlimited entries for two years, though you are still required to clear customs each time. The cost is $1,500 for boats up to 34 feet, $2,500 for vessels over 34 feet and up to 100 feet, and $8,000 for boats over 100 feet. The Bahamian government says that the regulations and increased fees are part of a broader effort to increase maritime safety, protect marine environments and fund conservation efforts, and add revenue for national development. Visit laws.bahamas.gov.bs to access the 2025 amendments.