Getting Here
New Boating vessel and cruising permit laws: Effective July 1st, 2025
The following legislation went into effect July 1, 2025 and impacts all boaters coming to and in The Bahamas. We anticipate that there will be additional changes and modifications in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned for updates.
Temporary Cruising Permits for Pleasure Vessels
The fee for pleasure crafts for a period not exceeding 12 months are as follows:
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $500.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $1,000.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $3,000.
These fees cover:
· Cruising permit under regulation 90(a)
· Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
· Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
Additional fees will not be added for ancillary equipment being towed or on-board a pleasure vessel, except for tenders exceeding 25 feet in length. The fee for a tender vessel exceeding 25 feet will be $500 for a period not exceeding 12 months.
When a pleasure vessel carries more than three passengers, every additional passenger of or above the age of six and who is not an ordinary resident of The Bahamas will be subjected to a fee of $30.
There is no longer an option to extend cruising permits past 12 months. Once 12 months has passed a new permit is required.
For vessels who have already obtained a cruising permit and are already in The Bahamas, or still have one reentry left on their 90 days, the terms of the existing permit are still valid.
If you had already obtained a permit from Click to Clear before fees increased, your Cruising Permit will be rejected at check-in and a new one will be issued with the difference payable on arrival. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card, but if paying by card you will need to go to the nearest Customs Station. Keep your PCR number from your original Click to Clear transaction!
Temporary Fishing Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Fishing Permits are no longer included in the Cruising Permit fee. Foreign pleasure vessel fishing permits fees:
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $100.
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For vessels 50 feet in length and over - $300.
Fishing permits are only valid for 30 days, even if you possess a 12-month cruising permit. It is necessary to renew fishing permits every 30 days. Tenders do not require a separate fishing permit as long as the ‘mother’ vessel is still in The Bahamas. Fees are per boat, not per person.
Fishing permits can be renewed on https://www.besw.gov.bs/TFBSEW/cusLogin/signin.cl
Frequent Digital Cruising Card for Pleasure Vessels (FDCC)
Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) are now available allowing unlimited visits for up to two years.
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $1,500.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $2,500.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $8,000.
These fees do NOT cover
· Attendance fees by a customs officer for attendance and travel expenses
· Overtime and travel expenses in respect of the attendance of an immigration officer.
The FDCC will not be available on Click to Clear until at least mid-July. In the interim, applications must be made upon arrival and paid for in cash, or by credit card at the nearest Customs Station. In Nassau the office is located at Prince George Wharf, Arawak Port Development, Customs Headquarters Thompson Blvd, Customs cashier LPIA.
Anchorage Fees
Anchorage fees for foreign vessels, regardless of if the boat is also mooring at a marina, have been amended in a new regulation 91B. These fees cover a 12 month period.
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For vessels under 50 feet in length - $200.
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For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length - $350.
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For vessels over 100 feet in length - $1,500.
These fees apply to day excursions as well as all overnight trips, and must be paid in addition to the cruising permit and dockage fees.
AUTOMATED IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
A new regulation, 40B, has been put into effect. This new section states that every foreign vessel OVER 50 feet in length that is in Bahamian waters shall at all times:
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Be equipped with an automated identification system;
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Ensure that the automated identification system is properly functioning; and
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Ensure the automated identification system is turned on.
To avoid any doubt, the three points apply to foreign vessels that are docked in The Bahamas, traversing Bahamian waters, or passing through the Bahamas. The owner and master of a vessel that violates this new section commits an offense and is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of $1,000, according to the new bill.
Useful links
Travel to the Bahamas / Map
Old Bahama Bay is in the historic village of West End, Grand Bahama Island, approximately 26 miles west of Freeport and 56 miles due east of Palm Beach, Florida. West End has a colorful history and today is a picturesque fishing village. The settlement is the oldest city on Grand Bahama Island and is considered its historical capitol. West End has a reputation of being hospitable and friendly and the atmosphere is one of cool breezes and the most beautiful sunsets.
Access by Air via Charter, Private Pilot into West End Airport(MYGW) or Commercial service to Grand Bahama International Airport (FPO)
Old Bahama Bay Private Aircraft Service - Land right at Old Bahama Bay!
Fly directly to Old Bahama Bay Resort via our private aircraft service. Fly directly from most points in Florida directly into Old Bahama Bay's private airport. For more information call 321-543-2764. Enjoy door to door chaufer service picking you up from your home and dropping your off to your oceanfront resort style condo.
Grand Bahama Island International Airport in Freeport (FPO)
Shuttle and Taxi services are available at the airport to safely transport you to Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour
Scheduled air access is via Grand Bahama Island International Airport in Freeport (FPO), which is 26 miles from West End. The airport is serviced by American Eagle, Silver Airways, Delta, Bahamasair, and many others including several charter operations.
Check with your travel professional, or the Old Bahama Bay reservation agents for the latest flight information.
You are able to book your flights at the same time as your hotel suite through our US Reservations office on 1.800.329.0068. Old Bahama Bay will arrange airport taxi service for you. Simply provide your flight number and arrival time when making your hotel reservation and we will arrange taxi service for you. Taxi fare is $70 each way for 2 persons and $5 for every extra person and can be paid directly to driver or added to your hotel bill. Airport is 26 miles from resort and drive takes approximately 45 minutes. Rental Cars are also available at the airport and in West End. Driving is on the LEFT side of the road.
West End Airport
The West End Airport (MYGW) is a private airport which services Old Bahama Bay's guests and residences. The West End Airport opens Old Bahama Bay Resort & Yacht Harbour and the idyllic destination of West End, Grand Bahama Island to private pilots and charter operators. Just 56 miles from Palm Beach, Florida and with 6,500 feet of paved runway, the West End Airport is a pilot’s dream.
The airport is a daytime only, VFR only, operation. No instrument approaches are available and no night landings/takeoffs are permitted. The airport is open 7 days a week from 8 am to 5 pm. The ICAO code is MYGW and the IATA code is WTD.
Only aircraft which have been pre-approved by West End Airport Management and Bahamas ATC may land. This requires that the registration/tail number of the aircraft be submitted and approved. To obtain approval, please contact Ashley Smith, Airport Manager, at AshleyJamesSmith1940@gmail.com or call (242-727-1335).
Landing fees are $150 per plane. Please call ahead for possible group rates.
No fuel, GPU or aircraft tug services are currently available. Maximum aircraft landing weight limits of 20,000 lbs apply. Contact airport management for further information.
WEST END AIRPORT MANDATORY OPERATING PROCEDURES (click here to download)
Access by Sea
Old Bahama Bay is a favorite among Florida boaters and boat clubs with current charts and gps systems offering known routes direct to the marina's deep water entry, from most all Florida locations. For the most pleasant voyages, travel with a light southerly or west wind. Old Bahama Bay offers a full service marina with fresh fuel. For additional routes at a small fee, please visit Waterway Guide.
Navigational Tips
Daylight approach: From a distance of a 5 miles, a red and white stripped water tower identifies West End. Closer in, two entry jetties mark the entrance to the marina. There is a 30 foot weather service monitoring tower at the tip of the portside jetty.
Night time approach: Red & Green navigation lights at the end of the entry jetties are visible from approximate 3-5 miles.
Old Bahama Bay GPS Coordinates:
26º 42.189N | 78º 59.872W
If you are interested in chartering a boat from the US for travel to Old Bahama Bay, we would be happy to put you in touch with a few top charter operators. Ask your reservations agent at 888.983.6188.
Daily Access by Cruise Ship or Fast Ferry
From Fort Lauderdale-Fast Ferry
Baleària Bahamas Express offers daily cruise ferry transportation departing from Ft Lauderdale into Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Visit http://www.ferryexpress.com for reservations or more information or call 1-866-699-6988
From West Palm Beach-Cruise in the comfort of a full cruise ship.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise line offers every other day cruises from West Palm Beach into Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. Visit http://www.bahamasparadisecruise.com for reservation or more information or call 1-800-995-3201
Shuttle and Taxi services are available at the port to safely transport you to Old Bahama Bay Resort and Yacht Harbour
Taxi Transportation
Download a full rate sheet for Grand Bahama Island taxi fares.
On-Site Rental Cars
Guests can rent cars in West End - perfect for a day or two of island exploring. Call (954) 234-2363 or (242) 477-8313 for more information.