Bahamas Fee Increases Spark Concern Among Cruisers and Marine Industry
Effective July 1, 2025, a suite of new boating fees and regulatory changes enacted by the Bahamian government has sparked widespread concern among the cruising community, with reports of marina cancellations, boater backlash, and questions about the potential impact on local businesses.
The changes—part of the newly enacted Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill—dramatically increase the cost of cruising permits for visiting yachts, particularly those staying beyond a few days. For boats between 34 and 100 feet, the standard annual cruising permit will rise from $500 to $1,000. Vessels under 34 feet will now pay $500, up from $300. Larger yachts over 100 feet will face a $3,000 fee.
The new rules also introduce additional charges, including:
- A $300 fishing permit, which was previously included in the cruising fee
- Anchoring fees of up to $350 for boats between 34 and 100 feet
- A passenger tax of $30 per person over the age of six beyond three passengers
- Mandatory AIS installation for vessels 50 feet and longer, with noncompliance subject to a $1,000 fine
A new Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC), intended for repeat visitors, has also been introduced. Valid for two years, the FDCC ranges from $1,500 to $8,000 depending on vessel size and includes its own set of conditions and customs requirements.
Cruiser Reaction: Budget Concerns, Uncertainty
On sailing forums, social media groups, and dockside chats, many boaters—particularly long-range cruisers and seasonal Bahamas visitors—have voiced concern over the cumulative effect of the new costs.
One longtime cruiser posted on TrawlerForum:
“This is the 18th summer in a row we’ve spent in the Bahamas. I’m pretty sure we will keep coming, but I’m not positive. And if we do come, we’ll have to cut expenses somewhere—which means less money in the local economy.”
Another wrote:
“We had planned to go over this winter. Jeez, an extra $4K? We might rethink that plan now.”
Doug R., a Cruising World reader, contributor and repeat Bahamas visitor, emailed:
“The fees charged to cruisers have effectively tripled. Not sure of the reasons, but I suspect it will greatly reduce the number of budget-minded sailors going to the Bahamas.”
Industry Pushback: Marinas Feel the Ripple
Peter Maury, president of the Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM), told The Nassau Tribune that marina owners are already reporting cancellations stretching into the 2025–26 winter season. Maury emphasized that the rollout lacked clear communication and didn’t give stakeholders time to prepare.
“If they’d just increased the fees, it wouldn’t be as bad,” he said. “But now you have anchorage fees, cruising permits, fishing permits… We’re now nickel and dime-ing everyone to pieces.”
In districts like Bimini—long popular with Florida-based day-trippers—operators say the price increases may deter casual visitors. “No way a single tripper, which is 90 percent of Bimini visitors, is paying $800 before they leave the dock,” one marina staffer told local reporters.
Impact on Boaters: Planning, Compliance, Cost
Beyond the cost, the regulatory requirements raise practical concerns. Many mid-size cruising yachts will now need to install AIS transceivers to comply with the 50-foot threshold. While AIS is widely considered a valuable safety tool, the mandate—especially with an accompanying fine—has drawn criticism for its timing and lack of guidance.
For charter operators and bareboat clients, the additional expenses per trip may also alter itineraries, especially when stacked against other Caribbean destinations.
What It Means for Cruisers
For decades, the Bahamas have been a favored destination for U.S. sailors and liveaboard cruisers drawn by the proximity, clear water, and hundreds of anchorages. Whether these new regulations represent a long-term shift or a short-lived overreach remains to be seen. In 2020, a similarly restrictive COVID testing policy was quickly reversed after outcry from the cruising community.
For now, sailors planning a Bahamas cruise should carefully review the new requirements, budget accordingly, and follow trusted resources for updates. The full text of the Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill and a summary of fees is available online, and real-time discussions are unfolding on community sites such as TrawlerForum and Bahamas-based Facebook groups.
Editor’s Notes: Cruising World will continue monitoring this story as it evolves. Have you adjusted your Bahamas cruising plans? Let us know at editor@cruisingworld.com. Sources in compiling this story include Marine Industry News, The Nassau Tribune, The Trawler Forum, Soundings Trade Only, and Cruising World audience correspondence.
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