New Bahamas Cruising Fees Explained: What Boaters Need to Know in 2025
Community
Jul 8, 2025
What's changed, what's new, and what do you need to know!
The Bahamas are a dream destination for many cruisers — but a wave of frustration is rippling through the boating community due to new changes in cruising permit costs and processes.
If you’re planning a trip to the islands by boat, here’s what you really need to know about the new digital system, fees, and clearance process for pleasure vessels entering Bahamian waters.
💸 What’s It Gonna Cost Me?
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the main permit fees depending on your vessel size:
🚤 12-Month Temporary Cruising
Under 50 ft: $500
50–99 ft: $1,000
100+ ft: $3,000
🎣 Fishing permits are now separate — no longer included in cruising fees. PLUS, they are monthly, so you'll need to renew it if staying longer than 30 days.
🎣 Fishing Permit (30 days only!)
Under 50 ft: $100
Over 50 ft: $300
⚓ New Anchorage Fees
Anchoring in Bahamian waters now comes with its own set of fees, regardless of whether you’re using marinas:
Under 50 ft: $200
50–99 ft: $350
100+ ft: $1,500
So what does it cost for a season in the Bahamas 🇧🇸
Let's look at vessels under 50ft (the most common for SeaPeople users and Bahamian boaters) that plan to anchor and fish (with a fishing line or spear).
Cruising Permit: $500
Fishing License: $100 (for month 1)
Anchoring Permit: $200
Total: $800
🔁 Frequent Cruisers: The FDCC Option
Planning to cruise The Bahamas multiple times per year? You may want the Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC):
Valid for 2 years
Allows unlimited entries
Must be tied to your vessel registration number
FDCC Fees:
Under 50 ft: $1,500
50–99 ft: $2,500
100+ ft: $8,000
The FDCC allows return trips to and from the Bahamas from foreign countries without the hassle of customs clearance and buying a new cruising permit. It's important to note that the 12 month (temporary) permit does not allow for re-entry. A new cruising permit would need to be purchased even if returning within the 12 months window (as it has always been)
🧒 Passenger Arrival Tax
$20 per person
Applies if more than 3 passengers (not including captain) age 6+ onboard and they are not Bahamian residents.
This fee only applies for manual (in-person) check-ins. This fee still applies even if your vessel is exempt from permit fees (e.g. second trip within 90 days).
⚠️ Why the Outrage?
Many boaters are frustrated because:
Fees have increased significantly, especially for anchoring and fishing
Fishing permits must now be renewed every 30 days
The FDCC, once seen as a cost-saving tool, now costs far more than traditional permits
The new digital process is confusing and requires multiple steps, including in-person visits
Our take
It's a tough one. The Bahamas has struggled for many years to cope with increased marine traffic. They need a budget to buy and crew vessels to properly patrol their waters and fisheries. Many of the small islands are overwhelmed with garbage from products bought in the USA or Caribbean. We also know there will be an impact on boating traffic to the Bahamas this year, as people seek to avoid these fees.
🧭 Bottom Line: Plan Ahead, Know the Cost
If you’re planning to cruise to the Bahamas this season:
Use the Click2Clear portal and follow their digital process
Budget for anchoring, fishing, and passenger taxes
Understand which type of permit (Temporary vs FDCC) fits your cruising style
Keep all receipts and documents in case you need to apply for a refund or waive-off
We’ll keep monitoring the situation — and if anything changes, you’ll hear it here first.
Got tips, experiences, or questions about navigating the new Bahamian rules? Join the conversation in the SeaPeople app — we’re tracking it all in real time. 🌊
PS: You must still clear in at a designated Port of Entry, where the captain checks in with Customs and Immigration — no one else may leave the boat until cleared.
Clearing out is only needed if you’re heading to a foreign port and need documentation. That process costs $75 and must be done manually.
