Guide to Enjoying the Bahamas by Boat

One of the greatest draws to the boating lifestyle is the freedom that comes with leaving the world and its obligations behind. You can put the complications of daily life aside while your batteries recharge—as you fish, dive, or simply exist on the blue water.

If you want to take a master class in chilled vibes, join the number of Florida-based boaters that have elevated relaxation to an art form by visiting our neighbors to the east, adopting the Bahamian culture—at least for a little while. If you haven’t crossed to the islands on your own, the idea of sailing into the unknown can be understandably intimidating, but it’s easier than you think.

The voyage is typically less eventful than imagined. Logistics and paperwork processing for customs and immigration can seem overwhelming—even annoying—especially when you remember things move a bit more slowly on island time. These simple steps will smooth out rough edges and have you on your way to rest and relaxation in no time.

Customs

You’ll need to check in at a Bahamas customs office immediately upon arrival. The closest port to Jupiter and Stuart with a customs office is West End, Grand Bahama, which lies just under 70 miles southeast of Jupiter. Before you depart, install the free U.S. Customs and Board Protection’s (CBP) ROAM mobile app, which allows pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry via a personal smartphone or tablet as an alternative to face-to-face inspections. A visit to cbp.gov will steer you through the necessary steps to simplify the clearance process. Using Click2Clear allows you the ability to pre-fill registration forms before you depart to speed up the process upon arrival—a tip you’ll definitely be thankful for. Note: You’ll still need to clear customs each time you depart and return.

Passports

Everyone on board will need a passport valid for at least three months beyond the travel dates.

Permits and Fees

You’ll need to purchase a cruising permit. Boats up to 30 feet pay $150, 31 to 50 feet pay $250, 51 to 100 feet pay $350, and 101 plus–feet pay $600. The first three passengers will be covered under your cruising permit fee. Additional passengers will be charged $30 each. If you’re an angler, a fishing permit is $100 for boats up to 50 feet and $300 for boats over 51 feet. Should you decide to stay overnight on your anchor rather than at a marina, an anchorage fee of $50 for up to 30-foot boats, $100 for 31- to 100-foot boats, and $200 for 101 plus–foot boats also apply. These fees cover you for 30 days, but longer duration permits are available for an additional charge. 

Safety

Always be sure your mechanical systems are in top working order before you depart. Additionally, check all safety equipment before you go and file a float plan with someone you know including your destinations as well as departure and arrival places and times. Be aware of the long-range weather forecast. For safety and convenience, a satellite phone or Star Link on a boat offers security you can’t put a price on.

Beyond that, it’s mostly relaxing and exploring, but be forewarned: the colors, tastes, and slower pace of the islands can be habit-forming.