Bahamas Cruising Permits (2025): Costs, Rules, and How to Apply
If you plan to bring a boat into The Bahamas, you are required to obtain a Bahamas cruising permit. This applies to all foreign pleasure vessels, regardless of size, flag, or length of stay. Cruising without a permit is not legal and can result in fines or denial of entry.
What Is a Bahamas Cruising Permit?
A cruising permit is issued by Bahamian Customs and allows your vessel to legally:
- Enter Bahamian waters
- Cruise between islands
- Anchor outside marinas (with anchorage fee)
- Remain in The Bahamas for up to 12 months
Every foreign vessel must obtain either a standard cruising permit or a Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC).
Bahamas Cruising Permit Costs (2025)
Cruising permit fees are based on the length of your vessel. The following government fees are current as of 2025.
- Vessels up to 50 ft: $500 cruising permit
- Vessels 50–100 ft: $1,000 cruising permit
- Vessels over 100 ft: $3,000 cruising permit
The standard cruising permit is valid for up to 12 months.
Mandatory Anchorage Fees
Anchorage fees are required for vessels anchoring outside of marinas and are charged separately from the cruising permit.
- Up to 50 ft: $200
- 50–100 ft: $350
- Over 100 ft: $1,500
Optional Bahamas Fishing Permit
If you plan to fish while cruising in The Bahamas, a fishing permit is required.
- Up to 50 ft: $100
- Over 50 ft: $300
Passenger Tax
A passenger tax of $30 per person applies to non-residents beyond the first three persons onboard.
Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC)
The Frequent Digital Cruising Card is a two-year option for boaters who plan to visit The Bahamas multiple times.
- Up to 50 ft: $1,500
- 50–100 ft: $2,500
- Over 100 ft: $8,000
FDCC does not include anchorage or fishing permits — those fees still apply.
How to Apply for a Bahamas Cruising Permit
Boaters may apply directly through the Bahamian government’s official portal, Click2Clear. This system allows you to submit your own application and supporting details.
However, many boaters find the process time-consuming and confusing, especially when entering vessel details, passenger information, and prior ports of call. Even small errors can delay approval.
A Faster, Simpler Option
If you’d rather avoid the hassle, we can handle the entire process for you.
When you apply with us, we manage everything from submission to approval — reviewing your information, handling the paperwork, and tracking your permit until it is issued.
Our application process is designed to be significantly faster and easier than Click2Clear, while still fully compliant with Bahamian requirements. For a small service fee, you save time, avoid mistakes, and get peace of mind.
Apply once, and we take it from there.