Boaters heading to the islands this season should take note: The Bahamas has introduced a sweeping update to its cruising permit and anchorage fee structure as of April 1, 2026, impacting everything from entry costs to reentry privileges and long-term cruising options.
The revised regulations outline new pricing tiers based on vessel size and duration of stay, and they also introduce clearer guidelines for anchoring, passenger taxes, and the increasingly popular Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC).
Whether planning a short island hop or an extended stay, understanding these updated fees is essential for budgeting and compliance when cruising in the Bahamas in 2026 and beyond.
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Boating Bahamas Fee Update
New Fee Structure as of April 1, 2026:
Temporary Cruising Permits for Pleasure Vessels
Regulation 91 of the principal Regulation is amended in the new bill, with changes to temporary cruising permit fees. The fees for pleasure vessels are as follows:
Up to 30 days
- Not exceeding 30 feet in length – $150
- For vessels 31- 50 feet in length – $250.
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $350.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $600.
- Vessels on a 30 cruising permit are NOT entitled to a free reentry.
Up to 6 months
- Not exceeding 50 feet in length – $300
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $750.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $2,000.
- Vessels on a 6 month cruising permit are entitled to ONE free reentry within the duration of the permit.
Up to 12 months
- Not exceeding 50 feet in length – $500
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $1,000.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $3,000.
- Vessels on a 12 month cruising permit are entitled to TWO free reentries within the duration of the permit.
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.
- Entrance into The Bahamas twice within a 30 day period.
These fees will not apply for ancillary equipment being towed or on board a pleasure vessel, excluding 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 tax of $30.
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Anchorage Fees
Anchorage fees for foreign vessels, not mooring at a marina, have been amended in a new regulation 91B.
Up to 30 days
- Not exceeding 30 feet in length – $50
- For vessels 31 to 100 feet in length – $100.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $200.
Up to 6 months
- Not exceeding 50 feet in length – $150
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $350.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $1,000.
Up to 12 months
- Not exceeding 50 feet in length – $200
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $350.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $1,500.
On the FDCC Permit
- Not exceeding 50 feet in length – $200
- For vessels 51 to 100 feet in length – $350.
- For vessels over 100 feet in length – $1,500.
- Anchorage fees are valid for two years.
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Frequent Digital Cruising Card for Pleasure Vessels (FDCC)
Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) are available allowing unlimited visits for up to two years.
- For vessels under 50 feet in length – $1,500.
- For vessels 50 to 99 feet in length – $2,500.
- 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.
Temporary Fishing Permits for Pleasure Vessels (no changes)
Fishing Permits are no longer included in the Cruising Permit fee. Foreign pleasure vessel fishing permits fees:
- For vessels under 50 feet in length – $100.
- 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.
