Bahamian Island trip

[bignefan]

Triing to figure out a trip to the Bahamas in June.Got passports allready I haven't boated there before and was wondering what are the fees that customs charges and how much a fishing license cost there ? Any tips or suggestions?

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

I assume you are going to Freeport. Last time I checked it was around $150 per boat and that covered up to 6 people. you can look their phone number up online..I have never boated over there either but I have been there a couple of times and from what I learned you are supposed to radio freeport as you come into Bahamian waters and fly the quarantine flag until you reach the port of entry.. then all passengers are to remain on board as the captain goes up to the office for registration.

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Which Island are you going to? Fees are $150 for up to 35' and $300 for over 35' which includes a cruising permit and fishing license. You are then free to roam. The fee is for 4 people, if more then. a departure tax is added for each person over the 4 is $15. Depending on your entry location determines the process. Fly the quarantine flag, radio the marina, and follow instructions. Really simple. I've lost count on how many times I've made the crossing.

Rentry to the US is another process.

Good Luck!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

what is the reentry process??? I know you use to just make a phone call...has it changed??

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

what is the reentry process??? I know you use to just make a phone call...has it changed??

Still call the 1-800 number upon returning to your port in the US. They may ask you to show up at a point of entry with your passport. Usually within 24 hrs. I have a card (don't recall the name, but can if you wish) that allows me to simply call the #, give them my name and card #, passport info and not have to show up in person. Several "ifs" are involved also.

I have been a frequent traveler to the Bahamas and always check with US Customs and Border Protection prior to departure.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

does everyone need the card or just the Captain?? I assume I could contact US Customs and receive such a card?? Thanks

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

does everyone need the card or just the Captain?? I assume I could contact US Customs and receive such a card?? Thanks

Everyone onboard needs the card. The card may be obtained at your nearest Point of Entry. You must show up in person. A background check is required. As always.....contact Customs and Border before leaving the US to be sure you have all the proper documentation.

Good Luck!

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

you have been very helpful...this is super informative...may it should be a sticky. Have a great day
While we are on the subject, where is the best place to go for fishing/snorkeling. I have been snorkeling/fishing near Pelican Point on the South side of the island. There was decent bone fishing there and good sling spear fishing around the deep holes that were just off shore in about 8-15 foot of water. lots of sharks and barracuda also. I also went snorkeling at dead mans reef, I am not sure if you can fish there though. I was wondering if the North side of the island or maybe the East end around all the Cays was better for fishing?

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

I haven't done much snorkeling or fishing from land, only by boat. There is an island off of Pelican Point that we always stopped to fish for yellowtail snapper and it is great snorkeling too, but you need a boat. The best fishing I found is off Freeport around the oil tanker stations. Wahoo, Dolphin, a few Marlin. Many places to bottom fish also. The locals swear about the east end around some if the islands, but I have not had any luck there. West End is some of the best, where big tuna can be found. I always stayed at Port Lucaya, and if your after tarpon, at night the place is loaded with them around the dock lights.

 

[bignefan]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Thanks sasto
We're headed to Bimini Island there supposedly a concrete ship that is great for diving.Plus a friend of a friend has a house there that we can stay at. I got our yellow and Bahamian flag today. Triing to convince a couple of other friend to come along.The wife and I are patientently waiting for school to be out so we can ship off the kids to grandmas for a long weekend.I didn't know about the re enter process thanks for the heads up, I will be sure to make the call before we get to close to see what the drill is. THANKS AGAIN

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

I have also stayed at Port Lucaya. I saw fish around the docks but never thought tarpon would be in there. How would you catch them at night??

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

I didn't know about the re enter process thanks for the heads up, I will be sure to make the call before we get to close to see what the drill is.

In Bimini you will find many places to snorkle. Back in the rum and drug running days many vessels went down in and around Bimini. You may want to call Customs and Border to inquire about their identification sticker. They assign a number to your boat for easy identification and knowledge of the owner. I always check in West Palm Beach, never a big deal....yet. Where are you departing from?

Hey Sparkie....leftover ballyhoo from a day of offshore fishing.

 

[bignefan]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Still not getting notification when post are replied to, so sorry about the time frame of replies.We're heading out of Ft Lauderdale and Port of re-entry would be Port Everglades. You've made me curios now,so I'll give customes a call ..I seen on a web page
"Phone in arrivals:
Masters, crew and passengers must report their arrivals immediately upon entering the United States by going to a designated reporting location or calling the following 1-800 numbers: 1-800-432-1216, 1-800-451-0393
Lauderdale Marina
Sundays and Mondays
12 noon ? 8 PM
Upon completion of phoning in arrival, boaters will be directed to the nearest Port of Entry to present themselves and any passengers for a face-to-face interview within 24 hours
Miami Field Office
CBP Public Affairs
Phone: (305) 810-5264 or
(305) 219-0628


Have you ever just checked in? Maybe thats easier than waiting for instruction for 24 hrs,but then again probable just want to get home after that trip.They don't leave to big of a window for us. We'll keep check stuff out and get it done

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Have you ever just checked in? Maybe thats easier than waiting for instruction for 24 hrs,but then again probable just want to get home after that trip.They don't leave to big of a window for us. We'll keep check stuff out and get it done

Make the call. If they are open when you reach your home port, then you may report in at that time. Only takes a few minutes. This must be done within 24hrs. As a frequent traveler to the BS I have a special card so that I don't have to report in person. Just a call. I'll get you the name of the card if you wish, or call your point of entry and make an appointment to recieve one.

Whether entering the BS or US try to do it during business hours or there may be an additional fee tacked on for overtime.

Have Fun!

PS: I did some searching and I think it is a NEXUS card, but I will verify.

 

[Dustin099]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Just for kicks- what would be the smallest boat you would make the Florida to Bahamas trip in. On a supposed "calm day" with a light southwest win (that's optimum conditions right)?

I've heard of people doing it on Seadoos.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

I personally would not want to go there in anything under a deep vee 20' boat..in case it gets rough on the return..it can get nasty quick..imagine having to be stuck in the Bahamas and extra week or so waiting on seas to calm down...I suddenly find myself second guessing the 20' boat...maybe a 14' McKee craft would work. LOL

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

Just for kicks- what would be the smallest boat you would make the Florida to Bahamas trip in. On a supposed "calm day" with a light southwest win (that's optimum conditions right)?

I've heard of people doing it on Seadoos.

We went to West End, Grand Bahama Island in an 18' center console. We left just after a low front came thru. Seas were 1 to 2'. We had a slight north wind which caused the northward flowing gulf stream a little choppy. Winds switched out of the east for the trip home. 60 mile trip running 20kts.

There is a group just south of me that take jet fleas every year. On a good day I suppose they could get there in a little over an hour.

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

..imagine having to be stuck in the Bahamas and extra week or so waiting on seas to calm down..

Not a bad thing if your having fun, Sparkie.

I can make it to the south shore of Dominican Republic with stops at Grand Bahama, San Salvador, Turks and Caicos, Luperon, Dominican Republic, and land in south DR at Casa de Campo, which would equil 5 days of running. At times I have taken over a month due to frontal systems passing thru. And this is in a 58 Viking Sportfish. You just never know.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

one day maybe i can get me a good sail boat and just take my time all the way down and around south america and up to Washington State and back...Any thoughs on a Catamaran style boat instaed of a single hull style??

 

[sasto]

Re: Bahamian Island trip

.Any thoughs on a Catamaran style boat instaed of a single hull style??

Some I know will have nothing else, Sparkie. They do make for a good island hopper.