Do You Need an Anchoring Permit in the Bahamas?
Reviewed by Captain Ronald RolleYes, foreign vessels anchoring in Bahamian waters pay separate anchorage fees unless staying exclusively at marinas. As of recent guidance, 30-day anchoring permits range from $50 to $200 based on vessel length. Six-month permits cost $150 to $1,000, and 12-month permits range from $200 to $1,500. Marina stays are exempt from these fees.
In addition to cruising permits, foreign pleasure vessels must obtain anchoring permits to legally anchor in Bahamian waters. These fees are separate from your cruising permit costs and apply specifically to time spent at anchor rather than in marinas.
The good news for some travelers: the anchoring permit no longer applies if your vessel stays exclusively in marinas throughout your visit. This exemption benefits boaters who prefer marina amenities and dock facilities over anchoring in protected harbors.
For vessels that do anchor, fees vary by boat length and permit duration. As of recent guidance, 30-day anchoring permits cost $50 for boats up to 30 feet, $100 for boats 31-100 feet, and $200 for vessels over 100 feet.
Six-month anchoring permits offer moderate savings for extended stays: $150 for boats up to 50 feet, $350 for 51-100 feet, and $1,000 for vessels over 100 feet. Twelve-month permits cost $200 for boats up to 50 feet, $350 for 51-100 feet, and $1,500 for vessels exceeding 100 feet.
These fees are collected through the Click2Clear system when you process your cruising permit and entry documentation. Payment is made electronically before or upon arrival.
For charter guests, these fees are typically included in your charter package and handled by the charter company or vessel owner. You should not need to process anchoring permits yourself when booking a crewed charter.
Fees are subject to change, so verify current rates through official Bahamas Customs sources before your trip. The anchoring fees were adjusted in April 2026 along with cruising permit fees.
Key points
- Anchoring fees are separate from cruising permit fees
- Fees waived if vessel stays exclusively at marinas
- 30-day anchoring: $50-$200 depending on vessel length
- 12-month anchoring: $200-$1,500 depending on vessel length
- Fees apply to foreign pleasure vessels only
Related questions
- Where can you anchor in the Abacos?
- The Abacos offers numerous protected anchorages including the harbours at Hope Town, Marsh Harbour, Man-O-War Cay, Green Turtle Cay, and Great Guana Cay. Your captain will know the best spots based on conditions and itinerary.
- Are moorings available in the Abacos?
- Yes, some locations in the Abacos have mooring balls available for a fee. These are particularly common in protected harbors where anchoring space is limited. Your captain will arrange mooring when appropriate.
More questions
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