Is There a Passenger Tax for Charter Guests in the Bahamas?

By Sail Abacos, Editorial Team

Reviewed by Captain Ronald Rolle

The Bahamas assesses a passenger tax on foreign pleasure vessels carrying more than three passengers. This per-person charge of $30 applies to each additional guest over the age of six who is not ordinarily a resident of the Bahamas.

The calculation is straightforward. For a vessel with the standard three passengers or fewer, no additional passenger tax applies. With four passengers, you pay $30 for the fourth person. With six passengers, you pay $90 total ($30 each for passengers four, five, and six). Children under six years old are exempt from this charge.

This fee is separate from cruising permits, anchoring permits, and fishing permits. It is collected as part of your Click2Clear declaration and payment when processing entry documentation.

For charter guests booking a crewed yacht, this passenger tax is typically factored into your charter package price or clearly disclosed as an additional fee. When comparing charter quotes, ask whether government fees are included or additional. Reputable charter operators provide transparent pricing that accounts for all required Bahamas entry fees.

The passenger tax helps fund Bahamas tourism infrastructure and services that visitors enjoy. It applies specifically to pleasure vessels rather than commercial passenger ferries or cruise ships, which have separate fee structures.

When planning your charter budget, factor in these per-person costs along with cruising permits, anchoring fees (if anchoring rather than staying at marinas), and fishing permits if you plan to fish. Your charter company can provide a detailed breakdown of expected government fees for your specific trip.

More Bahamas answers.