The Bahamas Raised Fees Too Far… Now They’re Reversing Course
April 13, 2026 · 15 min · 60K views · Thailand
What this video covers
The Bahamas reversed its 2025 cruising permit fee structure effective April 1, 2026, cutting rates roughly 30% after the cruising fleet dropped 40%, marina occupancy fell 50–60%, and the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show was cancelled for the first time.0:04 The 2025 structure had effectively doubled fees and forced all vessels into annual permits regardless of stay length — under 50 feet paid $500 for the cruising permit plus a new $200 anchorage fee and a $100/month fishing permit that had previously been included at no extra charge.6:07 The revised structure introduces 30-day, 60-day, six-month, and 12-month tiers.8:12 A six-month permit for a boat under 50 feet now costs $300 for the cruising permit plus $150 anchorage, down from $800 total under the 2025 rules.10:35 Bobby, recording from Thailand aboard his Island Spirit 52, estimates marina losses alone at $25 million over ten months, with broader economic losses approaching $100 million.2:57 The fishing permit structure remains unchanged and still charges $100–$300 per 30 days.7:34 The core problem was forcing short-stay cruisers — most of whom can only spend three to six months due to insurance restrictions — into annual-permit pricing, which drove them to other destinations entirely.4:51
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