You’re motoring through the turquoise shallows of the Great Bahama Bank, the yellow quarantine flag snapping in the breeze, and the customs officer is already on the radio. The 30-day temporary cruising permit for a vessel between 50 and 100 feet costs $350, and you’ll need to pay it before you drop anchor anywhere else. This is the reality of cruising the Bahamas Banks as a yacht owner — a mix of open-water freedom and paperwork that has to be handled in the right order.
This guide is for first-time and returning yacht owners who want to navigate the Banks without surprises. We’ll cover the regulations, the packing list, and a sample five-day route that takes you from Nassau through the Exumas and over to the Abacos. The pacing is realistic, but we’ll flag where you can cut if time is tight.
Foreign pleasure vessels over 50 feet must have AIS active at all times in Bahamian waters; non-compliance carries a $1,000 fine.
Clearing in takes about an hour if you’ve submitted your paperwork through the Click2Clear system beforehand. If you haven’t, budget two hours — and don’t let anyone leave the boat until the captain is cleared. The biggest pacing mistake I see is people trying to clear in late afternoon and getting stuck overnight at the dock.
First-time Bahamas cruisersExperienced skippersFamilies with older kids
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Nassau | Clear customs, obtain cruising permit, provision | 4–5 hours (including dock time) | Submit Click2Clear online before you leave the dock. Source |
| Day 2 | Great Bahama Bank → Exumas (Staniel Cay) | Cross the Bank, anchor at Staniel Cay | 6–7 hours underway | Leave Nassau by 8 AM to cross the Bank before afternoon squalls. |
| Day 3 | Exumas (Thunderball Grotto area) | Explore the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park | Full day | You need a park permit ($40 for 7 days, available at the park headquarters). |
| Day 4 | Little Bahama Bank → Green Turtle Cay, Abacos | Cross the Bank, clear in at Green Turtle Cay | 7–8 hours underway | Check tide windows — the Little Bahama Bank has shallow spots at low tide. |
| Day 5 | Green Turtle Cay → Nassau (or return to US) | Sail back, clear out at Nassau, report to US CBP | 8–9 hours underway | Surrender your Immigration Card at the last Bahamian port. Departure tax covers up to 3 people; each extra person is $30. |
This five-day route is designed to give you a solid taste of the Banks without being rushed. Day 3 and Day 5 are the longest days on the water — we’ll call them out where you should consider cutting a stop.
Nassau — The Gateway to the Banks
Start here because it’s the busiest Port of Entry and the easiest place to get your paperwork in order. The Nassau layover itinerary covers what to do with a few hours, but for yacht owners, the priority is clearance.
Fly the yellow quarantine flag. Call Nassau Harbour Control on VHF 16 for docking instructions. Time at dock: 45 minutes. After clearing, you can move to a marina or anchor in the harbour. Bahamas.com has the full list of Ports of Entry.
Customs officials will board. Present: one Customs Clearance Form, one Immigration Card per person, passports, vessel registration, and proof of AIS compliance (if vessel > 50 ft). Time: 30–60 minutes. Payment: cash or credit note via Click2Clear. Fees listed here.
Nassau has several supermarkets and fuel docks. Budget 2 hours. If you skip provisioning, you’ll pay more at remote cays. What to cut if short on time: Skip the provisioning step and pick up essentials at Staniel Cay — it’s more expensive but saves a morning.
Nassau is a busy port, so expect some noise at anchor. If you want a quieter first night, book a slip at a marina like Nassau Yacht Haven. See an interactive map of places to stay for marina options.
Crossing the Great Bahama Bank to the Exumas
This is the leg that makes the Banks famous — shallow water, 360-degree horizon, and the occasional sandbar. The route is straightforward: follow the marked channel out of Nassau, then head south-east across the Bank.
Time underway: 4–5 hours at 8 knots. Depth averages 10–15 feet, so keep an eye on the chartplotter. The Explorer Chartbook – Near Bahamas is recommended for this stretch. Bahamas.com lists it as a key resource.
Anchor in the harbour or take a mooring ball. Time on site: 1 night. Staniel Cay has a small grocery, a fuel dock, and the famous swimming pigs. No formal clearing here — you already cleared in Nassau.
This day is long but manageable. If you’re running late, you can shorten the crossing by stopping at the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park entrance instead — but that adds an extra day later.
Exploring the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park
The park covers 176 square miles of protected waters. You’ll need a park permit ($40 for 7 days, available at the park headquarters on Warderick Wells).
Time on site: 3 hours. Hike the trail to the highest point for views of the entire park. The park headquarters has mooring balls — reserve ahead in season. Park regulations require no fishing within the boundaries.
Time on site: 1.5 hours. The grotto is only accessible at high tide. Check tide tables before you go. What to cut if short on time: Skip the grotto and head straight to the next stop — the park is the main draw.
Bring a snorkel rig that fits the whole family. The Insta360 X5 is great for capturing the underwater action — its 8K 360° video and invisible selfie stick effect let you film the grotto without worrying about framing.
This is a full day — you’ll be on the water from 9 AM to 5 PM. If you have young kids, consider cutting the grotto and just doing the park hike and a beach picnic.
Crossing the Little Bahama Bank to the Abacos
From the Exumas, you’ll need to backtrack north-west across the Bank to reach the Abacos. This is the longest day of the trip.
Time underway: 6–7 hours at 8 knots. The Bank is shallow — 10–12 feet in most places — but has a few 4-foot spots at low tide. Plan your departure to arrive at the Abacos with at least 2 hours of daylight. Refer to the passage planning guides for detailed routes.
Green Turtle Cay is a designated Port of Entry. You do not need to clear again, but you must check in with the harbour master if you plan to stay more than 24 hours. Time: 30 minutes. Customs fees are already paid — bring your cruising permit.
This day is tight. If you’re tired, you can split the crossing by overnighting at the northern edge of the Exuma Cays or at the southern tip of the Abacos. But that adds a day.
Return to Nassau or Departure
Your last day is a long haul back to Nassau. If you’re returning to the US, you’ll need to clear out at a Bahamian Port of Entry.
Time underway: 8–9 hours at 8 knots. Depart by 6 AM to arrive before 4 PM. If you’re leaving the Bahamas, proceed directly to Nassau Harbour for clearance.
Surrender your Immigration Card at the customs office. Departure tax covers up to 3 people on board; each additional person is $30. Exiting policies require you to call US CBP at 1-800-432-1216 upon arrival in the US.
Making It Work — Logistics for the Banks
The most common failure point for yacht owners is underestimating the paperwork and the shallow water. Here’s what you need to know.
Getting Around the Banks
You’ll need a reliable chartplotter with bathymetric data. The Explorer Chartbook – Near Bahamas is the most trusted paper guide. For electronics, a GPS with depth sounder is essential. Bahamas.com recommends using the Bahamas Quick Reference Cruising Guide for quick reference.
Trip Timing and Weather Windows
November to April is the best season — calm seas, moderate trade winds, and minimal risk of hurricanes. Avoid June through October. The Banks are exposed to the Atlantic, so a 15-knot wind can build 3–4 foot seas. Check the weather buoy data before crossing.
Cost Reality
Permit fees are the biggest upfront cost. A 30-day permit for a 50–100 ft vessel is $350. A 6-month permit is $750. If you plan to return, the Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC) is $2,500 for the same size — includes anchorage fees for two years. Full fee schedule.
The $1,000 fine for AIS non-compliance is real. If your vessel is over 50 ft, make sure your AIS is transmitting before you leave the dock. The fine is issued on the spot, and you can’t clear out without paying it.
- Submit your Click2Clear paperwork at least 24 hours before arrival.
- Buy a 6-month permit if you plan to return within the year — it’s cheaper than two 30-day permits.
- Carry a backup paper chart — GPS can fail in remote areas.
- Pack a drone like the DJI Mini 3 for aerial shots of the Banks — its 4K HDR camera and 114-minute total flight time (3 batteries) are perfect for capturing the vastness of the shallow water.
Before You Go — Reader Q&A
Do I need a fishing permit?
Yes, if you fish from a non-Bahamian owned vessel. The Temporary Fishing Permit costs $100 for vessels under 50 ft, $300 for 50 ft and over, and is valid for 30 days. Details here.
Can I bring a firearm on board?
Yes, but you must declare it with Bahamas Customs. Provide the serial number, manufacturer, and exact count of ammunition. The weapon must remain locked and keyed. In an emergency requiring air departure, notify Bahamian Police or Customs.
What’s the biggest downside of the Banks?
The shallow water can be nerve-wracking. The Banks are only 10–15 feet deep on average, and a miscalculation can leave you aground for hours. It’s also remote — medical help is at least an hour away by boat. Skip this route if you’re not comfortable with shallow-water navigation.
How do I clear out when leaving?
Surrender your Immigration Card at the last Bahamian port. The departure tax covers up to 3 people on board; each extra person is $30. Then call US CBP at 1-800-432-1216 upon arrival in the US. Full exit guide.
Your First Bahamas Banks Cruise — What to Expect
The Banks reward patience and preparation. The paperwork is real, but once you’re through the clearance, the water opens up in a way that few places can match. If you’re planning a longer trip, our 10-day Out Island hopping route takes you deeper into the Ragged Islands and the Jumentos — a true Banks adventure.
Sources and further reading
My Out Islands. “Boating Regulations.” 2026. 🔗
Bahamas.com. “Boat Regulations.” 2026. 🔗
Related reading on IslandHopperGuides
The Photographer’s Route Through the Bahamas’ Most Photogenic Corners — a visual-minded itinerary that pairs well with drone and camera gear.
How to Plan a Girls’ Trip to the Bahamas That Actually Relaxes Everyone — covers the quieter side of the Out Islands, useful for planning a crew-change stop.
The Bachelor Party Itinerary That Doesn’t End in Regret — includes Nassau nightlife tips if your crew wants a night ashore.