Boating to Bimini

[Aquatic Ventures]

Do you have to clear customs if you just go for the day and never dock? We plan to tie up, dive twice, have lunch and then go home.

 

[diversteve]

I'd guess Yes since you're entering the sovereign territory of the Bahamas which is a foreign country. And you likely also have to clear in the U.S. on your return since you were technically in a foreign country.

 

[Don Wray]

When on the Juliet, we leave from Miami to Bimini. We were not allowed off the boat to even swim until the Captain had taken our passports into Cat Cay and cleared customs so I would also say yes. Then upon our arrival back into Miami, we had to wait on the customs officers to board the boat, talk to each diver, and clear us to exit the boat.

 

[Don Wray]

Oh, and I remember we had to have a Bahama's flag posted while in their waters.

 

[mike_s]

Do you have to clear customs if you just go for the day and never dock? We plan to tie up, dive twice, have lunch and then go home.

Yes... (as the others said)

And the Bahamas customs fee for a private boat over something like 30 feet is about $300 bucks. Kinda makes quickie trips to Bahamas a thing of the past since they started this rule and new fee schedule.


Since Don Wray mentioned flags, you fly the 'yellow quarentine' flag in Bahamian waters until you clear customs. this is to let them know you are heading in to clear. After you clear, you're supposed to fly their country flag also. (You fly it at the same height as your American flag on your mast. Not under it. ).

 

[Aquatic Ventures]

Thanks to all that's some very good info, I'll probably just stick to the keys.