Bahamas Cruising Fee Increase

[mcain]

I have not seen this topic since the increase. Apparently the Bahamas increased the entry fee from $100 to $300 for boats over 35 feet. This is a per-entry fee. If you go on a weekend, then leave and return the next weekend, it is $300 EACH TRIP.
There is a website http://www.boycottbahamas.com/ that has more details and a place to comment.

[salnan]

Some interesting "friendly" discussion on the topic under this thread on another forum:

http://cruiserlog.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=Forum&action=display&num=105872668 8

Don''t mean to send you all over to another forum but it''s interesting.

Sally

[Stede]

The following are some remarks made in the Oct.,2003 issue of "Sailing" magazine.

"The former fee of $100 for all vessels has been raised to $150 for boats 35 feet and under and a whopping $300 for boats longer than 35 feet.That means if you sail a 36-foot sailboat from Southern Florida to Bimini or Cat Cay for the weekend you have to pony up 300 bucks,even if you spend a single night in Bahamian waters.The new fees also include a fishing permit and eliminates all overtime fees for customs and immigration agents.Although the Bahamian government is trying to lay blame on increased harbor security costs since 9/11,most sailors aren''t buying it."

I believe there was a previous post here on Sailnet concerning this increase from the director of Tourism-Bahamas,or a similar title,that indicated this increase has been tabled until Jan.2004. It looks like if nothing changes between now and then,the above changes will occur.As also previously mentioned on this board, there is a website where you can voice your opposition to these changes.www.boycottbahamas.com