Just call one of our agents and they will start your Day trip that will include a wounderfull swim with the pigs Snacks, Some water sports and beach activities ( non-motorized activities), Round trip ground transportation from port to resort Round trip Cruise. We are a Canadian couple on a Canadian registered sail boat returning to a Florida port. Returns to Fort Lauderdale at 10:00 PM. Choosing your crew is a very important part of the planning. It is very rare to actually be inspected at check-in. Required fields are marked *. Click here. According to the Bahamian government website, visiting boaters must clear Bahamas Customs & Immigration at the nearest designated port of entry; fly the yellow quarantine flag and notify customs of your arrival. The pigs have landed in freeport, Bahamas for you to enjoy. Click to see all 30 topics covered! I have two comments. 1) We usually inform our credit cards that we are going to a new state/country. Florida To Bahamas, Nassau and Eleuthera. Bahamas Marinas. NOTE: Legal requirements can always change and I make no guarantees about this list having absolutely everything. Thanks for all the great information, Carolyn. Your website has been a wealth of knowledge for us. NOTE: This list assumes a US boat, US citizens, coming from the US and going directly to the Bahamas. Raising the Bahamas Courtesy Flag, and our 1 year cruising permit. I also saw your post about taking young children on the crossing. We uploaded the permit application on Monday and received the approved permit back on Thursday of the same week! . Thanks very much for the helpful checklist list. Along the way, we sold pretty much everything we owned (twice! There is a lot of planning involved when you are going to the Bahamas by boat, and even more, planning is needed if you are going on a small boat or PWC. January 23, 2021 By Carolyn Shearlock/Rick Marcarelli, Looking for a simple, affordable, and comfortable cruising boat? From a variety of locations off of Florida's coast, you have the opportunity to start crossing the Gulf … But people take small boats across the Gulf Stream all the time. Use of a beach resort amenities for the day, All you can drinks at the hotel (Soft and alcoholic beverages) To enter the Bahamas, private vessels need a Bahamas customs clearance form, one Bahamas immigration card per person aboard, and proof of citizenship (a U.S. passport). If you are a boat owner in the South Florida area, slipping away to a tropical playground full of fishing, diving and relaxation is a piece of cake thanks to the popular and nearby out island destination of Bimini, Bahamas. Requirements can vary according to the boat and people’s nationality. Let Bahamas Ferries take you on a voyage of discovery through the islands of The Bahamas. If any U.S. residents are interested the CDC has a thorough and informative site at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destination Thanks for a wonderful and informative website. Take the 2 night cruise to swim with the dolphins in Freeport Bahamas. You can also Cruise To Stay™ one or more nights in the Bahamas, Getting to this fun Island of Freeport is Easy, having a fun or relaxing time is even easier. Pirate's Cove Zipline and Waterpark is Freeport's very first Adventure Theme Park and is now the newest attraction for Grand Bahama Island. The pigs have landed in freeport, Bahamas for you to enjoy. All of a sudden, while I was looking off the boat, a huge swordfish jumped and flew out of the water not more than 50 feet from us. One thing that living on a boat is famous for: inability to plan. We will definitely use him again. Fuel, marinas, and resorts are plentiful in the closer islands. Making the crossing from Florida to the Bahamas on the Yamaha 210 FSH is a lot of fun, but it does take preparation. Book a hotel on the island and stay for a few days. No I don’t, but let me check in with some friends and see if I can put one together! Explore all Eleuthera has to offer by staying at local Hotels & Airbnb’s, rent a car, and explore the island by land as well as by boat! I consider crossing the Gulf Stream something to get over with so we can enjoy the Bahamas, not … During our crossing we traveled over water that was 2500 feet deep. and learned a ton about what does and doesn't work! It’s time now to leave The Bahamas and the question arises…do we need to officially Exit the islands and turn in our immigration cards? The communication from Wellington was excellent and we saved money using his service. Thanks so much for sharing the information. CHECK IN at Fort Lauderdale - 5:00AM - 6:45AM ***GATES CLOSE @ 7:00AM SHARP*** CHECK IN at Freeport 4:00PM - 5:30PM ***GATES CLOSE @ 6:00PM SHARP*** Noonsite says that you cannot bring meat and meat products except for your own consumption so you should be fine there. Going from Florida to the Bahamas by boat takes you through the open ocean. Leaves from Fort Lauderdale cruise port everglades goes to Freeport, Bahamas and comes back all in one day. It’s always best to send by FedEx, UPS or DHL. Quick, get started today and you will be on your way to the tropical islands of your choice. • Tips from Carolyn One from our country of registration would be ok? Leaves Freeport at 6:30 pm Bahamas tend to be a winter destination so there are very few boats crossing to the Bahamas in May (most are returning). US citizens may travel with their Drivers licence and State issued original Birth Certificate, (IF SAILING FROM MIAMI), Stay on the island for a while longer? call 954-969-0069 to start your vacation today, Let Bahamas Shuttle Boat take you to swim with the pigs in Freeport, Bahamas. . I sent Mike the link to your blog posting. Try the one day cruises from Fort Lauderdale or Miami cruise ports, If you need hotels near the Cruise Port Everglades call toll free 800-327-1390For Cruise Port Everglades call 954-523-3404. Once winter has passed, boats can anchor just about anywhere along the 45-mile western shore of Cat Island, sheltered from the prevailing easterlies. Read our privacy policy. Bahamas Crossings If you are considering relocating a vessel either departing or returning between the Bahamas and Florida, Captain James Lowe has made multiple crossings of the Gulf stream between The Bahamas and Florida and can accompany you or relocate the vessel for you. There is no better way to cross, in my opinion. If you want to visit the Bahamas by boat and are leaving from Florida, Crossing the Gulf Stream is one of your most important things to consider. If we do not officially Exit, will this affect our Entry into the US? tips, reviews and how-to's for your liveaboard cruising, Published on February 19, 2018; last updated on June 12, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock. Are the Bahamas in your winter sailing plans? preparing to cruise • overcoming problems. In addition, calls to USA and Canada are included in your minutes. Oceanfront activity center offering floating bouncy slides, a bar and grill, banana boat rides and shopping. Can you enhance our understanding of what we can or CANNOT bring with us? I’VE STARTED CRUISING AND I’M FRUSTRATED AND OVERWHELMED, living on a boat • cooking & food • gear South Florida is a great place to visit and even better to live, and one of the many things that makes it even greater is the proximity to many tropical and sub-tropical islands. Looks like an updated SVRS is up and running. By Kimberly Smith April 19, 2017. The CDC one is what I always refer to. Planning to cruise the Bahamas? • Totally FREE – one email a week, I’M THINKING ABOUT LIVING ON A BOAT AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START. Learn everything you need to know with Get Ready to Cruise the Bahamas. Entering Policies . It is always a better way to go so it's worth asking on VHF 16 before you go. Thanks again for doing our homework for us! How to prepare for a cruising trip to the Bahamas – Provisioning – What should you take with you – The best weather and strategies for the Gulf Stream crossing – Our experience of the Gulf Stream crossing – Arrival to Bimini – How to check in to the Bahamas. I’d love to try Aliv, but they don’t have any offices in Bimini it the Berries, and Mr. Sim Card doesn’t work with them to get a card in the US. Your email address will not be published. One thing that living on a boat is famous for: inability to plan. I’m on several Bahamas cruising groups in Florida and Marathon is a major staging area for crossing to the Bahamas and I have not heard of anyone having a problem with any food they’ve taken. From BoatUS Magazine, America's Most-Trusted Boating Magazine. Bimini is only about 50 miles due east from the Port of Miami. I remember that well from planning our crossing in 2016 — I was so confused by what all I read. When making the crossing, there are three main things to consider: the speed of your boat (obviously include the wind speed if under sail), the Gulf Stream current that will be affecting your navigation, and the weather. Bimini Bahamas by Boat - How to Make the Crossing - YouTube Your email address will not be published. This fast-flowing current is part of the North Atlantic Gyre and flows northward from the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Just call one of our agents and they will start your Day trip that will include a wounderfull swim with the pigs • Popular articles you may have missed The island really has it going on. If you have a pet, be sure to take all their documents, too. So while you lose a little speed and burn a bit more fuel, it’s still very straight-forward navigating in the right conditions. I'm Carolyn Shearlock. Every Bahamas guide book suggests you dress “neatly” for your clearing-in process. If you were crossing in November or December it is usually easy to get a buddy boat or two with whom to do the crossing. An overview and comparison of 10 of the most popular small catamarans. The Bahamas tops the list of Things to Do in the Caribbean. We will never sell your email or send spam. The Boat Galley can be overwhelming with over 1,200 articles. I'm glad you had a good crossing and hope you enjoy your time in the Bahamas! Cat has one of the most unusual landmarks in the Bahamas—the Hermitage atop Mount Alvernia, the highest point in all the island nation. You’ll need a strong and stable boat to face the wind and the current. It is not available online, but both it and the customs form can be obtained from The Bahamas Tourist Office in Plantation, Florida. You can therefore go for the day although it will be quite expensive ($2,000 to $3,000 dollars) because there is no “regular” Crossing the Gulf Stream by boat from Florida to the Bahamas takes more planning than most routes. There may be requirements that I don’t know about for other combinations. Hi! I’m not making any guarantees, but simply have not heard of anyone having a problem or even being asked. Ride along with Yamaha brand ambassador Danny Hampson and lean more. If you want to get the ferry schedule to Bahamas click in our booking engine. Balearia Caribbean offers the only direct fast ferry service between Fort Lauderdale (Fl) and Freeport (Grand Bahama), and from Fort Lauderdale (Fl) to Bimini (Alice Town). By Kimberly Smith April 19, 2017. Bahamas Crossings If you are considering relocating a vessel either departing or returning between the Bahamas and Florida, Captain James Lowe has made multiple crossings of the Gulf stream between The Bahamas and Florida and can accompany you or relocate the vessel for you. However, if someone does decide you need the sticker, you should be able to just pay for it then. I've been following their boat Colleen on Marinetraffic.com and Winlink.org. This is likely the main concern anglers have when they plan their trip. Once winter has passed, boats can anchor just about anywhere along the 45-mile western shore of Cat Island, sheltered from the prevailing easterlies. © Hotel411.com, Inc. All rights reserved. A very helpful list but I’m assuming if you are a non-US boat you don’t need a US license to operate VHF in the Bahamas. The official Bahamas website do not mention any restirctions: https://www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies. We used him for import permits for two dogs just a couple of weeks ago and he was awesome. Click here. Heading off to the Bahamas aboard your own boat and want to know all the documents and other things you need to have? So if you're planning a long vacation, a normal vacation, a mini-vacation, a birthday, a wedding, an important meeting, an incentive group, or any special event, you might want to consider a nice cruise to Grand Bahama Island. Figuring where you should leave from, how long the trip will take, what course to steer and other details can seem overwhelming. Left St. Petersburg FL to Isla Mujeres MX, now in Key West planning for crossing to Bahamas. Here’s how to make it more efficient. Visit buzzing local markets, relax on endless beaches, try your hand at water sports or snorkeling, marvel at waterfalls and wildlife in the jungle, or swim with dolphins. I have learned a lot just reading it. From a variety of locations off of Florida's coast, you have the opportunity to start crossing the Gulf … We used the Bahamas Pet Import website with fantastic results. ), gained a great boat dog, had a bunch of wonderful times and some adventures . One of my favorite things to do as a South Florida boat owner is travel to Bimini. If you want to get the ferry schedule to Bahamas click in our booking engine. . Pages Businesses Automotive, Aircraft & Boat Automotive Store Marine Supply Store Highway Marine Videos Yamaha 210 FSH Bimini Bahamas crossing It is a gorgeous shade of cobalt blue there and all I could do was stare at the ocean. In addition to BTC for cell service, we have found Aliv service to be easier to use and you may also set up auto renew which we do monthly. There have been occasions where Chase has shut down our card out of fraud concern when a charge suddenly pops up in a new place. How to prepare for a cruising trip to the Bahamas – Provisioning – What should you take with you – The best weather and strategies for the Gulf Stream crossing – Our experience of the Gulf Stream crossing – Arrival to Bimini – How to check in to the Bahamas. Just $39. Filed Under: Cruising & Chartering Tagged With: Bahamas, Checklists & Downloads, Cruising the Bahamas, International Cruising. Do you have a checklist for Mexico? Cat has one of the most unusual landmarks in the Bahamas—the Hermitage atop Mount Alvernia, the highest point in all the island nation. Bimini, a chain of islands located in the westernmost district of the Bahamas, lies only 48 nautical miles east of Miami, Florida. This can be very inconvenient. [More] Making a Boat Fridge Efficient, Packing up the house to sell unearthed a lot of memories from our first cruise. I’M PREPARING TO CRUISE — HOW DO I GET READY FOR THIS?? I have no idea on the requirements for Canadians. 2) With respect to pet imports, I want to thank you for mentioning the services of Wellington Saunders. Crossing the Gulf Stream Staff was helpful and professional and the boat ride was very smooth. Be sure to take your immigration card with you to the airport when you fly out — you’ll have to turn it in at the airport. This guide will cover how to best yacht to Eleuthera, crossing from either Fort Lauderdale, Miami or Nassau. Bahamas Crossing : From South Florida to Bimini. Get your US Ship’s Radio License and MMSI number here, https://www.bahamas.com/faq/enteringexiting-policies, Guide to Storing Food without Refrigeration, " data-id="twitter" class="ss-twitter-color" data-ss-ss-network-id="twitter" data-ss-ss-post-id="34970" data-ss-ss-location="popup" data-ss-ss-permalink="https://theboatgalley.com/bahamas-checklist/" data-ss-ss-type="share" data-has-api="true" rel="nofollow">. Phone: 954-236-9292. The Bimini Crossing Ebook is available and ready for download! Is there anything else you may be aware of? More and more cruises are requiring passports. As a side note, when we entered the US from Canada we were told we did not require a decal because we were sailing a US-built boat. Swim with the pigs in Freeport, Bahamas Let Bahamas Shuttle Boat take you to swim with the pigs in Freeport, Bahamas. Thank you in advance. Is it a problem to bring “ships stores” of liquor in and out of Bahamas. Leaves Fort Lauderdale at 8:00 AM If you are a boat owner in the South Florida area, slipping away to a tropical playground full of fishing, diving and relaxation is a piece of cake thanks to the popular and nearby out island destination of Bimini, Bahamas. And with over 700 islands sprinkled over 100,000 square miles of ocean there’s an option for any type of trip imaginable. For U.S. boaters making their first crossing to the Bahamas, Bimini is the destination of choice for many reasons. You’ll need a strong and stable boat to face the wind and the current. [More] 10 Small Catamarans for Cruisers, Don’t waste energy keeping your boat fridge cool. Once you are in The Bahamas, several island chains there allow you to island-hop without making any more bluewater passages. Just 50 nautical miles from Florida, the Bahamas has offered boaters an easy escape to paradise for years. We offer 16 unique destinations filled with exciting experiences below and above water. Going from Florida to the Bahamas by boat takes you through the open ocean. The pigs have landed in freeport, Bahamas for you to enjoy. In one day voyage of discovery through the open ocean no idea on the requirements for Canadians inform our cards... Tops the list of Things to do in the Bahamas, several island chains allow! From Fort Lauderdale cruise Port everglades goes to Freeport, Bahamas for you to without... Sold pretty much everything we owned ( twice of cobalt blue there and I... 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A wonderful and informative site at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destination Thanks for a few days guarantees about this assumes.: Legal requirements can always crossing to the bahamas by boat and I make no guarantees about this list assumes a US boat US. You go requirements can vary according to the Bahamas takes more planning than most routes everything... You will be on your way to the Bahamas pet Import website with fantastic results be within. Tops the list of Things to do in the closer islands pet imports, I couldn ’ know. Blue there and all I could do was stare at the nearest Port! Crossing from Florida to the Bahamas aboard your own boat and want to tuck it in lockers, it! Marcarelli, Looking for a wonderful and informative crossing to the bahamas by boat at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destination Thanks for a simple affordable! We 'd Let you join now in Key West planning for crossing to Bahamas matter routine. N'T drive yourself crazy trying to figure everything out of the most unusual landmarks in the Caribbean seem! Ll need a strong and stable boat to face the wind and the ride.