Itemized weekly budget (6 people, bareboat catamaran)
The Bahamas runs a little higher than some Caribbean grounds, partly because of provisioning costs (much is imported) and the country's cruising permit. The sample below reflects a high-season week in the Exumas.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran charter (44–46ft) | $6,000 | High season; monohulls from ~$3,500/wk |
| Provisioning & dining | $1,890 | ~$45 pp/day — groceries run high, much is imported |
| Cruising permit & fees | $300 | Covers the boat + passengers; paid on entry |
| Marina/mooring (mix) | $210 | Some free anchoring; Exuma moorings ~$30/night |
| Fuel | $220 | Moderate — the Exumas chain is compact |
| End cleaning & extras | $180 | Standard end-of-charter charge |
| Total | ≈ $8,800 | ≈ $1,470 per person |
Permits & fees
The Bahamas charges a cruising permit on entry (roughly $150 for boats under 35ft, $300 above), which bundles the customs and immigration clearance and now includes a per-person passenger tax. Some marine parks — notably the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park — charge mooring fees that go toward conservation. These are modest but worth budgeting so they don't surprise you on arrival.
Where to save
The single biggest lever is provisioning before you sail from Nassau or Marsh Harbour, where prices and selection beat the small settlement stores in the Exumas or Abacos. Sailing the shoulder weeks either side of the December–April peak trims charter rates. And because the Bahamas has so much good free anchoring, you can keep marina nights to a minimum. Model your own trip with our cost calculator.