Freeport, Grand Bahama Island
Vessel Arrival Guide
Information for yachts and pleasure vessels arriving at Grand Bahama Yacht Club in Freeport. Review entry requirements before departure.
Preparation
Before leaving your home port
Foreign private pleasure vessels require a cruising permit to operate in Bahamian waters. Submit your inbound declaration through the Bahamas Customs Click2Clear Cruising Permit Module before arriving.
Have the following available:
- Passports for everyone aboard
- Vessel registration or proof of ownership
- Complete crew and passenger information
- Pet permits, when applicable
- Details of all firearms and ammunition aboard
- Click2Clear submission
Cruising-permit fees depend on vessel length and the selected permit period. Review current fees directly through the Bahamas Customs website.
Port of Entry
Customs and immigration
Grand Bahama Yacht Club is a designated Bahamas Port of Entry where visiting vessels can complete customs and immigration clearance.
When entering Bahamian waters:
- 1 Display the yellow quarantine or “Q” flag.
- 2 Proceed directly to the designated Port of Entry.
- 3 Notify the marina of your arrival on VHF Channel 16.
- 4 Keep passengers and crew aboard until clearance is complete.
- 5 Follow instructions from Customs, Immigration and marina personnel.
Only the captain may leave the vessel before it has been cleared. Completing Click2Clear online does not replace the in-person clearance process.
After clearance, lower the Q flag and display the Bahamian courtesy flag in accordance with customary maritime flag etiquette.
Approach
Navigating to Bell Channel
Grand Bahama Yacht Club is located inside Bell Channel in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.
The marina currently publishes the following reference position for the Bell Channel outer buoy:
26° 29.879′ N, 78° 37.800′ W
The marina’s published approach information directs vessels approximately 340 degrees toward the jetty. After entering Bell Channel, Grand Bahama Yacht Club will be on the starboard side, identified by its fuel dock.
Marina communication
- Call:
- Grand Bahama Yacht Club
- VHF:
- Channel 16
- Local phone:
- 1-242-373-8888
- US phone:
- 1-954-284-4289
Contact the marina before entering the channel for current instructions and slip information.
Flag Etiquette
Flags
Before clearance
Display the yellow Q flag when entering Bahamian waters and keep it raised until Customs and Immigration have cleared the vessel.
After clearance
Lower the Q flag and display the Bahamian courtesy flag. Your vessel’s national ensign should continue to be displayed according to normal maritime practice.
Equipment
AIS requirements
Foreign pleasure vessels longer than 50 feet must have an operational Automatic Identification System active while in Bahamian waters. Failure to comply may result in a government fine.
Permits
Fishing
A separate fishing permit is required before fishing in Bahamian waters. Fishing permits are no longer automatically included with the cruising permit and are issued for a limited period.
Review current regulations covering:
- Permitted species and seasons
- Catch and possession limits
- Spearfishing equipment
- Restricted areas
- Removal of seafood from The Bahamas
Declarations
Firearms and restricted items
All firearms and ammunition aboard must be declared accurately, including serial numbers and quantities. Firearms must remain secured aboard the vessel unless separate authorization is granted.
Failure to declare a firearm or ammunition can result in seizure, fines or imprisonment. Review the current Bahamas Customs requirements before departure.
Pets
Pets aboard
Visitors bringing pets must obtain the required import permit before arrival and include the permit information with their entry documentation.
Outward Clearance
Before departing The Bahamas
Keep your cruising permit and immigration documents available throughout your stay. Immigration departure documents should be surrendered at your final Bahamian port.
Customs currently requires outward clearance when a clearance certificate is needed for the vessel’s next international destination. Confirm the applicable procedure before departure.
Official Sources
Confirm before you travel
Entry fees, fishing regulations and clearance procedures can change. Before departing, confirm the latest requirements with: