The 2025 Port Authorities (Amendment) Bill introduces sweeping changes that significantly reshape how yacht charters operate in the Bahamas, particularly around Harbour Island. For operators and clients alike, these changes translate into increased costs, new compliance requirements, and shifting legal obligations that will impact short-term bookings and long-term business models.
Charters now face increased baseline expenses due to new permit tiers, which range from $500 to $3,000 depending on vessel size. This is compounded by the $30 per-person passenger tax that applies once more than three non-resident passengers are aboard. These fees can dramatically raise prices for popular multi-day or group charters and are already prompting cancellations and pricing reevaluations. With limited exemptions, even experienced travelers will feel the difference. These new Yacht Charter Rules Harbour Island make transparency and cost breakdowns essential when setting up charter packages.
Additional charges—like a $100–$300 fishing permit and a $200–$1,500 anchorage fee—are no longer bundled with cruising permits and must be calculated separately. Compliance with AIS regulations is now mandatory for vessels 50 feet and above, with fines up to $1,000 for non-compliance. Collectively, these changes mean even a standard charter could now include four or five line‑item surcharges that didn’t exist a year ago. For many businesses, these updates are more than just Harbour Island Tips—they are urgent operational challenges.
There is some potential relief through the Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC), which allows unlimited entries for two years at a fixed fee. This is ideal for companies running repeated trips, but the initial investment—up to $8,000 for large yachts—may only be viable for high‑volume operators. Moreover, FDCC does not exempt charters from other costs like officer attendance fees or the new passenger tax.
One of the most consequential legal updates involves where and how charters can be booked. The law now requires all yacht charters to be arranged by Bahamian entities once a vessel is in Bahamian waters. This rule could present compliance issues for international brokers and larger firms, pushing more business toward locally registered partners. Fines for violations range from $5,000 to $25,000, which may lead to a restructuring of how charter agreements are formed before entering Harbour Island.
Operators navigating these new yacht charter rules should adapt their pricing and compliance strategies, and consider partnerships with local businesses to remain competitive and legal. The outlook for the 2025–2026 season hinges on how well companies manage this transition. Transparent communication with clients, revisiting bundled offerings, and leveraging local expertise will be crucial. In the midst of all this, clear Harbour Island Tips for both travelers and businesses have never been more essential.
