Costs of Cruising the Bahamas
I’ve decided to revise this post after each visit to the Bahamas.
Cruising Permit
2010 – For us (over 35′ boat length) the cost is $300. Under 35′ is $150. The cruising permit is generally good for 90 days and can be renewed. This year we were granted a permit for 110 days. We indicated on our visa request how long we planned to stay and at the discretion of whoever checks you in, they may grant that length. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
2012 – No change to the cruising permit fees. Take cash, they don’t accept credit cards. We have checked in at Bimini each time and have received very liberal stays. Each Customs and Immigration Office is different and the officers may do as they wish.
The cruising permit includes your fishing permit and don’t forget if you have a pole spear declare it so it’s on the permit. Otherwise you can’t use it.
Pets
2012 – We take our dog with us. When applying for your import permit from the Bahamian Dept. of Agriculture, send any mail to them via FedEx. Private carriers are the only way to go. The US Postal Service and the Bahamian Postal Service are way too slow.
We have never had anyone give a second glance to the date the pet was last examined, an impossibility for cruisers.
Groceries
2010 – We provision heavily before leaving the States and keep refining our inventory and shopping list. We hit a lot of items on the nose after making adjustments from last year. We could post a list but it is one of things that really reflects your own tastes so we won’t unless a lot of people want it.
In larger settlements there is usually one fairly well stocked store. Find out when the mail boat comes so you can be assured of a better selection and a selection of fresh produce. In smaller settlements there is usually a store with the essentials.
Of the larger settlements, we will restock perishables at Exuma Market in Georgetown and Price Right in Marsh Harbor. We haven’t been to Nassau and didn’t need anything in Lucaya.
Grocery store in Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera

2012 – No change to the above statement except that Maxwell’s in Marsh Harbour has built a new store comparable to most United States stores. The prices are cheaper than anywhere we’ve seen in the Bahamas and in many cases are the same as the States. The Price Right store is still there but now handles bulk items mostly.
Sample costs for 2010 (these are prices from the larger markets and costs will be more at small settlements)
Eggs $2.39 per dozen
Hamburger buns $3
Bread about $4.00 per loaf, homemade or brand name
Cheddar cheese $3.50 to 4.59 per pound
Cream cheese $2.79 (less for local brands)
Fresh milk (low fat) about $4 per half gallon or more
Half and half $2.50 per pint
Ice cream $5 to 6 a pint
Cauliflower $4
Cabbage $3
Zucchini $3 per pound
Romaine lettuce $4
Carrots $.99 per pound
Fresh mushrooms $2.69 (8 oz)
Oranges $.50 each
Lemons $.35 each
Cereal anywhere from $3 to $6 a box depending on brand
Chips $6.00 for a regular large bag
Salsa $5.49 (16 oz)
Chicken thighs $2.59 per pound
Bacon $5.00 or so per package
Steak about $11 per pound for good fresh strip steaks
Beef patties $1.25 each for really good 6 oz Angus beef at Exuma Markets
Soft drinks anywhere from 80¢ a can or more
Fruit juices about $5 a half gallon
Kalik beer about $40 per case
Ron Ricardo rum $8 to 9 a liter
Bicardi rum $10 and up
Paper products are expensive and we stock a seasons worth on board. Generally we have all the coffee and canned goods needed and so don’t buy additional. We have found more fresh milk products available this year. In the small settlements Parmalat is all that’s available.
Fresh seafood is available in many markets and from locals. Frozen meat is available almost everywhere but don’t expect American quality cuts. Common meats available are lamb, pork, chicken, turkey and some beef.
The prices above are still typical for 2012. United States prices have gone up considerably more than Bahamian prices and therefor the difference is not all that great.
2012 – We now mostly take essentials that you cannot get in the Bahamas; favorite spices, over the counter medicines, paper products and products that have extended shelf lives like canned chicken and tuna. We buy a lot of stuff locally even though it is more expensive. We feel it’s important to contribute to their economy.
Fuel
2010 – Diesel fuel has been between $4.00 and $4.50 per gallon. It is readily available at most marinas and when no marinas are available it is possible to carry it in with jugs. Quality has been excellent. Gasoline is usually more, around $5 per gallon.
2012 – Fuel has increased slightly to $5 per gallon or more in out islands. It is still readily available.
Water
2010 – Water is less available than fuel. It’s possible to purchase at most marinas. When no marinas are available, check the cruising guides for free sources (wells, town spigots, etc.) or other places to purchase. The highest we paid this year is 35¢ per gallon at Emerald Bay Marina. $5 per day is common at many marinas. Most water is reverse osmosis and is very good quality.
2012 – Water is still an issue. Highest price this trip was 50¢ per gallon. Free water still available at Exuma Market in Georgetown. Long Island Breeze was out of water in Long Island. We rented a car to go do laundry.
Dockage / Moorings
2010 – While we don’t normally stay at marinas, we sometimes like a break. You can spend a lot at some of the resort style places or wherever the sportfish crowd hangs out. Generally you can find places for under a dollar a foot. The average seems to be about a dollar. The most we paid was $2 at Hawk’s Nest Marina on Cat Island, a sportfisherman hangout. Extras like water, electricity and sometimes even showers and trash disposal can be extra charges.
Moorings are available in some places, particularly the Abacos. They can run from $10 per day to $25. Always inspect the mooring as they are traditionally “iffy”.
2012 – Dockage was up a bit. Harbourview Marina in Marsh Harbour, up to $1.30 per
foot from $1. Water, $15 flat rate for one to three days, $5 per day after that.
Moorings in Spanish Wells are no longer $10 and are now $20.
Communications
2010 – Our AT&T phone works in cooperation with Batelco and we have a signal generally whenever close to land. It helps to see a Batelco tower. It is expensive to use, however. We are charge $2.99 a minute so don’t use it often. Next year we will get a Batelco phone and buy phone cards. Calls are about 35¢ a minute, local and to the U.S.
Internet is available sporadically. We have paid $5 a day at wifi shops, had free wifi in places (sometimes make a donation or buy something) and are currently on $40 per week in the Abacos.
2012 – No change in phone although service seemed to be more widespread. Internet still is poor especially when inconsiderate cruisers using Skype hog all the bandwidth. We found we can get crude access through our Kindle almost anywhere there is a Batelco signal and it is free! Weekly internet in the Abacos is down to $35 per week.

Cracked Conch, Hank’s Place, Fresh Creek, Andros
Entertainment and Food
2010 – This is our biggest expense. Expect to spend at least $15 to $20 per person (minimum) for any meal. This includes one drink. Generally hamburgers run from $8 to $15 and include usually one side. Fish is more like $15 to $20, ribs about the same, chicken about the same as burgers, cracked conch is between $10 to $15.
Usually there is not much else on the menu. Sometimes you can get steak or pizza but not always.
Beer is anywhere from $3 to $5 for Kalik, Sands or other local beers and imports (even Bud) is usually more. Mixed drinks can be $3 at happy hour but usually are at least $8. Rum punches can be from $8 up. Soft drinks are about $2. Iced tea is not usually available.
2012 – No significant change.
Posted in Bahamas 2010, Cruising Thoughts having 3 comments »


