‘They don’t want us there’: Empty marinas, online boater backlash forces government review of new cruising fees
Just hours before Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper announced that the government would review newly introduced cruising permit fees, backlash from boaters and marina operators was already playing out publicly across social media platforms.
Marinas and boat owners, many of whom frequent Bahamian waters annually, expressed frustration over the revised fee structure, with some warning they would take their vessels and tourism dollars elsewhere.
Several boaters said the increased fees were placing an added financial burden on visitors and negatively affecting marina traffic.
“Nothing that special about that place. They better chill out. It’ll be a deserted island before they know it,” wrote Jonathan Ferris.
Others echoed similar sentiments, linking the policy to broader economic consequences.
“It’s only hurting the locals. It sure isn’t hurting me. I’m not going there anymore,” said Juan Laywar.
Comparisons were also made to competing destinations in the region. Bryan Crabtree noted that neighbouring countries offer significantly lower cruising costs.
“Turks and Caicos charges $50 for a week or $300 for a 90-day permit,” Crabtree said. “For the amount of money it costs to go to the Bahamas, you can visit five to ten Caribbean islands. I have no plans to visit until these fees are reduced, or for at least a couple of years.”
Another boater, Michael Daley, summed up the sentiment bluntly: “They don’t want us there.”
However, not all responses opposed the government’s move. Some commenters defended the Bahamas’ right to set its own policies.
“Their country, their rules. If we don’t like them, it’s time not to be there,” said Ellie Smith.
Jason Vaffanculo added that foreign visitors should temper their expectations, stressing that the Bahamas is not obligated to cater to outside pressure.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper acknowledged the fallout, attributing empty marinas and a reported 40 percent decline in boating traffic this year compared to 2024 to the recent fee increases.
In a statement issued Monday evening, Cooper said the government has heard the concerns raised by stakeholders within the boating sector.
“Our priority is to protect that reputation and ensure the economic prosperity of the Bahamians who depend on it,” Cooper said.
Why it matters
Marina operators, tour guides, service providers and small business owners, many in Abaco, Bimini and the Exumas have voiced concerns about the impact of the new regulatory framework.
Government officials say the review will examine the economic impact of the fees while balancing the need to protect national interests and sustain revenue from the maritime tourism sector.
The big story
In July, the government implemented a revised cruising permit fee structure, charging $500 for vessels under 50 feet, $1,000 for vessels between 50 and 100 feet, and $3,000 for vessels over 100 feet. Each permit is valid for up to 12 months.
A separate fee applies for the newly introduced Frequent Digital Cruising Card (FDCC), which costs $2,000 for pleasure craft and is valid for two years.
