Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: More Updates from Abacos, Eleuthera and Long Island

More Updates from Abacos, Eleuthera and Long Island

Posted: 08 Jun 2020 02:50 PM PDT

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Responses to Update Request from Bahamas Businesses” plus 2 more

Responses to Update Request from Bahamas Businesses Posted: 06 Jun 2020 08:35 AM PDT We at Explorer Chartbooks recently sent out a request for updates from Bahamian services and facilities. We are so pleased with the response (below) and will continue to post them as they come in. It is always our purpose on the Bahamas Chatter to keep our cruising subscribers informed of the latest in the Bahamas. Here are the responses, grouped according to our three chartbook areas (Near Bahamas, Exumas and Far Bahamas): NEAR BAHAMAS ABACOS FROM PINEAPPLES, GREEN TURTLE CAY Pineapples ? is open and serving seven days a week starting June 15th….welcome back everyone!!!! FROM BLUFF HOUSE, GREEN TURTLE CAY Good morning and great to hear from you.   Bluff House is not open and we are hoping to fully open on the 1st of March 2021. We are working on the dock and the rooms and still cleaning up debris from the top of the hill. Phone number is 1-242-826-0654 or 1-242-824-6231 email is frontdesk@bluffhouse.com website is www.bluffhouse.com will post update on our facebook page Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina Thank you for checking in! Kind regards, Molly McIntosh General Manager Bluff House Beach Resort and Marina (242) – 365 – 4247 (954) – 284 – 8389 FROM BRENDAL’S DIVE CENTER, GREEN TURTLE CAY Brendals Dive Center & Adventure Tours Harbour View Cart Rentals Green Turtle Cay, Abaco-Bahamas www.brendal.com brendal@brendal.com 1-242-365-4411  We are in Stage 4 opening and will be fully open July 1 with all services. Reservations are required for all tours, rentals, services with dates and number of people, location where they are planning to sty. We offer custom packages for all dive services, plus golf cart rentals. Contact info: 242/365.4411 www.brendal.com www.harbourviewcartrentals.com Thanks, Mary Stevens FROM PETE’S PUB, LITTLE HARBOUR, ABACO All the answers to these questions are changing rapidly depending on the PM’s directives. from what I understand, by the 15th we can resume normal business. 242-577-5487 pete@petespub.com petespub.com Heather Moore Johnston Little Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas Pete’s Pub & Gallery 242-577-5487 NASSAU FROM NASSAU YACHT HAVEN We are presently open to domestic vessels. I have been told that marinas can open June 15th to international vessels. Full Service from the marina, however I can’t confirm the status of our tenants, Poop Deck & Bahama Divers at this time.  Tel: 242-393-8173 reservations@nassauyachthaven.com ty@nassauyachtnaven.com michael@nassauyachthaven.com www.nassauyachthaven.com   Regards,   Michael Pinder EXUMAS FROM HIGHBOURNE CAY, EXUMAS: We are now open accepting private vessels from all Bahamian Islands.  As of June 15th we are accepting private yachts from the US.  The new protocols by the Government require all persons entering to have had a COVID 19 test within 10 days of arrival. We are open fully except for the restaurant.  That is operating as a Take Out only at present but that may change going forward.  As our restaurant is open air they may allow us to open at a limited capacity soon. Our instructions are being finalized now for guests, they will be the usual, masks must be worn around other guests, practice social distancing.  No large gatherings on the docks. We have hand washing stations set up everywhere for them and all equipment, bikes, kayaks, paddle boards, golf carts and all guest areas are sanitized 3 times per day.  All of our staff are wearing masks at all times. Our food store is fully open but only 4 guests are allowed in at a time and the marina office can only have 1 person at a time (they are both quite small) ? We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back!   Take care and best regards   Carolyn Cartwright Highbourne Cay P.O. Box SS 6342 Exuma, Bahamas T:242.355.1008 F:242.355.1003 24′ 42′ 53″N  76’49’21″W: FROM COMPASS CAY MARINA We are definitely ready for the soft opening on June 15th and will be fully opened on July 1st. We offer marina dockage, water, power, guide services, cottage rentals, recycling and a small souvenir shop with snacks, refreshments, beers, etc.   Special instructions for guests are to keep hands clean. Stay home if sick!! social distancing and heat checks will be enforced. Guests will not be allowed to touch products unless with intent to buy and only can enter the store if you intend to buy. Contacts to the island. office number is Locally 1.242.422.7300 Internationally 1.954.253.3860. Emails: Tucker61145@yahoo.com; TrevonRolle95@gmail.com; Loanfish@icloud.com. Website: Compasscaymarina.com Best Regards — Trevon Rolle Welcome Home to Compass Cay  www.compasscaymarina.com 242-422-7300 FROM FARMERS CAY YACHT CLUB: Good afternoon Sara, thanks for checking on us.We are ready to except our guests when we  Open. we are prepared for all our Customers. All our moorings arefully working; i had all of them serviced in December. we just built a new dinghy dock. Cruisers can book the moorings and marina by email at nixonr73@yahoo.com. Best regards. Roosevelt Nixon FROM FRONT ROWE REALTY, GEORGETOWN, EXUMA Hi all is well here in Exuma for now but not sure what will happen once we open back up which I think our government has scheduled for July 1st.   However. private planes and boats are allowed in next week. Not exactly sure what paper work they will need or be required so best to go to the government covid web site for the updated info.   We are only just coming out of lock down and business opening back up, slowly but surely!   All for now, Wendy Rowe FAR BAHAMAS FROM CAPE ELEUTHERA: We are willing to let boats come into the marina if they would like to now. This week we will have limited amenities.  Our restaurant will open June 15. We will be fully open June 15 Our services are Hotel, restaurant and bar, Gas and Diesel, ships store, laundry and shower facilities, Pump Outs, Marina, Pool, Concierge grocery service at a fee, rental cars, golf carts, rental boats, charter boats,  We will be recognizing the Governments instructions to reopen the Bahamas.  Social distancing, Masks recommended and staff required, call ahead ordering at the restaurant, we will be practicing elevated sanitation in high use areas, 6 foot distancing in ship store. Contact info:  Chris Morris, General Manager www.capeeleuthera.com, cmorris@capeeleuthera.com, 242.334.8500. Hours 8-5 daily starting June 8. FROM ACKLINS ACKLINS ISLAND is “the OutBack at the Southern Edge of the Bahamas where all the marine life of the world reside and where GOD resides” … with absolutely no noise, pollution, traffic, high rise buildings, ATM’s, swimming pools and golf courses! •  the Bahamas will open its international boarders (air & sea) come 1st July with all visitors presenting proof of negative covid19.corona virus test except BIMINI GRAND BAHAMA EXUMA SAN SALVADOR (-ie Islands with direct INTERNATIONAL airlift (?) •  Chester’s will continue to provide    –  DIY & FULLY GUIDED BONEFISH     –  DEEP SEA FISHING    –  Snorkeling     –  BED &BREAKFAST Accommodations     –  All Inclusive     –  Auto Rental     –  Ecotours     –  Birding     –  CROOKED ISLAND Tours •  Narrowed booking/cancellation windows (reminder ACKLINS is a CASH ONLY DISTRICT) •  PROMO-  FLY free (nass/ack,) private pilots/sailing vessels fuel credit  •  bring all fish/tackle gear/ personal items  CHESTER’S CONTACT DETAILS  •  www.chestersbonefishlodge.com      chestershighwayinn@,gmail.com      Phone 1.242.357.4179                  1.242.322.1268  (ph/fx)      Blessings! Arnette ? 242.357.4179

Update on Rubis Marine Fuel Stations Posted: 06 Jun 2020 08:16 AM PDT FROM RUBIS: Below you will find the updated locations for the marinas currently open: Abaco Marinas: Spanish Cay Treasure Cay Schooner Bay Bluff House ( Currently closed and undergoing renovations; Hurricane Dorian) Bimini Marina: Bimini Cove New Providence Marinas: Lyford Cay Harbour Central Harbour View Palm Cay Sandy Port Marinas currently serving fuel: Nassau: Palm Cay Harbour View Sandy port Harbour Central – East Bay & Armstrong Lyford Cay Eleuthera: Briland Gas & Oil Abaco: Treasure Cay Marina Schooner Bay Spanish Cay

Update from US Embassy in Nassau Posted: 06 Jun 2020 07:20 AM PDT Please click on the link below to find the June 2 update from the US Embassy in Nassau: https://bs.usembassy.gov/health-alert-u-s-embassy-nassau-the-bahamas-32/

The Care Package initiative was a huge success and the appeal for donations has ended. Good for you readers!

All of us at the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Makers Air wish to express our sincere gratitude for the support and love everyone has shown to the community of Staniel Cay and the staff of SCYC. Thanks to you, our Care Package Initiative was a huge success, and we far exceeded our goal!   We are officially ending this fundraising effort today, but due to the outstanding generosity of so many of you, we will now be able to do a second Care Package delivery in early June without the need to raise any additional funds.   We will be delivering the much needed initial Care Packages this weekend, as planned.   A very heartfelt “Thank You!!” from us to all of you.   Be safe and we hope to welcome you back soon!   Sincerely,   Staniel Cay Yacht Club and Makers Air on behalf of the Community of Staniel Cay  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Emergency Powers Orders Updates Announced on May 17, 2020
Emergency Powers Orders Updates Announced on May 17, 2020

Posted: 19 May 2020 10:54 AM PDT

On May 17, the Prime Minister announced modifications to the Emergency Powers Orders. Boaters on pleasure craft anchored offshore in Bahamian waters (who have effectively been social distancing for 14 days or longer) are now permitted to go ashore to conduct routine business, while maintaining appropriate social distancing protocols.

Bimini will be under a complete lockdown from Monday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m. until Saturday, May 30 at midnight.

The Prime Minister announced the re-opening of normal commercial activity on the following Family Islands: Cat Island, Long Island, Abaco and Andros, as of May 18. Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, Long Cay, Rum Cay and Ragged Island, are open for normal commercial activity as of May 4. Notwithstanding the resumption of commercial activity, weekday curfews and weekend lockdown measures remain in place, as do physical distancing measures and the requirement to wear masks.

Modifications to the current ban on inter-island travel were also announced. The Ministry of Health has developed protocols to allow individuals presently in The Bahamas but not on one of the above listed Family Islands, to travel to those specific islands. This policy and protocol will require individuals to register with the Ministry of Health by emailing covid19travel@bahamas.gov.bs and submitting to an evaluation by a Ministry of Health-authorized physician. Individuals who are deemed low risk will be issued a COVID-19 Authorization Travel Card which will allow for travel to these specific Family Islands. Individuals may start this registration process on ?May 20.

Residents of the Family Islands listed which are cleared for commercial activity may travel between those islands by plane or boat without a COVID-19 Travel Authorization Card. Those on the Family Islands cleared for commercial activity may also travel to New Providence and Grand Bahama, however in order to return to their respective islands they must complete the procedures and processes outlined above.

Except for the new protocol and the Family Islands described above, any other inter-island travel must be pre-approved by the Bahamas’ Civil Aviation Authority.

Emergency Powers Orders – Travel Restrictions, Curfew and Lockdown Information

All airports and seaports of The Bahamas remain closed to incoming international flights carrying visitors until at least May 30 (including private airports). In his May 17 national address, Prime Minister Hubert Minnis previewed that the Bahamian government is “looking at a possible opening date for commercial travel on or before July 1st,” but emphasized that it will “only be applied to those islands where the outbreak has been contained” and that these dates can change depending on changing circumstances.

The 24-hour curfew regulations continue throughout the month of May, with full lockdowns taking place each weekend in May from 9:00 p.m. on Fridays through 5:00 a.m. on Mondays. During the lockdown periods, only hospitals, hotels with guests, law enforcement and essential utility personnel are excepted from these around the clock shutdown restrictions. We urge all U.S. citizens still in The Bahamas and its territorial waters to shelter in place?or stay in your home and yard, on your vessel, or in your lodging during these lockdown periods, until the regular 24-hour curfew regulations resume at 5:00 a.m. on the following Monday.

Scheduled Commercial Airline Flights to the United States as of 1200 EDT May ?18

International scheduled commercial flights and private charter flight options, while limited, currently still exist in The Bahamas. All flights require the use of face masks. U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States should make arrangements as soon as possible unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Nassau: JetBlue has scheduled flights from Nassau to Fort Lauderdale on Thursdays during the month of May. Please contact the airline directly.

Freeport: Silver Airways is currently offering flights on most Thursdays from Freeport to Fort Lauderdale, contingent upon demand. Please contact the airline directly.

Private Charter Flights to the United States

Some private charter companies have confirmed their ability to provide flights into the United States directly from The Bahamas. We encourage you to contact charter companies directly with questions regarding availability and cost.

· Air Care 1: aircareone.com, +1-502-242-7760

· All Bahamas Courier Services: +1-242-727-4165

· Aztec Airways:+1-954-351-9313

· Bahamas Charter Flights: +1-954-359-0320

· IBC Airways: +1-954-848-2370

· Island Air Charters: +1-954-359-9942

· Island Wings – USA: +1-954-617-8804

· Makers Air – FXE: +1-954-771-0330

· Noble Air Charter: +1-305-685-9634

· Silver Airways charter flights: +1-801-401-9103

· Trans Island Airways: sales@tia.aero

· Treasure Air Charters: 1-305-741-0489

· Tropic Air Charters – FXE: +1-954-267-0707

· Tropic Ocean Airways – FLL: +1-954-210-5569

· Tropix Air/Island Wings Ltd.: +1-242-424-4260

A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, Staniel Cay Yacht Club, a favorite destination for cruisers in the Exumas has always been most accommodating to its visitors. This is your chance to return the support for this fine community through these Care Packages via Makers Air in Fort Lauderdale.

Staniel Cay’s community and the SCYC Staff have always made visitors feel welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. However, today, Staniel Cay is among the many islands who have been closed for preventative measures to protect the community. And although the Exumas have been fortunate to be completely free of COVID-19, they are still feeling the effects of this pandemic.    So many of you have reached out and asked what you can do to help support them during this time. We are happy to announce that the Staniel Cay Yacht Club in conjunction with Makers Air, is spearheading a Care Package Initiative for the employees of the Staniel Cay Yacht Club and the entire community of Staniel Cay.   We will be procuring and assembling care packages of food and household items at the Makers Air hangar in Fort Lauderdale to be flown to Staniel Cay. Upon arrival, our team will personally deliver each care package to the individual households on the island.   If you are financially able to assist in this difficult time, and so inclined, please show your support by donating to this cause in one of two ways:   We will be selling a special, limited edition dri-fit shirt to raise funds for care packages. 100% of profits from the sale of the shirt will go to the cause. Please click the link below to purchase. If you prefer not to receive a limited edition shirt, follow the link below and make a direct donation to the Care Package fund.   Click here to purchase a Care Package Shirt or to make a Donation.   We appreciate all of your support in showing Staniel Cay and the staff of SCYC how much they are loved during this time! Our goal is to raise $10,000 which will cover the direct cost of 100 care packages.   Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on Staniel Cay again soon!     stanielcay.com | 954.467.6658  ‌  ‌   makersair.com | 954.771.0330  ‌  ‌

Another unprecedented situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Greg Allard for sharing.

This photo appears in today’s Wall Street Journal, with the following caption:

“Cruise ships idled off the coast of the Great Harbour Cay, Bahamas, as seen by satellite.
PHOTO: EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY VIA MAXAR TECHNOLOGIES”

A check of AIS shows the same situation. It’s sad to see the Bahamas become a dumping and storage ground for these ships.
Greg Allard

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed
Spanish Wells bridge to Russell Island has collapsed

Posted: 06 May 2020 01:45 PM PDT

A REPORT FROM EYEWITNESS NEWS, BAHAMAS– The bridge from Spanish Wells to Russell Island has collapsed, cutting off access to the islands and cutting off the community’s access to its main water supply.

Progressive Liberal Party Senator Clay Sweeting told Eyewitness News a cement truck and golf cart were on the bridge when it collapsed shortly before 2 p.m.

Sweeting said the government signed a contract to replace the bridge in July 2019.

“It’s been deteriorating for some time,” he said.

“The new bridge is in containers on Russell Island waiting to be installed, so right now it’s not too much that can be done. There are a lot of residents on Russell Island that cannot transport themselves to Spanish Wells and vice versa.

“Also the water main is attached to the bridge and that also has collapsed. So now the community over there will be without water for the most part.”

Sweeting added: “Right now we are trying to assess the situation not much we can do. We need to get some heavy equipment in.”

Bahamas Chatter is produced by A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, Explorer Chartbooks, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Cruising Permit Update
Cruising Permit Update

Posted: 05 May 2020 02:06 PM PDT

CRUISING PERMIT UPDATE – from the Bahamas Customs Department:

“Because of the Emergency Orders that are in place, any vessel in Bahamian waters whose Cruising Permit expires will not be penalized. Once the E/O has been lifted, the renewal process will be resumed.”
Regards,
Geannine R. Moss, Ed.D, MBA, MPA
Comptroller of Customs
Bahamas Customs Department
(242) 604-3021, (242) 604-3116
(242) 322-6223 (fax)

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Marinas Helping Cruisers

The Commonwealth of The Bahamas is at present operating under a STATE OF EMERGENCY, with extraordinary powers having been conferred upon the Government to combat and contain the COVID-19 pandemic for the protection of The Bahamian People. Our thanks to N Z Christiani for this notice.

GENERAL PROTOCOLS FOR BOATS, YACHTS, PRIVATE CRAFT, RECREATIONAL CRAFT, CRUISING IN, PLYING THE WATERS OF, OR SHELTERING IN THE BAHAMAS OR SEEKING TO DO SO DURING THE COVID-19 SHUT-DOWN 14 April, 2020

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Returning to the US” plus 1 more

Returning to the US Posted: 08 Apr 2020 01:08 PM PDT From Chris Parker: We heard from a client who tried to clear into Miami Monday and was turned away, but we are not sure of the details. We have heard from other clients who did clear into difficult places (USVI and PuertoRico Ports which were supposedly closed) with no hassle at all by using the US Customs and Border Patrol ROAM app. So if you are eligible, use the ROAM app. LakeWorth Inlet may be a good option for some. There may be other options as good as or better than LakeWorth Inlet, but here’s what we know with reasonable certainty as of today for LakeWorth Inlet / WestPalmBeach: Riviera Beach Marina https://marinavillagepalmbeach.com/riviera-beach-marina-amenities.html has fuel for transients. CBP office in the area, and there is an anchorage. Palm Beach Sailing Club https://pbsail.org/visiting-yachtsmen (offers a discount for SSCA members), is maintaining access to showers, dingy dock, parking lot, mail acceptance, and other services useful for transients. Please be respectful of limiting interaction with staff and other COVID-19 dictated modifications of normal Club activities: https://pbsail.org/covid-19-updates We believe the information above is correct as of Wed8, but as they say “your mileage may vary”, and of course the COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly. If you have updated information on COVID-19 related stuff of interest to Cruisers, please send it to covid19@waterwayguide.com, editor@noonsite.com and/or send it to chris@mwxc.com and we’ll forward it to WaterwayGuide and/or Noonsite as appropriate.

Bahamas Government lockdowns causing problems leaving the Bahamas Posted: 08 Apr 2020 05:30 AM PDT UPDATE FOR PRIVATE VESSELS Under the current 24-hour curfew emergency orders, now extended until April 30, all domestic inter-island traffic by air or boat within The Bahamas remains temporarily banned. The emergency orders will, however, allow foreign pleasure craft currently anchored or moored in The Bahamas to depart DIRECTLY FOR THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, making only the absolute minimum necessary stops in order to ensure safe passage. Vessels returning to the United States are permitted to re-fuel at fuel docks, but ARE PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING ANY CREW OR PASSENGERS. All private vessels departing The Bahamas must do so expeditiously, with minimal stops or delays. FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS Please note that vessels will NOT BE ABLE TO RE-FUEL or make use of fuel docks DURING THE FULL LOCKDOWN PERIODS the Prime Minister of The Bahamas announced on April 6 (see below for details). Vessels can still transit through Bahamian waters on a direct route back to the United States, but cannot re-fuel. We urge any and all U.S. citizens on private vessels to return to the United States as soon as possible, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE NEXT FULL LOCKDOWN period begins at 9:00pm on Wed, April 8. Do not wait; the time to leave is now. Depart as soon as weather and provisions allow you to do so safely, or be prepared to remain in The Bahamas for an indefinite period of time. It bears repeating: restrictions to movement in The Bahamas continue to evolve rapidly, and WE CANNOT PREDICT if, when, for how long, or HOW SEVERELY MOVEMENT through The Bahamas MAY BE RESTRICTED further. In every instance, all vessels must follow the directions of the Bahamian authorities. FULL LOCKDOWN SCHEDULE (when vessels can still move directly towards the US, but cannot re-fuel): – 9pm on Wednesday, April 8 – 5am on Tuesday, April 14 – 9pm on Friday, April 17 – 5am on Monday, April 20 – 9pm on Friday, April 24 – 5am on Monday, April 27 Once more, private vessels departing The Bahamas must avoid any unnecessary deviation on the way to their final destination. Crew and passengers are PROHIBITED FROM DISEMBARKING and MUST REMAIN ABOARD their vessel. The emergency orders only allow stop-offs for re-fueling or to receive provisions essential for safe transit, such as food and water, outside the full lockdown periods noted above.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: New Grocery Store Hours

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders

the Bahamas State of Emergency Proclamation and recent April 3rd “Lock Down” orders

Posted: 04 Apr 2020 04:00 PM PDT

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Report from the Exumas” plus 1 more
Report from the Exumas

Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:50 AM PDT

Restrictions on social contact are being carefully enforced at the local level.

From an official at Staniel Cay:

The folks at Black Point can not come up to Staniel… no travel between islands is allowed except for emergencies.

Cruiser Report from Green Turtle Cay

Posted: 04 Apr 2020 05:21 AM PDT

From a cruiser at Green Turtle Cay:

We went ashore today at New Plymouth – we had dinghied over, being anchored in White Sound near the Green Turtle Club. Our purpose was to buy groceries at Sid’s, apparently the only grocery store open.

As we approached the store, we were met by two policeman (neither dressed in uniforms) who identified themselves as Royal Bahamian Police. We explained that we were only ashore for groceries and that we were immediately returning to the boat thereafter. We also explained that we were in the process of heading north, waiting for a good weather window to leave the Bahamas for the US. They asked for ID and photographed our licenses. They were very pleasant and not threatening, but I think they might have taken pictures of our ID’s so they will know if we are “repeat offenders”.

At the Green Turtle Club prior to heading to New Plymouth, we had no problem going ashore, going in their small store and doing wash. No one batted an eye. We left there after returning from New Plymouth and are now anchored farther north.

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Extension to stay
Extension to stay

Posted: 03 Apr 2020 03:01 PM PDT

Good afternoon does anyone know the updated rules for foreigners who are already in the Bahamas on a vessel extending their stay through Immigration when you are not supposed to go on land?

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: “Royal Bahamas Police Force Order” plus 2 more

• Royal Bahamas Police Force Order
• No domestic travel by boat order
• Cruisers Going Ashore in the Bahamas

While commercial airlines are cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind. Growing from its initial operations servicing Staniel Cay, Makers Air is today’s premier air service to and from the Out Islands of the Bahamas.

In these trying times, sometimes domestic travel still needs to happen.   While commercial airlines are cancelling flights regularly, Makers Air is continuing to schedule flights with every safety precaution in mind.   Fly with your passengers, and your passengers only. The entire airplane is reserved for your charter, so commercial congestion is avoided altogether.   Enjoy our Private Terminal and Makers Club private charter lounge. No crowds, no long waits.   Fly on your schedule to your destination.   For assistance, please contact our Private Charter Department at: 954.383.2774 or charters@makersair.com   MakersAir.com | 954.771.0330  ‌  ‌

Bahamas Chatter is produced by Explorer Chartbooks, A CRUISERS NET PARTNER, which has long been the standard navigational supplement for enjoyable, informative, and safe cruising through the beautiful Bahamian waters and island visits.

Bahamas Chatter: Bahamas Immigration Update
Bahamas Immigration Update

Posted: 27 Mar 2020 10:55 AM PDT

OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION

March 27, 20

We just spoke with an officer at the Bahamas Office of Immigration in Bimini. He told us, “The entire Bahamas is in LOCKDOWN.” Here is the policy for cruising yachts:

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE:

STAY HOME AND STAY SAFE. SOCIAL DISTANCING IS MANDATORY.

ON A BOAT IN BAHAMAS NOW: If you are in the Bahamas with a cruising permit, you are allowed to stay in the country until your visa expires. However, in a community such as Bimini, you are encouraged to stay on your boat except for going ashore for necessities like food and fuel or medical assistance. If you are out after the 9 p.m. all-Bahamas curfew, the police can arrest you.

ON A BOAT DESIRING TO GO TO THE BAHAMAS: You will not be allowed to clear Customs and Immigration, nor will you be allowed ashore. You will be refused entry into the country. You will be given the opportunity to get fuel and food and will be turned back to the U.S.

CLOSED: Bars, liquor stores, some marinas, some restaurants (call ahead). The official said it is “almost martial law.”

OPEN: Essential government services such as hospitals, clinics, police, customs/immigration offices.

For the latest updates, Please check with Bahamas.gov or search the Internet for articles in the Nassau Guardian or Tribune.

Wishing you safe and healthy cruising,

Sara and Monty Lewis

Explorer Chartbooks