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

Prime Minister Minnis unveiled a ‘shelter in place’ order that will effect the closure of roads to non-essential travel, and a total restriction on social activities March 24 at 9am. Our thanks to Sara and Monty Lewis of Explorer Chartbooks for the latest update.

24-HOUR LOCKDOWN: PM announces border shutdown, expanded COVID-19 emergency powers
Eye Witness News

OFFICIAL REPORT FROM BIMINI IMMIGRATION

March 27, 2020

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.

Sara and Monty Lewis

Explorer Chartbooks

Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club is a premier marina in the Abacos and A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!

Today [3/24/20] Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis announced a 24 hour curfew and border shutdown. See Bahamas Lockdown. If you are already in the islands, be prepared to take care of yourself. You may not be welcomed at the next port.
On to the good news… Green Turtle Club has reopened, has water and electric on the docks, and has opened their restaurant. Of course, COVID19 may be impacting their services. Be sure to call ahead before planning to go there. I have seen pictures of a load of supplies on Guana Cay for rebuilding the docks at Orchid Bay Marina. Grabbers has cleared away all the debris and is open and serving food. There are pictures on the internet that show the rebuilding that is going on at Nippers. For an up to date list of what’s open in Abaco be sure to visit The Little House by the Ferry ( https://littlehousebytheferry.com/ ). The message is that the people of the Abacos are trying hard to rebuild and welcome us back. Please support them whenever you can.

RMHYC was able to donate $3000 each to Samaritan’s Purse, Water Mission, All Hands and Hearts and World Central Kitchen. They are all very appreciative.

Scott Coles
Commodore
Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club