Bahamas Pilot Notes
a three-week stay only). U.S. citizens must 4 weeks before travel. For a permit applica-
have passport for return to U.S. Other na- tion, contact the Director of Agriculture and
tionals should have passports; citizens of Fisheries; P.O. Box N-3028; Nassau, Bahamas
some countries may need visas. The immi- 242-325-7502.
gration officer may use discretion in deter- Fishing licenses for the boat are obtained
mining the period of stay, but in any event, when you clear customs. For more infor-
no stay may exceed 8 months. For more in- mation on fishing rules and regulations, as
formation, call immigration headquarters in well as a fishing guide, contact the Bahamas
Nassau 242-322-7530. Tourism Office in Aventura, FL 800-327-
All pets (animals, birds, or fish) require 7678, 0900-1700, M-F or www.bahamas.com.
an import permit to enter the Bahamas. For visitor entry information and brochures,
These permits should be applied for at least call 800-422-4262 any time.
West End and
Waypoints
Little Bahama Bank
Memory Rock Light
26 57.0N, 79 06.2W Fl W 3s 11M
Pilotage: Coming from the W, there is safe
Metal tower, 37ft
water all the way to the entrance to West
End. During the day, look for a red and white
Indian Cay Light
water tower, the jetty lights, and a 30-foot 26 43.0N, 79 00.1W Fl W 6s 40ft, 8M
tower sign. There is also a 215ft television
tower with fixed red lights at the top and at
Settlement Point Light, W end of island
midpoint. If you approach at night, you will 26 41.5N, 78 59.9W Fl W 4s 6M
see the television tower long before you see
Steel tower. 44ft.
the navigation lights at Indian Cay or Settle-
ment Point. Entrance channel markers are
Little Sale Cay Light
lighted. 27 02.7N, 78 10.5W Fl W 3s 12M
Hazards: From Matanilla Shoal to Grand
Metal tower, 47ft
Bahama Island, Little Bahama Bank is lit-
tered with uncharted shoals, coral heads,
and tiny cays. Although there are numerous
Northwest Providence Channel
passages and channels across the bank, none
Pilotage: Northwest Providence Channel
are reliably marked. Tidal currents across the
runs between Grand Bahama Island and the
bank can be strong and often unpredictable.
Great Bahama Bank, and is the main channel
for commercial ships bound from the U.S. to
Nassau and the commercial ports along the S
shore of Grand Bahama Island. Expect con-
siderable commercial traffic and numerous
cruise ships at night.
Grand Bahama Island
dry, dining, etc. Repair services and more
extensive supplies are available in Freeport.
West End: 26 42N, 78 59W
Port of entry: Customs and Immigration
Freeport: 26 31N 78 47W
are located at the marina docks.
(see chart on next spread)
Dockage: Available at Old Bahama Bay
Port of entry: Vessels may clear customs
Marina. Depth alongside is 8ft. Reservations
here, although the harbor is oriented to large
are suggested.
commercial vessels. Pleasure boats usually
Anchorage: Possible east of marina basin in
clear at one of the marinas at Lucaya. Call
4-7ft of water. Holding varies; moderate current
Freeport Harbour Control on VHF 16 when
Services: Old Bahama Bay is a resort mari-
approaching the harbor.
na with Internet service, groceries, ice, laun-
Dockage: Contact Freeport Harbour Con-
trol for details; pleasure boats may tie up
248