NEW PROVIDENCE (NASSAU, PARADISE ISLAND) AND THE EXUMA CAYS, INCLUDING THE EXUMA CAYS LAND AND SEA PARK

Nassau & the Exumas: boating safety

Last verified: 14 October 2026

Nassau on New Providence is the Bahamas' capital and main yachting gateway, with marinas on the harbour and Paradise Island. From there, charter and private boats cross the Yellow Bank to the Exuma Cays. This long chain of shallow-water islands includes the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, the first land-and-sea park in the world.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA

Call +1 242 826 3117

Call RBDF Operations Command Center on +1 242 826 3117. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Bahamas: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Weather

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issues a Bahamas Marine Forecast covering the next 24 hours, with forecasts at 6:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. EDT. It includes warnings such as severe thunderstorms and waterspouts.

Bahamas Department of Meteorology ▾

met.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “MARINE FORECASTS FOR THE BAHAMAS ISSUED BY THE BAHAMAS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY AT 6:00 A.M. EDT, Wednesday, October 14, 2026, FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS . THE NEXT SCHEDULED FORECASTS WILL BE ISSUED AT 12:00 P.M. EDT.”

Local rules

The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park office answers to “Exuma Park” on VHF channel 09, and keeps an emergency watch on channel 16 around the clock. The office is on a remote cay, so reaching it can take time.

Bahamas National Trust (Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park) ▾

bnt.bs (2026-10-14): “VHF: Call “Exuma Park” on Channel # 09. Channel #16 is monitored 24 hours a day for emergencies.”

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a no-take zone: no fishing, shelling or conching of any kind is allowed inside the park.

Bahamas National Trust (Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park) ▾

bnt.bs (2026-10-14): “no fishing, shelling, conching of any kind is permited within Exuma Park boundries. Call “Exuma Park” on Channel # 09 to report suspicious activity.”

The park charges mooring and anchorage fees, plus 10% VAT. Pay only after you have secured a mooring. The park takes no reservations, so paying in advance does not guarantee a mooring.

Bahamas National Trust ▾

bnt.bs (2026-10-14): “Effective January 1st, 2022, all marine & park fees are subject to Bahamas 10% VAT applied at checkout. Pre-payment does not constitute a reservation or guarantee a mooring, as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park does not take reservations.”

Arriving from abroad

Pleasure vessels enter and pay for their cruising permit online through the Customs Click2Clear Cruising Permit Module, then clear at a designated port of entry. Only the captain may go ashore until Customs and Immigration have cleared the boat.

Bahamas Customs Department · Bahamas Customs Department ▾

bahamascustoms.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “All pleasure vessels will be entered and paid for using the Cruising Permit Module within the Click2Clear system.”

bahamascustoms.gov.bs (2026-10-14): “Once at a Port of Entry , the captain must report directly to Bahamas Customs for the vessel clearance. Until the vessel has been cleared by Bahamas Customs and Immigration, the only person permitted to disembark is the captain.”

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Nassau & the Exumas?

Call RBDF Operations Command Center on +1 242 826 3117. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Nassau & the Exumas?

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to do Cold water shock and hypothermia: what to do Person overboard: what to do Engine failure: what to do when you lose power Chartering in Bahamas: licence & rules

Nearby destinations

Miami and Biscayne Bay 159 nm Florida Keys 245 nm Cancún / Riviera Maya 571 nm Fajardo 771 nm St. George's, Bermuda 799 nm St. Thomas and St. John 808 nm Tortola 816 nm Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay 834 nm

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