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sara
Jul 25, 2023
In Latest
I spoke with an official in Bahamas Customs to get clarification of the two apps for clearing Bahamas Customs. Here's the scoop:
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sara
Jul 25, 2023
In Bimini/Cat Cay
Cat Cay Yacht Club is now totally private. A yacht may stop in for fuel but must call on VHF 16 first to check on availability. To stop to clear Customs, the fee is $500. No dockage or other services for non-members.
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sara
Jul 04, 2022
In Latest
Family Island Research and Education NEWSLETTER June 2022 The future of scientific research in the Bahamas is not looking good. Many scientists, ourselves included, are still trying to persuade the government to make systemic changes to the research permitting process administered by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection. There is an outside chance that our research colleague Annabelle Brooks (formerly of the Island School) will get a permit to work in the Abacos. Annabelle’s dates have passed, though she thinks she may be able to negotiate changes if she is granted a permit. The Abaco project is the one that Annabelle, Dr Beth Whitman (Florida International University) and I have been trying to accomplish since spring 2021. In early 2021 we received a grant from the Devereux Ocean Foundation to support this research. Barbara and I and Karen Bjorndal (Director of the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research at the University of Florida) have been discussing the possibility of working in the Turks & Caicos. We have communicated with the TCI Department of Environment & Coastal Resources, the School for Field Studies in South Caicos, and turtle scientists from the Marine Conservation Society in the UK who have an active project in TCI. I am flying down to South Caicos on a reconnaissance mission in mid-July and will give shark and turtle lectures at the School for Field Studies while I am there. The Turks & Caicos would be exciting new territory and a natural geographic extension of the work we have been doing in the Bahamas. If things improve in the Bahamas, we hope to return and perhaps work in both countries. We wish you all a wonderful summer, and we will keep you informed about our future. All the Best, Stevie and Barbara
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sara
Apr 06, 2022
In Latest
Correction for Explorer Chartbook Far Bahamas, Rock Sound Eleuthera Need-to-Know Info. The Rock Sound Hardware Store is now located at the government dock on the corner of Queens Highway. You can access it easily from the dinghy docks and they will deliver your full tank to your dinghy. Also the NAPA store is currently closed though planning to reopen. Please correct your information. We apologize for the inconvenience. Monty and Sara Lewis Explorer Chartbooks
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sara
Jan 21, 2022
In Latest
We recently learned of a family in Spanish Wells losing their home to a devastating fire. We are often asked how the cruising community can help when locals are in need. One suggestion is that you stock small items on your boat to take to The Bahamas; any household items would be appreciated when people have lost everything. Most communities have needs, but especially after a tragic loss such as a house fire. Also, currently there is a great shortage of most supplies due to shipping and trucking issues in the U.S. Be mindful of possible needs before you leave home and plan to stock some items that would be a blessing.
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sara
Jan 12, 2022
In Latest
A Belize-registered product tanker operating in the Bahamas sunk after it was “rear-ended by a 207-foot super yacht,” according to its operators Maritime Management of Miami. Details on the incident and the operation of the two vessels are scarce, but the tanker company is reporting that all seven members of the crew were rescued without injury. The 32-year-old product tanker M/T Tropic Breezedeparted New Providence Island in the Bahamas on December 24 and was bound for Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre island in the Berry Islands chain. It is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, which operates it as a private port for beach parties for its cruise ships. The product tanker was carrying a cargo of “non-persistent materials, LPG, Marine Gas, and automotive gas,” according to Maritime Management. The vessel was approximately 15 miles northwest of New Providence when the collision occurred with the super yacht Utopia IV, an aluminum hull charter yacht operating out of the Bahamas and Florida. The yacht accommodates 12 passengers and normally has a crew of 13. The 160-foot tanker was reportedly “traveling on its proper watch when it was rear-ended,” said Maritime Management. The collision happened just after 10:00 p.m. local time. “The catastrophic force of the collision pierced the stern of the tanker causing the tanker to sink to the ocean floor at an estimated depth of 2,000 feet.” The Utopia IV is a high-power yacht designed and built by Italy’s Rossinavi in 2018. The Italian designers report that the vessel is fitted with four light Rolls Royce engines as well as four hydro jets, that provide it with a top speed of 33 knots and an average cruising speed of 26 knots. It is unclear what the speed of the yacht was at the time of the collision and if it was operating with passengers on a charter. The yacht is listed for sale at $51 million. It returned to the dock after the accident with visible damage on its bow. Maritime Management thanked the Bahamian authorities for their support as well as another motor yacht, the M/Y Maya, which responded to the distress call of the tanker and rescued the crew members. The tanker settled to the bottom at a depth that the operators are reporting means that the vessel can not be safely salvaged. They, however, said the fuel cargo is all “lighter than water and will evaporate if exposed to surface air.” The Bahamian authorities are investigating the circumstances of the collision. From The Maritime-Executive
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sara
Dec 24, 2021
In COVID-19
The Bahamas is tightening its entry requirements for travelers, an effort to keep hospitalization rates stable as omicron continues to spread across the globe. Prime Minister Philip Davis announced Thursday that effective immediately, all visitors must test negative for the virus within 72 hours of entering the country instead of five days, regardless of vaccination status. Vaccinated travelers and unvaccinated travelers under 12 can use PCR or rapid antigen tests, while unvaccinated travelers 12 and older only can use PCR tests. Entry rules will tighten again Jan. 7, with the islands only accepting PCR tests. Children under the age of 2 are exempt from the testing requirements. “Countries around the world are pursuing new strategies to contain the worst impact of the virus. We need to do the same here now,” Davis said Thursday. “We want to reduce the impact, which unfortunately will be severe, on our clinics and hospitals.” (From USA Today) SEE Bahamas.gov > COVID Restrictions for further information.
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sara
Dec 15, 2021
In COVID-19
FOR The Bahamas FOR THE Turks and Caicos TCI COVID PROTOCOL FOR VISITING YACHTS * See turksandcaicostourism.com. * Apply for approval to visit. * You will need proof of vaccinations and medical insurance * Email Kkneely@gov.tc (Kenrick Neely) to request permission to enter * If approval is granted, get angigen test within 72 hours. * If unable to get apprival, stay on board until a doctor has visited to do a test. * Upload all results and other requested info online. *.Once approval is received, call CUSTOMS to clear in.
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sara
Dec 09, 2021
In Exumas and Ragged Islands
EXUMA PARK MOORING FEES Up to 39’11” - $30 • 40’ - 49’11” - $40 50’ - 59’11” - $50 • 60’ - 69’11” - $80 70’ - 89’11” - $120 • 90’ - 119’ - $150 120’ - over - $170 Landing Fee - $10/pp (visitors9not on mooring) ANCHORING FEES (Daily) under 90’ - $0.50/ft over 90’ - $1.00/ft Check www.bnt.bs for latest info.
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sara
Nov 10, 2021
In Latest
Entry requirements for citizens, legal residents and visitors traveling to The Bahamas.
Apply online for a Travel Health Visa (www.travel.gov.bs click on the International Tab)
If fully vaccinated against Covid 19: Get a Covid 19 test at an accredited lab no more than five days before travel Submit test result along with vaccination certificate to the Ministry via www.travel.gov.bs together with contact and other required information. If you are not vaccinated against Covid 19:
Have a RTPCR test administered by an accredited lab. If its negative: Submit results of the test together with contact and other required information via www.travel.gov.bs. Children between the age of five and eleven years : Shall undergo a Covid 19 test administered by an accredited lab no more than five days before travel is to commence; and The parent or guardian shall submit results of the test to the Ministry of Tourism via www.travel.gov.bs, together with contact and other required information. Note: The holder of a valid travel health visa will not be required to undergo a further Covid 19 test to travel inter island in the archipelago. For further details visit: https://www.bahamasmarinas.com/procedures-and-protocols
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sara
Nov 10, 2021
In Abacos
We've had some good reports this week from Marsh Harbour. The harbour has been cleared of large debris, such as cars and vessels. Most of the lesser debris has been removed and the beautiful secure place to anchor should be back as it was before Dorian very soon. Harbour View Marina is open. The docks have power now and water coming very soon. Troy hopes to open the rest rooms, cabana area and pool by the first of the year with the new laundry projected for late spring 2022. Wally's Restaurant plans to reopen December 1, 2021. No confirmation of the status of either Marsh Harbour marina (Jib Room) or Conch Inn. Any first-hand reports would be appreciated to share with your fellow cruisers. The Explorer Team
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sara
Nov 02, 2021
In Abacos
BLUFF HOUSE BEACH BAR We are happy to report that the Abacos continues to rebuild and reopen places destroyed or severely damaged in Hurricane Dorian. Yes, that was back in September 2019! Compliments to the resilience of the Bahamian people! Land lines are not fully restored in the outer Abacos but mostly on the mainland of Great Abaco. Cellular coverage is good through BTC and ALIV. In all areas, the best and most up-to-date information can be confirmed on social media and through Internet searches. For LODGING and vacation rentals, VRBO and airbnb offer many choices. Be sure to check the dates of the reviews. If they were prior to Dorian, they may not be accurate. Some websites are up-to-date; some are not. If you have new information on reopening, we'd love to have you tell us in the Comments. Thanks from the Explorer Team! RECENT REOPENINGS GREEN TURTLE CAY: Bluff House Marina and beach bar, Turtley's Convenience Store new public dinghy dock in New Plymouth, Roberts Marine, Fuel: Sunset Marine as well as Green Turtle Club, Restaurants: GTClub, Bluff House Beach Bar, Pap Pete's, Turtleys, McIntosh's Takeaway, Pineapples, Two Shortys, Sundowners. Also several golf cart and boat rentals. Bakeries: Creative Hands, McIntosh's, Pap Pete's. CUSTOMS will come from Treasure Cay to clear yachts at Green Turtle Club. GUANA CAY: Orchid Bay Marina.Ferry service to Marsh Harbour with The Ferry at the Crossing and G&L Ferry. Restaurants: Grabbers and Mama's Takeaway. Dive Guana for snorkeling and SCUBA. Fuel: at marina. Hardware at Guana Lumber. Moorings restored in Guana Cay Harbour and Fishers Bay. Donna's Golf Carts. TREASURE CAY: Fuel at dock. Moorings. Florence's Cafe and Bakery, CUSTOMS at airport or will come to marina fuel dock to clear yachts. Ferry to Green Turtle Cay. Flights into airport from U.S. Groceries: Sylvan's Mini Mart and McIntosh's.Car rentals, boat rentals, golf cart rentals. MAN O WAR: Fuel at new dock at old marina location. Restaurants: Hibiscus and Russell's Snavks. Boat rentals, golf cart rentals. Hardware Store, Grocery Store, Boat Yard and sailmaker, moorings, museum and coffee shop, propane. HOPE TOWN: Both marinas open. Debris has been removed from the harbour and moorings have been repaired and ready for rental. Fuel at Lighthouse Marina. Clinic is open. Boat rentals, golf cart rentals, bike rentals. Two ferries to MH: The Ferry at the Crossing and G&L. All three grocery stores are open. Restaurants: Abaco Inn, Capt Jacks, Firefly, Hope Town Marina, Mackey's Takeout, Nathelee's Kitchen, Willie's Kitchen. Several gift shops. Veterinarian services. MARSH HARBOUR: From utter devastation to positive signs of recovery--Medical services available with appointment and vaccination certificate. Boat Harbour Marina fully open. Harbour View, Marsh Harbour marina and Conch Inn in various stages of rebuilding. Restaurants: Colors by the Sea at Abaco Beach Resort and numerous takeouts. Boat rentals, car rentals, golf cart rentals. Also yacht charters at Abaco Beach Resort. CUSTOMS at airport or Boat Harbour. Dinghy landing at Union Jack floating dock. Flights: several airlines have returned to MHH. Groceries: Maxwell's Supermarket and Abaco Grocery (near airport). Several marine services and hardware at National Marine. LODGING at Abaco Beach Resort. Check social media, airbnb, and VRBO for recent listings.
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sara
Aug 31, 2021
In Cruising Information
CUSTOMS 2022 INFORMATION In the Explorer Chartbooks Customs article, there is a change in our fee schedule for clearing Customs. The fee for over 200ft for a year is $1,600, NOT $2,000 as stated in our chartbooks. Under 35ft--$150 for 3 months; $300/yr 35ft--100ft-- $300 for 3 months; $600/yr 100-150ft--$500 for 3 months; $1,000/yr 150-200ft--$800 for 3 months; $2,000/yr Over 200ft--$1,000 for 3 months; $1,600/yr Also, there are no extra fees charged for officers’ transportation. Even though Customs officers at certain locations will charge an extra transportation or weekend fee, this is not the policy of the Bahamas Customs Department in Nassau. Call Customs 242-604-3125 if you feel you have been overcharged. The cruising permit fees include: · Cruising Permit fees · Fishing Permit fees · Attendance fees for both Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers · Transportation fees for both Bahamas Customs and Immigration Officers · Re-entry of vessel if within 90 days. But there is a passenger arrival tax of $20.00 per person which is applicable for any pleasure vessel that brings more than three crew/passengers or above the age of six years who is not a resident of The Bahamas. ITU Help Desk Bahamas Customs & Excise Department Tel. No.: 604-3004 through 3007/3010/3011/3013/3014/3033 BESW@bahamas.gov.bs
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sara
Aug 03, 2021
In Latest
STATEMENT New testing requirements for international and domestic travel The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to advise that, effective Friday 6 August 2021, those persons applying for a travel health visa to enter The Bahamas or travel within The Bahamas will be subjected to the following new testing requirements: Entering The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers
All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. Unvaccinated Travelers
There are no changes to the testing requirements for unvaccinated persons wishing to enter The Bahamas. All persons, who are 12 years and older and who are unvaccinated, will still be required to obtain a PCR test taken within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. Children and Infants
All children, between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to enter The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of arrival in The Bahamas. All children, under the age of 2, are exempt from any testing requirements. Cruise Passengers
All travelers, entering The Bahamas on a cruise ship, will be subjected to the testing requirements mandated by the cruise line and approved by the Competent Authority. Traveling within The Bahamas Vaccinated Travelers
All fully vaccinated travelers wishing to travel within The Bahamas, will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of the travel date from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island. Unvaccinated Travelers
For unvaccinated persons wishing to travel within The Bahamas, all persons, who are 12 years and older and who are unvaccinated, will still be required to obtain a PCR test taken within five days of the travel date. This now applies to travel from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island. Children and Infants
All children, between the ages of 2 and 11, wishing to travel within The Bahamas will now be required to obtain a COVID-19 test (Rapid Antigen Test or PCR), with a negative result, within five days of the travel date from the following islands: New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Exuma, Abaco and North and South Eleuthera, including Harbour Island. All children, under the age of 2, are exempt from any testing requirements. Domestic travel health visa fees will be waived for all Bahamians and residents traveling within The Bahamas. ____________ 2 August 2021
Office of the Prime Minister
Commonwealth of The Bahamas
Contact: opmcommunications@bahamas.gov.bs
Website: opm.gov.bs
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sara
Jul 01, 2021
In Cruising Information
A Big Thank You!
We want to thank all those that contributed
to our Little Harbour Education Center.
We’ve had so many contributions of all kinds. The kids have been finishing up the school year in the center and just love it. On weekends you can find them reading in the library loft.
We owe a great deal of gratitude to many donors, including The Burns Family, Frank & Darlene Haines, Jerry Lower, Renee Zantay, Dwayne Wallas, Rachel Sands, Dr Jerry & Kelly ODaniel, Haley Hylton, Stacy Love & Chris Moore, Cindy Britton, Cheryl Marking, Anne Delhommeau, George Harding, Melanie Spivak, Matt Bridgewater, Elizabeth Pitcairn, Clay & Jennifer Primrose, Maria Triplett, Patricia Inman, Kali Kirkendall and the Hopetown Junior Sailing Club. Thanks to so many people who contributed that made this space well stocked and provisioned.
The 20' x 16' structure is powered by a solar system. There is a porch on the front and a reading loft upstairs. There are 8 built in desks, with one facilitator desk in the middle. Plumbing is in the process of being completed.
Little Harbour/Hope Town Sailing
The sailing school on Saturdays has been a success, thanks to Dwayne Wallas, Rachel Sands. And of course, a tremendous thank you to the Hopetown Junior Sailing Club for gifting us 3 Opti sailboats.
On June 19th, Little Harbour hosted our very first regatta against the Hopetown Junior Sailing Club.
We are also very grateful to Bill Martinson of Treasure Cay who donated the Ms Kelly, a sunfish to the sailing program.
Pete's Pub New Hours
We are happy to be open Monday - Wednesday for lunch 12-5 pm and
Thursday - Sunday for lunch 12 - 4 pm and dinner 6 - 9 pm.
Please feel free to Contact Heather Johnston
by email at pete@petespub.com or phone at 242-577-5487 with any questions.
Air Travel
Bahamas is now open for commercial traffic. Travelers Health VISA are required for all. Only Travelers without full vaccine are still required to have a negative covid PCR test. Contact us with questions.
See the list below for airlines servicing Abaco.
Air Unlimited
American Airlines
Aztec Airways
Bahamasair
Cherokee AirIsland Wings
Silver Air
Abaco Freight
Airgate
The Johnstons are very overjoyed to be able to welcome everyone back. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Hope to see you soon.
Greg & Heather Johnston
Little Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas
Pete’s Pub & Gallery
242-357-6648
242-577-5487
Copyright © 2021 Pete's Pub and Gallery, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in at our website or gave your email when visiting the Pub. We will be sending updates, special offers, events and new art. We hope you will stay around for the ride.
Our mailing address is:
Pete's Pub and Gallery
Little Harbour
Abaco
Bahamas
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sara
Apr 12, 2021
In Customs/Immigration
Thanks to a fellow Bahamas cruiser for the following tip to make clearing in to The Bahamas more streamlined: MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A WIRELESS PRINTER ABOARD. Here is a review of the steps you will take beforehand: * Obtain a COVID test (negative results). Save the document as a PDF. * Go to https://travel.gov.bs and fill out the form for a Health Visa. * Save it as a PDF. You will need to upload it to the Click2Clear. * Once you receive the Health Visa back from The Bahamas government, you can enter the country up to 5 days after your negative test. (The test date is Day Zero.) * Go to Click2Clear. https://www.bahamascustoms.gov.bs/imports-and-exports/about-click2clear/ * Fill out form online. * Make sure to write down your PCR#. You may need it later to track your Cruising Permit. * Print your Cruising Permit while you are on the site before you leave for The Bahamas. *Enjoy those Beautiful Bahama Blues of the water and sky!
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sara
Apr 01, 2021
In Cruising Information
Newsy note from a fellow cruiser: Have seen lots of recent infrastructure projects on Eleuthera. Major improvements to sections of Queens Hwy. Here in Rock Sound they recently completed major renovation to the old Govt Wharf with a huge new area extending out into the harbour with an apron for large freight vessels to unload here. Mailboat now is coming here after a spell when they unloaded Rock Sound freight in Governors Harbour to be trucked here. They are also rebuilding the smaller government dock north of the Anglican Church putting in new pilings extending further out. Right now there is no real good dinghy dock but once this project is completed it should be better than ever. Frigate’s aka Four Points, Pascals, etc., dinghy dock at the Gully not in great shape but new Wild Orchids south of the governmentpPier has a nice dinghy dock except at low tide. Everyone thinks these projects are tied to the next election next year. Both markets are booming, especially Halls which is where the Bahamians shop. The renovations they have done the past two years make it a first class market and prices are easily 25% less than Marketplace.
Rock Sound just began administering vaccinations yesterday but there’s a huge hesitancy among the Bahamians. Everyone wears masks as there is a $500 fine for any business that allows unmasked people to enter and a $250 fine for any person in a business unmasked. Both grocery stores take your temperature at the door and require you to use hand sanitizer before entering.
Lots of boats around now, huge catamarans everywhere. Very few Canadian boats. Boat counts like any other year now. Almost 20 boats here which is normal for end of March.
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sara
Mar 27, 2021
In Marina News
There is some updated information on the Fuel and Dockage Survey on the Explorer Chartbooks website at https://www.explorercharts.com. Click The Bahamas Info button and scroll down to Fuel and Dockage Info. Please note that only a few marinas have responded to the 3/27/21 survey so far. Check the Note column to see if the info is updated from last month. Generally gas and diesel and higher and the March dockage rates have also typically gone up for the In-Season period. If you find additional updated information, we would love it if you share it with us. Sara and Monty Lewis Explorer Chartbooks
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sara
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