top of page
  • Writer's pictureCaptain Randy and Shelly

The Bahamas Reopens to Tourism: Updated Sept 1 2020

Updated: Sep 1, 2020


We've all been anxiously awaiting the reopening of the beloved Bahamas Islands! With sugar sand beaches that stretch as far as the imagination and waters teeming with all sorts of sea life, it is a world that can "take the blues away" and leave the turquoise in your heart! The Exumas, Bahamas, are unlike anyplace else on earth. They are low lying, pristine, white sand, often uninhabited gems, surfacing in waters of astonishing hues. Most experienced yachtsmen agree that for an out-island getaway, the Exumas, Bahamas is unmatched. Even repeat visitors discover amazing new reefs and are surprised by a tiny cove with a beach they have never explored.


Today, this article has been updated with the latest news from https://bs.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/


Entry and Exit Requirements:

All requirements are mandatory and strictly enforced by the Bahamian authorities


ARE U.S. CITIZENS PERMITTED TO ENTER The Bahamas?

YES; U.S. citizens require a valid U.S. passport to enter The Bahamas and return to the United States.

Before traveling, each traveler must go to travel.gov.bs, select “International,” and submit a Travel Health Visa Application. The application will require a negative COVID-19 test (see below). Travelers will receive an automated email response once the application is completed.

Applications take up to 72 hours to process, after which each traveler will receive a confirmation that their application has been approved.

Each traveler must present their final confirmation document upon arrival in The Bahamas (whether by air or by sea).


IS A NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST REQUIRED for entry? YES

Each traveler must present a COVID-19 RT PCR (molecular swab) test with a negative result in order to apply for the Travel Health Visa Application (see above) needed to enter The Bahamas.

No other type of COVID-19 test is acceptable.

Each traveler must upload evidence of their negative result when completing the Travel Health Visa Application prior to arrival (see above). The test sample must not have been taken more than five (5) days prior to the date of arrival.

For testing locations in the United States, contact your local or state health department.

The following travelers are exempt from presenting a COVID-19 test: Children under the age of 10, and private pilots who do not deplane.


ARE U.S. CITIZENS REQUIRED TO QUARANTINE upon entering The Bahamas? YES; all travelers entering The Bahamas must undergo a 14-day quarantine upon arrival, at their own expense. Visitors may quarantine at:

A private residence or rented accommodation (like AirBnB) where the person can quarantine in an unoccupied bedroom with its own connected bathroom.

A hotel or private club where the person can quarantine in an unoccupied bedroom with its own connected bathroom.

A private boat

If the traveler cannot quarantine in any of the above, they will be directed to a Government-Mandated Quarantine Facility at their own expense.

For questions regarding Bahamian visa extensions for residents and/or tourists, please visit https://www.immigration.gov.bs.


Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? YES


The Bahamas is reviewing and being guided by the most effective practices from around the world. The reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials, based on COVID-19 trends.


For now, we will dream of our next crewed charter vacation aboard one of these yachts below...


SEE FEATURED BAHAMAS CHARTER YACHT - POWER CATAMARAN MARE BLU

64' Lagoon Power Cat, sleeps up to 8 guests in 4 Queen Cabins. If needed for kids, a Queen cabin can be replaced with an over/under bunk twin cabin.

MARE BLU - NOW AVAILABLE OUT OF NASSAU BAHAMAS FROM JULY 20, 2020

Captain Willem and Chef Nicole = Great fun and fabulous cuisine aboard too! See their crew profile.

Copious space and clean design make this 640 Lagoon Power Catamaran perfect for The Bahamas. Built in 2018, Mare Blu is in "as new" condition. Her inclusive weekly rate makes her easy to book - $33,000 for 2 Guest to $36,000 for 8 Guests. Please add Bahamas tax of 4% and $2,000 fuel supplement for the Bahamas.


MARE BLU'S OWNER PROPOSAL: "Let's make a deal to combine your CHARTER AIR FLIGHT!!!! Planes depend upon availability, locations, and number of passengers. KINGAIR 350, BEECHCRAFT PREMIER, CJ1."

MORE Bahamas Boats for Summer! ISLAND GIRL, is a pristine 75' Hatteras that sleeps up to 6 guests in 3 staterooms. 27' Cobia tender, plus a Waverunner and lots more toys, adds to the fun. The excellent, experienced crew of Lee and Lizzie provide a great home away from home - friendly service, fabulous food!

SEA SENOR, a 47' Leopard catamaran, has been in Nassau awaiting the return of visitors to their waters. One of the premier, best-loved day charter yachts available out of Nassau, Sea Senor does term-charters too! Captain Brayan Russell is Bahamian born and knows all the best places to go!

RUBICON, a 42' St Francis cat, is a real treasure. Energetic and enthusiastic Captain Adam grew up on catamarans while sailing around the world with his family. The Bahamas is still his favorite place to drop anchor though, he thrives in the beautiful unspoiled water abundant with sea life! This is an excellent affordable choice for a couple or small family. Chef/mate Sophie rounds out the crew, Sophie is also a licensed captain and knows just how to coax many a delight from the galley as well!

LOOK WHAT'S NEW in the BAHAMAS!

118' Millennium Motor Yacht

Arthur's Way is heading to The Bahamas, available from August 1, 2020. Sleeping 9 in 4 staterooms and headed up by Captain Matthew Mannenen and Chef Jennica Ojander with crew of 5. Brochure coming soon. Contact us for more info.

Explore the Exumas aboard Sailing Yacht Guinevere

This St. Francis 50 catamaran is both speedy and remarkably stable. Most guests can easily walk from stern to bow without using the handrails. 6 pax, 3 cabins, based in Georgetown, Bahamas. Available from Oct to May in George Town, Exumas.

 

About Us:

We're former charter crew team, Captain, Chef, and owners of an Award-winning 72' sailing yacht 18 years. With over 300 charters in our logbook, we currently represent privately crewed Caribbean sailing luxury yacht charters as professional CYBA yacht charter brokers. Recently, we interviewed over 120 catamarans, motor yachts, sailboats, and professional crews. We're happy to work together as a team to promote charter vacation yachts offering modern conveniences & unlimited pleasure. What should you expect from a luxury crewed yacht charter in the Caribbean? It's "ALL about you, ALL the time" onboard a privately crewed charter boat! It's surprisingly affordable too! Far away from overcrowded cruise ships, all-inclusive charter yachts allow you to explore some of the Caribbean’s most exclusive areas and delight in the natural, unspoiled beauty of secluded islands, hidden coves, and secret dive sites. Sail to a nearby island every day & snorkel around your own private beaches; enjoy your favorite cocktail while watching the sunset on your own private yacht; indulge yourself with 5-star gourmet cuisine that is prepared with Caribbean flair and served in the most beautiful surroundings you could ever imagine. We love matching the right crew & yacht with you! 6 Reasons Why We are Qualified: 1. As Members of the Charter Yacht Brokers Association, we maintain contact with the yachts to keep abreast of the very latest information on crew/yacht conditions and new yachts entering the arena. 2. We stay on top of local and Federal Government to keep informed about changes in our industry, as well as involving ourselves with the changes in the environment in which we offer charters. 3 We engage in open dialogue with local publications to help keep the government and the public aware of this important industry in our islands. 4. We attend multiple charter yacht industry shows in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, go aboard each of the yachts, meet the crews, attend association meetings and seminars. We'll happily share our notes about changes to the boats and crews and confirm any newly added features and upgrades as well as re-fits to the boat’s decor like new carpets, interior and exterior soft goods & fun new water-toys. 5. As a seasoned charter yacht Owner & Crew, we have access to the "inner circle" and know all the insider facts. 6. We've developed a longtime friendship with vendors of services such as local taxi drivers, ferry companies, good places to stay on land, great restaurants, and much more. Learn more at www.YachtCharters.Guru Our service is completely FREE to you!


94 views0 comments
bottom of page