We have cruised over to the Bahamas many times and each time we try to travel smarter but every year there always seems to be something we wish we brought. If you are heading over soon and wondering what to bring to the Bahamas then I hope our mistakes can help your trip go smoothly!
What to Bring to the Bahamas
10 Items You Can’t Go Without
1. Cash (more then you think you need)
The term cash is king is true. If you plan to pay mostly with a credit card as you would in the states then be prepared for extra charges. Many restaurants charge a surcharge fee for using credit cards and some places simply do not accept them. If you bring some cash but need more to buy a conch salad at the local seafood shack then expect to also pay ATM fees. That is if you can even find an ATM. The cruising and fishing permit you pay for as you clear customs is usually cash only. It is $150 for boats 34′ feet and under and $300 for boats over 34′. This is a large amount of cash to pay right off the back so make sure to calculate that when considering how much to bring. Small bills are also great to have to tip the dock hands, servers, and tour guides you may encounter. The Bahama dollar is equivalent to the U.S. dollar so there is no need to convert your currency. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted but be prepared to get Bahamian bills back as change.
2. Spare Engine Parts
We could easily have a spare part for every single component of the engine. However, we do not have the storage or money for that. We try to keep spares for the things that are most prone to wear and usual maintenance supplies. We always keep extra fuel filters, oil filters, multiple belts, fuel lift pump as well as extra oil and coolant. On board, we have a simple water pump rebuild kit but we WISH we had brought an advanced rebuild kit or a new pump in general for a spare. If you have space and money a spare alternator and starter are also a good idea.
3. Good Filet Knife
If you are heading to the Bahamas, you will without out a doubt spend some time fishing. If you are any good you will also have to clean all the fish you catch. A sharp high-quality filet knife makes that job MUCH easier. We have been using our same filet knife for years and this past trip to the Bahamas we realized it is time for a new one.
4. Extra Mask Set
If it’s not your mask that breaks or falls off the boat then it’s your snorkel and if its not your snorkel it will be that thing that keeps your snorkel on the mask. Trust me always have an extra good fitting, high-quality mask set on the boat! Diving with the uncomfortable backup mask is the worst! This past trip my mask disappeared off the back of the boat the first week of arriving. I spent the next month and a half constantly messing with our backup to try to make it fit better. I could blame the mask on me missing fish but that might be pushing it ;P
5. Bug Spray
Sunscreen is a no brainer but bug spray should be right there with it. During the rainy season (May-October) stagnant water builds up and is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. We experienced the worst mosquitoes in Great Inagua but if anchored next to the shore on any island expect them to visit every night as the sun is setting. We also purchased mosquito coils to light in the evening around the boat. They worked pretty well!
6. Mosquito Netting
If you want the breeze without the bugs then make sure you have plenty of mosquito netting. Every hatch and companionway should be covered. Fine mesh netting is a great way to keep the flies (that come for your food) and mosquitos (that come for your blood) out of your boat. We love this net for our hatches.
7. Fans
If you are like us and do not have A.C. then make sure your boat is equipped with plenty of fans. Some anchorages are blocked from the breeze you normally rely on to keep cool. It also rains quite a bit. If you shut your hatches to stay dry then expect the boat to turn into a hot box without a few fans. We have multiple caframo 12 v fans in our boat but we realized we needed to add one more to our berth to make sleeping comfortable. We luckily found one that wasn’t too expensive at a marine store on Long Island. This one oscillates but only has one speed (which I would say is equivalent to the high speed of the caframo fan). Wind Scoops are also a great idea! Our plan is to add one or two in the future.
8. Shade
I know you are heading over to the islands to get your tan on but after a few days in the blazing sun, your skin will have had enough. Outfitting your boat with plenty of shade before you take off will be totally worth it. Your skin, family, and pets will thank you! We considered having shade made before we left but decided the quotes were too expensive. The turn around time was also way too long. Moral of the story we wish we tried harder to get it done. We had canvas shade made as soon as we arrived in the Dominican Republic.
9. Extra pole spear bands
A trip is never complete without a pole spear band breaking right as you are about to take a shot at a monster fish. Having backups on board at least gives you a second chance. Keeping a few extra tips on board is also a great idea.
10. Back Up Memory Card
The Bahamas is a beautiful country with hundreds of islands to explore. Having a list before you start preparing to leave can make the process go much smoother. It will also help keep stress levels down in the long run when you are not trying to figure out how to get a part without paying outrageous taxes or missing awesome shots while trying to get your memory card to work. I hope this article helped you as you are making your own list of What to bring to the Bahamas
If you are wondering how much a trip to the Bahamas cost find out HERE
Enjoy your trip!
Bill,
Thanks. Great tips. I never would have thought that I would need that much cash.
Jim