Bahamas, West End, Anchorage for Check In (Question)

[billknny]

Originally Posted by InsuredApple

Is it usual that customs will want to inspect the vessel?

Never happened to me in four times checking into the Bahamas. Or anywhere else come to think of it!

Of course it is within their rights to do so.

[flyingfin]

And anyone planning on going to Bahamas this time of year should monitor this site for several days prior to their crossing in order to assess wind trends.


https://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_pa...?station=spgf1

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by InsuredApple

Oh wow, thank you all so much!

I was not expecting this much information and insight. Thank you.

With all this information, maybe we are best off to get Bimini, we know a spot we can anchor and then dinghy in.

Is it usual that customs will want to inspect the vessel?

I haven't had Bahamian customs ask to board my vessel in years so wouldn't really worry about that. Technically is it could happen but practically, probably not.

Regarding Bimini, unless they've changed since the last time I cleared customs there (admittedly a few years ago), it will be a lot easier in West End. Bimini I had to walk to two different offices and stand in line. West End you step off the boat and do it all right there. There were a number of boats in the marina at West End last time I was there but there's plenty of room and I wasn't worried about anyone running into me. That could happen but it could happen anywhere.

[InsuredApple]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I haven't had Bahamian customs ask to board my vessel in years so wouldn't really worry about that. Technically is it could happen but practically, probably not.

Regarding Bimini, unless they've changed since the last time I cleared customs there (admittedly a few years ago), it will be a lot easier in West End. Bimini I had to walk to two different offices and stand in line. West End you step off the boat and do it all right there. There were a number of boats in the marina at West End last time I was there but there's plenty of room and I wasn't worried about anyone running into me. That could happen but it could happen anywhere.

Thanks for the heads-up. We are pretty set on Bimini, just because we know it and know where to anchor... once we get more comfortable, I'm sure things will become less "intense".