Explore the Exuma Cays! Our unique boat tours and experiences are perfect for those looking for a new and exciting adventure. Our experienced staff will take you on a journey through the stunning Exuma Cays landscape, and you’ll get to experience everything the area has to offer.

We offer three different group tours.

1. Swimming Pigs- Daily

2. Exuma Land and Sea Park- Saturdays

3. Mermaid Snorkeling Tour- Wednesdays

How much fish am I allowed to keep?

The regulations specify the amount of fish and fishery products that can be aboard a licensed foreign sport fishing vessel at any time. The bag limits are:
* 18 pelagic fish (Any combination of Dolphin, Wahoo, Kingfish or Tuna)
* 10 lobsters (when in season)
* 6 conchs
* 60 pounds or up to 20 demersal fish such as snappers and groupers, whichever is the lesser.

How much fish can I take home when I leave The Bahamas?

When you leave The Bahamas via a foreign vessel that had a sport fishing permit, you may take as many marine resources as the new catch limits listed above allow. This does not depend on the number of person aboard the vessel.
I am a permanent resident of The Bahamas, are the rules different for me?
You still need to obtain a sport fishing permit to use any foreign owned vessel for fishing. The catch limits that apply to visitors however, do not apply to permanent residents. As is the case for a Bahamian citizen, your catch cannot exceed 250 pounds. Doing so will put you in the commercial fishing category.

How many fishing rods can I have on my boat?

There is no limit to the number of rods you may have onboard the vessel. You are limited to the use of six or less at any given time. The use of more than six rods moves you to another category of sport fishing vessel. The fee for such a permit is $10,000 per year.

Can I use scuba gear or an air compressor for fishing?
No.

Can I use an electric reel?
Yes.

Can I use a cast net to gather bait fish?

The use of a net must be specifically authorized. If you wish to use a cast net to gather bait, you must specify that you want to use this kind of gear on the sports fishing permit application form. Once approved the issuing officer will include the use of the cast net when he issues the sports fishing permit. Any such approval will be expressed in writing on the permit.

Can I still gather conchs while in The Bahamas?

Sport fishers are allowed to gather conchs. The maximum number that you may have aboard the sport fishing vessel at any time is six (6). Remember that there is a legal size limit for conch in The Bahamas. The shell must have a well-developed flaring lip. This is a sign of maturity.

Is there a catch limit for bonefish?

There is no catch limit for bonefish. Catch and release is strongly encouraged.

Do I need a sport fishing permit to go after bonefish?

This depends upon whether or not you are using a Non-Bahamian owned vessel. A sport fishing permit is required if you are fishing using a Non-Bahamian owned boat.

Do I have to use a local fishing guide?

There is no requirement that you use a Bahamian guide. The Department of Marine Resources encourages the use of Bahamian fishing guides as this provides an enhanced fishing experience.

Am I allowed to keep any billfish (marlins, sailfish, swordfish) caught?

Unless you are fishing in an approved tournament, all billfish caught must be returned to the sea unharmed.

Is fishing for sharks allowed?

No. Sharks are now protected in The Bahamas as a result of an amendment made in 2011. Sharks may only be taken under special permits for very specific purposes. A shark that is hooked during the course of any fishing activity is to be released unharmed.

Can I sell some of the fish I catch in The Bahamas?

Visitors to The Bahamas are not allowed to sell or trade any fishery products. This constitutes commercial fishing and would be a serious violation of the law.

Can I fillet fish while aboard my vessel?

Yes. Once you have a valid sport fishing permit the catch limits detailed above apply.

When traveling from Florida, when do I cross into Bahamian waters?

The maritime boundary between The Bahamas and the United States of America (USA) has not been formally agreed upon. In the South Florida area, where the USA and The Bahamas are separated by the Gulf Stream, NOAA Chart 11469 depicts the line marking the limits of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. This line essentially runs up the middle of Gulf Stream. If you are east of that line, you are considered to be within the waters of The Bahamas and the laws of The Bahamas are applicable. The distance you may be from any land mass in The Bahamas is not particularly relevant as the line setting the limits of the territorial waters of The Bahamas is not always drawn from a land mass.

Can I use a spear for fishing?

Yes, although you will need to obtain specific authorization. Sport fishermen visiting The Bahamas are limited to angling with a hook and line held in the hand or attached to a rod and reel. The fisheries regulations prohibit sport fishers from the use of a spear, trap or net (other than a landing net), unless such use is specifically authorized. The authorization to use a spear is easy to get.

How do I get permission to engage in spearfishing?

A person wishing to use a spear should put this on their application form for the sport fishing permit. Permission may be granted by the officer issuing the permit for the use of a spear with a hand held sling, referred to as a Hawaiian sling in The Bahamas, or a pole spear. When permission is granted for the use of a spear, this must be endorsed in writing on the permit by the issuing officer.

Where can I go spearfishing?

Spearfishing Is not allowed within 1 mile of the coast of New Providence or the southern coast of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. It is also prohibited within 200 yards of the coast of any Out Island.

Can I use a speargun?

No. The use of a spear gun for fishing is not allowed in The Bahamas.
There are two ways to obtain a Fishing permit including pre-registration online via official cruising permit vendors, before you arrive in The Bahamas or filling out paperwork upon arrival at Bahamas Customs and Immigration. More details outlined below:

1) Online (preferred): Prior to travel, fishers can submit an electronic declaration, or apply for a permit through one of the official cruising permit vendors. These online systems are the preferred and easiest way to clear customs. Those boaters who choose to per-register online will still have to proceed to see Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry.

2)In-person: Fishers can also obtain this permit when they visit Bahamas Customs and Immigration at their Port of Entry, upon arrival.

Official Fishing Permit Vendors

Click to Clear

Bahamas Sea-Z Marina

Go Outdoors Bahamas

Staniel Cay Yacht Club

The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a hidden gem in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas. The island of Staniel Cay is located in the central Bahamas, making it an ideal destination for visitors traveling by sea or by air. It is the perfect place to explore, discover and relax in one of the Exuma Cays’ most unique and beloved resorts and marinas.

SCYC offers charming bungalow accommodations, and the marina provides a full array of services and amenities to our boat and yacht guests. And with our central location, SCYC is the ideal home base for your exploration throughout the gorgeous waters and cays.

Makers Air has daily flights into Staniel Cay from Fort Lauderdale.

Private Charter Flights