does anybody know?

[KBeck]

fromw West Palm Beach, look due east to find the West End of Grand Bahama Island. That said, promise you there isn't much there. Lots of fishing-boat types hop over there for day trips from this area, but it's pretty deserted.
Freeport, the main city on Grand Bahama can be flown to in @ 1/2 hour from West Palm Beach. But be prepared to pay; it's usually cheaper to fly from Atlanta or Miami. Go figure.

 

[CAPT HOOK]

The $150 for the permit is for one year, not everytime you visit.
Oh yeah, remember you need a passport now.

 

[fldiver1]

I wouldn't mess with NOT clearing customs if you don't know where you are going to dive. If you get close to the islands and get checked while out there it could be a major problem. I am quite sure the Bahamian government wouldnt mind confiscating your boat for not going thru customs. And until they get it sorted out, I am not sure a Bahamian jail sounds all that inviting. If you want to go to the Bahamas, just find some dockage, clear customs and spend the night. Get two days out of it if possible.

 

[DiveBandit]

The $150 for the permit is for one year, not everytime you visit.
Oh yeah, remember you need a passport now.

150 per year sounds much better. Passports we have from all the cruising we do .
Is there somewhere you have to check in when you get there or does their version of the coast guard come out and "greet" you?

 

[The Chad]

You actually have to do the check in part yourself. I just flew the yellow Q flag and pulled up to the government dock ( thats where the water taxi drops off and picks ppl up) You could go to big game club, tie up and walk the short distance also. Make a w/e of it. You gotta clear b/c who knows what will happen with the weather, plus the police have at least one 35' blue fast boat that I woulden't want to mess with. Its pretty much the honor system...same deal when you get back to the US, you call an 800 number and then have 24 hrs to present yourself to immigration