9 May Nassau check in

Entry into Nassau harbour is different to the all the other places we've been hanging out over the last year. One has to call Harbour Control to request entry as there can be up to five cruise ships in port, or on their way out or in, plus the tourist boats.

Harbour Control instructs us to go to a marina and call Customs to check in. Except marinas charge US prices of between $3 and $5 per foot per day. A courtesy dock can cost $76 for the privilege of tying alongside for an hour to do paperwork. Less known, and never advertised, is the fact you can anchor east or west of the bridge and travel to Customs and Immigration in your dinghy. I phoned Customs and they confirmed this was OK.

We anchored to the east of the bridges and took the dinghy to Customs dock next to the cruise ship dock where we found a seven foot wall between sea and land level and no ladders. However, on an adjacent wall next to the tug boats there is a ladder and somewhere to lock the dinghy. We tied. We climbed and we were met by high iron railings separating us from the office. There was also a convenient wooden gate, 6 foot high with foot holds and a gapp in the spikes atop. David climbed first and I followed, from the top I lowered myself into his arms and he delivered me to the ground safely. I was glad I had chosen to wear shorts today.

gaol becoming library

Governers House

At Customs we did the usual exchange of Belize exit papers, documents and money. Bahamas charge $300 to clear in (sharp intake of breath) but this does include all costs for Customs, Immigration, a one year cruising permit and a fishing permit if you want one. At this price we were taking it all.

Next door at Immigration I was surprised to be given an additional invoice for $30 for overtime. Especially as it was 3pm on Wednesday afternoon! Luckily I challenged this stating the $300 fee covers Immigration and the officer's colleague interjected. 'Where have you come from?' 'Belize'. 'There's no charge coming from Belize.' And with that the $30 extra was quashed.

To get back to the dinghy on the other side of the spiked fence and razor wire it was as simple as climbing around the end of the fence on the dock and walking along the dock to the steps.

In hindsight we could either have left the dinghy at marina for $6 and walked in to town or used a free dock at Nassau Yacht Haven on the west side of the bridge and Customs would have come to us for no charge.