Jamaica is a popular destination for people with sailboats, powerboats, or yachts, and there is important information that you may need to know about boating into Jamaican waters.

This island is surrounded by a sea of unbelievably differing shades of blue that is warm, tranquil, and crystal clear, which is why so many people enjoy spending time sailing.

Of course, it is possible to reach Jamaica by cruise ship but the permissions differ for personal watercraft entry and departure.

A personally-owned sailboat, yacht, or powerboat can enter Jamaican waters but only after going through customs and arriving at an official port of entry which includes Bowden, Discovery Bay, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Esquivel, Port Kaiser, and Port Royal.

Entering & exiting Jamaican waters on your yacht

Remember, a personally-owned boat or yacht must go through the customs process when coming into and departing from Jamaican waters.

To be granted permission to go into one of the ports of entry, the vessel must pass a physical inspection but along with this, numerous forms are mandated to include a crew list and declaration, ship’s registration, departure permission from the prior port of call, and a list of the ship’s stores.

Sometimes, an additional form is needed, which replaces a few of the other forms mentioned but also captures other information about the ship’s flag, as well as each passenger such as passport number, nationality, birth date, and position on the vessel.

Fly the ‘Q’ Flag on arrival

Keep in mind that regardless of the point of entry, the vessel must fly the “Q” flag or quarantine flag.

This flag is raised until the quarantine officer says it can be lowered, which is proof that customs agents were provided the necessary maritime declaration of health but also any other bill of health associated with the prior port of call, often referred to simply as a DE-RAT certification.

Immigration clearance

Immigration clearance is another aspect of getting through customs.

For this, the captain must provide proof of citizenship or passports for all the passengers onboard.

If there is anyone on the vessel who is not a United States citizen, a 30-day visa is required before reaching customs.

Additionally, the immigration officer will need to take a close look at anyone sailing to Negril or other areas of the island planning to stay more than six months.

Another aspect of customs is getting coast-wide clearance, which is obtainable by completing a special form.

This clearance is what allows the captain of the vessel to sail to all the different ports of entry in Jamaica.

Docking ports in Jamaica

After arriving, the vessel can dock at any of the marinas listed below, followed by cruising the beautiful seas encircling Jamaica.

• Errol Flynn Marina & Shipyard – Portland
• Glistening Waters Marina – Falmouth
• Montego Bay Marine Park – Montego Bay
• Montego Bay Yacht Club – Montego Bay
• Morgan’s Harbour – Port Royal
• Pier One Marina – Montego Bay
• Port Antonio Marina and Boatyard – Port Antonio
• Royal Jamaica Yacht Club – Kingston
• Sunset Jamaica Grand Resort Hotel Marina – Ocho Rios

Trusted charter boat services in Jamaica

For someone interested in making their way to Jamaica by boat, but who does not own a vessel, there are several highly respected charter companies.

Because there are different sizes, types of vessels, and pricing of vessels, it is worthwhile to contact several charters before making the final decision.

Of course, for peace of mind, it is recommended that the interested individual conducts research specific to the experience of the captain and first mate, as well as the safety history of both the captain and vessel.