Rio Dulce Chisme Vindicator

[la vida feliz]

Hola, I am reposting my earlier post so possibly people have a place to post about boating safety travel other than the Rio.

Hola Scoop, Spot on about Estero lagarto. I was there a week ago and returned again this week with the family for 4 days. What a GREAT place, wonderful people, a must place for all to visit. I anchored very close to the beach in 5 feet of water, we could walk ashore on a nice sandy bottom.


Recently I was at Graciosa, Very nice sheltered anchorage and a lot of manatee in the early morning. Be sure and watch your chart plotter and depth meter on the way in. The chart plotter is pretty honest. Give the point of land on your Starboard side a wide berth. Dumb me!!! I got complacent and ran hard aground in soft mud, Had to use the launch to pull me free. For those that want to visit Puerto Barrios, it is good to anchor past the commercial dock and in front of restaurant Delphine(you may also see Dolphin). It is well lit up at night and constant security patrolling at night. It is fun to sit and watch them off load and load the container ships at night. I have anchored there more nights than I can remember and have never had a problem. If you go on up to Puerto Santo Thomas, stay in the main channel, if you veer out of the channel to port the navy will be right out. When you reach the end of the marked channel good anchorage in front of restaurants, I have never anchored over night there as I prefer to return to Puerto Barrios for the lit anchorage.

[Scoop]

Thanks for the good info, La Vida Feliz. We'll give Bahia Graciosa a try in a few days.

We've also anchored out at Livingston and had no problems. Yes, it is interesting to watch them load all of the containers of bananas.

If you go to shore at the municipal dock (where the lancheros drop and pick up folks) there's always a taxi around to take to the big grocery (forget the name of it) or elsewhere. (Be sure to negotiate the price of the taxi ride first .. or you'll get the blue eye special).

[la vida feliz]

You can also safely tie your dinghy up at restaurant Delphine, or to the left of them near the SAT(Govt.) building. it is then about a 3 block (long blocks) walk to the central market. This is a very safe walk. If you prefer you can hail a taxi for the ride to town from the restaurant or in front at the police station.

[Scoop]

[la vida feliz]

Hi All, I am back at Estero Lagarto, one of my favorite places close to the Rio. A reminder though. When visiting the bay here turn on your anchor lights, there are fisherman out at night. The last few nights a few boats were anchored without lights. They are also putting in some artificial reefs for more aquatic life, the snorkeling is fun here ,you will see lots of stingrays and some very LARGE Barracuda. enjoy!!!