Rio Dulce Chisme Vindicator

[ElJeem]

Most all cruisers want to do the right thing and we do not want to be taken advantage of. Cruising guides are usually a year old as far as current information. So I am offering a little local knowledge here.

For new boats arriving at the Rio Dulce, entering the Rio can be a challenge. You have all the normal concerns of finding the officials, where to anchor, where to go ashore, who to talk to (and trust). But now add crossing the bar and our local knowledge encouraging you to continue upriver.

So yes clearing in at Livingston is probably unlike most any other landfall you have experienced.

Local knowledge is always the most current source of info. Local fishermen at Livingston will assist you if they see you crossing at the wrong point. Yes some even will assist you if you need it. The majority of people in this waterfront town are helpful, but as with any economically depressed area, there are bad elements.

Normal precautions should be taken if you go ashore. Stay alert and remain in your own comfort zone. Livingston is colorful, vibrant, and worth the walk.

There have been recent instances of boats having equipment stolen from them while anchored at night. At this time I have not heard of any incidents occurring during daylight hours.

So with this in mind, I encourage arriving boats to take advantage of the earliest point in a rising tide to make their crossing. Check the following link for the latest coordinates.
[more info:http://riodulcechisme.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=3065

Late arriving boats may overnight stop at Punta Manabique in order to set themselves up for a optimum tide. Steel Magnolia recently spent some time there, and here is their report.
[more info: http://riodulcechisme.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?t=3062

Once in Livingston, clear in with the officials, you mail hail Servamar on Ch-16 or CH-68.

You should note that it is possible to email your information to Raul of Servimar in advance and have your documents prepared and ready for you on arrival. I currently have Raul's email as navieraservamar@gmail.com.

Once you are completed, proceed directly up river.

Enjoy the views up the fabulous gorge, and pull in to Texan Bay for the evening.

Texan Bay is home to some of the best Tex-Mex this side of Tex or Mex. So it is worth the stop... a unique and beautiful location.
_________________
El Jeem
Chief Gringo
Marios Marina & Cayuco Club
www.mariosmarina.com

[svsoutherncross]

What info do you need to have for Servimar?

[ElJeem]

Thanks for your patience. I took the extra time to verify this with Servimar today, and according to Raul;

In order to Clear in to Guatemala you will need.


1. Clearance documents from your last port.
2. Passport with stamp to Check Out for Immigration
3. Certificate of Documentation Or Title of the Registration, or Registration for the boat. This document will be different depending on your country.
4. When the owner to the boat is a company you will need a power attorney or Letter for the captain to the boat. This is important and occasionally overlooked. If your boat is registered under a corporation, then the corporation needs to provide documentation assigning the duty of captain to a specific person.

How much will this cost me to clear in?

During normal working hours Monday to Friday to 08:00 Am to 12:00 Noon and 14:00 to 17:00 Servamar will charge Q 1,000.00. This will cover all fees for Port Captain, Immigration, Customs, Doctor, and Agency

On Saturday or Sunday all Day the prices is Q 1,100.00 this is of overtime paid to the Port Captain, and Immigration.

As a note the cost of Servamar to process your documents is Q200, therefore you can save Q200 by doing the processing yourself.


Clearing out.....

The Documents that you need are
1. The Last permit when you arrived to Livingston or your Extension for one year.
2. Passports
3. Registration to the boat

For Immigration is US$ 10.00 per person or each passport
Zarpe Q 385.00 This is for Port Captain, Customs and Agency.

You may again save Q200 performing the tasks yourself. The Immigration would be $10/passport. PortCaptain, Customs would be Q185

The overtime clause still applies on clearing out.

Bottom line,
Servamar cost Q200 for his services.
SAT and SUN processing is available, and processing is available during lunch. For a fee.....

Hope this helps out...

Cheers
_________________
El Jeem
Chief Gringo
Marios Marina & Cayuco Club
www.mariosmarina.com