Even though Luperón is regarded as one of the best hurricane holes in the world, it is always best to stay with your boat year round, especially during the windy season so that you can motor into the wind to take the strain off the mooring and drop it if necessary to avoid collision.
Denise Simpson, SSCA Host and OCC Port Officer reports often boats go "walkabout" off moorings, even in 5-10kt winds.
In general, there is no wind in the early morning in Luperon. The easterly wind only picks up to a fresh breeze during mid-morning and then drops off totally at night.
The main channel has not been dredged for a number of years so there is plenty of silt with bad holding on the edges especially by the moored boats. The only decent holding on anchor is towards the government dock on the starboard side where you will find other anchored boats who put out extra scope to hold in the silt/mud.
Bruce van Sant’s website has a useful chartlet showing the shoals, leading lines and recommended anchoring spots.
Once inside follow the main channel slowly down towards the government dock and anchor on the starboard side coming in towards the govt dock. There is a 4ft tide twice a day with depths of 12-22ft in the harbor. The bottom is sand and mud so be sure to lay out lots of chain.
Inside, the harbor is typical mangrove water with poor visibility. Many cruisers prefer not to swim here but there is a nice beach just at the entrance to the bay for swimming, easily reached by dinghy, or you can walk to the main beach.
Due to poor water quality, it is advisable to not use a watermaker in the harbor. Many yachts anchor out at the bay entrance to make water and buy RO water in 5 gallon bottles from the locals in the harbor along with Fuel and LPG. See here for more details.
You are not allowed to work on your boat as it's a marine reserve.
See Report on Luperon, for tips on anchoring.
There are many unknown unserviced moorings scattered all over the bay, most with abandoned derelict boats on them, plus shallow mud banks that many boats run aground on. Do not pick up any unknown unchecked mooring (unlikely to be safe) and do not rent a mooring off any long term live-a-boards offering services and moorings ( again because of safety and legal issues).
The only moorings in the bay that have ports permits are those run by Papo and Handy Andy (both English speaking). You can ask them when the moorings were last serviced and how many barrels of concrete are down. They can run a safety line on them prior to the season where the bay experiences 45k plus gusts and possibly more in hurricane season.
Papo, Andy and Domingo can also assist with anchoring spots and harbor entry, boat watch, cleaning and polishing, fuel, water and LPG, laundry, outboard service, dinghy repair and much more.
Make sure to back down on moorings and ask when last checked as you would anywhere in the Caribbean, as none of them carry liability. If there is wind to be expected (even trade winds), which can accelerate in the main channel area, you can ask Papo or Andy to fix a security line to the mooring for your extra peace of mind.
There are a great number of illegal, private and unserviced moorings in the bay installed over the years that are being rented out illegally or have long abandoned boats on them. This means that during strong winds there are often broken moorings and drifting boats.
There is a place to tie up dinghies at the government dock, halfway down on the starboard side. This dinghy dock, however, is in a bad state of repair and there have been reports of fuel theft from this dock, so be careful. There is also a big fixed dinghy dock at Puerto Blanco marina, hotel, and restaurant. If you use this option it's easy to catch a taxi into town.
When tying and securing your dinghy to a dinghy dock, be sure to use a long painter/chain from the bow so that others can access the dock easily. Remember to leave your outboard down so your prop does not damage other dinghies.
It’s always best to stay with your boat in Luperón in and out of season, as even though it’s known as one of the worlds best hurricane holes, there are often walkabout boats in high winds. The safest spot if a hurricane is approaching is in Juan De Dios canal, however that is now littered with wrecks that environment is looking at ways to clean up, or private docks that are protected from the winds take up the majority of the North side (which is the safest side). Other choices are the main anchorage or the marina at Puerto Blanco, with limited depth and anchors to hold you off. Try to go between the main dock and the mangroves on the North side, so there is less chance of walkabout boats from the harbor dragging down on you.
Luperon suffered in the past with a high crime-rate against yachts. The situation did improve considerably during 2019 with the active liveaboard community working hard with local officials to try and combat any crime. A number of incidents were reported in 2020 but in 2021 only two incidents were reported none in 2022, most likely due to the COVID-19 lockdown and only one in 2023 when thieves stole a dinghy outboard engine despite it being locked to the stern of a yacht.
It is advisable for cruising yachts visiting here to leave someone on board when going ashore at night to keep the boat safe. If leaving your boat for any length of time, it is recommended you appoint a caretaker/boat watch company with credentials and references who have a proven track record.
It is safe to walk in town both day and night.
In case of emergency contact:
Be prepared not to expect Western standards when it comes to crime and officialdom.
The Puerto Blanco Marina, Restaurant & Hotel is a good place to get your bearings after checking in and is a gathering place for cruising sailors and locals alike with many social activities, including a Sunday BBQ. This is the headquarters for the SSCA and OCC Luperon representative. Recently renovated the marina has space for approx. 15 boats plus moorings, a laundry, dinghy dock and new smart hotel adjacent with very affordable room prices.
Tropical Marina, although primarily a boatyard, does have a wall with stern-to docking. This facility is closed till further notice due to environmental and license/permit issues. If your boat is currently on the hard and you have any concerns, please contact Luperon Tourism Jose Ovidio +1 (809) 232-4624.
There is also a private property with 2 x 50ft docks with 110 electricity (must be pre-booked). Contact Kathay Garcia on + 1 (829) 219-2830, email kathaygarcia@gmail.com.
Ocean World Marina and Boat Yard, just east of Luperon, has the only fuel dock on the north coast and is the hub of the yachting world in this area as they have all facilities nearby and a fast delivery service from the US.
Last updated: March 2024
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