Rio Dulce - Documents

Where is Rio Dulce?

The area called "the Rio Dulce" begins at the mouth of the river on the Bahia de Amatique at the Garifuna town of Livingston.

The small village of Rio Dulce (Fronteras) is 18 miles up the river, past a spectacular steep-walled canyon and the small lake of El Golfete.

Entry Notes or Cautions for Rio Dulce:

The Guatemalan Navy have replaced the Livingston sea buoy which marks the channel entrance to the Rio Dulce. The new coordinates are 15-50.29'N x 088-43.71'W (0.46 nm on a bearing of041 T from the old location).

There are shoals at the entrance, however, there have been reports of yachts with a draft of 7ft making it through (it's important to stay on course and watch the tide). Deeper draft boats should seek local knowledge before attempting to enter. Securing a local guide can be done very economically.

Cruiser Highlights for Rio Dulce:

It is a sailor's paradise with hundreds of square kilometers of fresh water and countless bays, coves and lagoons to explore.

There are plenty of marine services, provisions, hotels, restaurants and medical services, as well as communications and transport. It is a safe spot in the hurricane season. Beyond this settlement, the river widens to form Lake Izabal, the largest lake in Guatemala.

Security

Be aware that Fronteras is very much a frontier town, with armed guards not only at the banks but at the supermarkets and on the delivery trucks.

A number of visiting yachts have been boarded and some robbed, when anchored at the mouth of the Rio Tatin and, also, there have been a number of incidents in the Rio Dulce itself. October, November and December are typically high theft times. The Guatemalan Navy don't always patrol the river.

Whilst staying in a marina would appear to be a more secure option, boats have been burgled anchored in front of marinas. Dinghy and outboard thefts continue to occur from boats berthed in marinas as well as those at anchor.  The Caribbean Safety and Security Net has received reports of items being stolen from a yacht at anchor which had been left unattended for several weeks; of burglar being thwarted in his attempt to steal from a yacht on a private dock; and most recently the theft of a chain locked outboard motor from a yacht at anchor.

Be sure to check the latest Noonsite Security Reports for Rio Dulce as well as the  CSSN.

Position - Rio Dulce - Fronteras:

15°39.71'N, 88° 59.82'W

Last updated: July 2024