central-south america

[sawingknots]

has anyone done any cruising down the gulf coast of cen.or sou. america lately,how is it?,serious crime,petty crime or problems with officials and also is it really as cheap as refered to,i'm seriously thinking about it and i'm very open to opinions.thanks

[killarney_sailor]

Just hearsay from people we met last year in the Caribbean. Venezuela is very difficult and often very dangerous but it is incredibly cheap. We heard about diesel that was something like 2 cents a liter. People are very friendly but there is a lot of crime. Colombia is getting better than it has been but not altogether safe. Panama coast (eastern San Blas) apparently is fine - not cheap or expensive, there is almost nothing available to buy in the markets.

[sawingknots]

thanks,hmmm i expect one has to just see for ones self,i used to hear horror crime stories about the philippines too but in reality crime or lack of depends on your lifestyle,street smarts and the specific locality you choose to hangout in
just like the u.s.

[Yorksailor]

The Yucatan coast of Mexico, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos and Cozumel are amongst the nicest places in the Caribbean...

We paid $25/day for a 55 ft boat in El Cid marina in Puerto Morelos and the town has free moorings.

It is probably the safest place we have visited in 4 yrs in the Caribbean

Puerto Morelos - Hotels tourist guide Cancun Riviera Maya Mexico
Riviera Maya Hotels- Mayan Riviera Cancún- Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

Phil

[TQA]

Venuzuela is not on most cruisers route anymore due to recent attacks but some cruisers still visit in small groups. If you go there get an update on the officials latest inerpretation of the rules as to where you can go and for how long.

Columbia had been opening up as a possible destination but they appear to have clamped down recently making the check in process more complex.

SEE here and scroll down

[svzephyr44]

Took this trip last winter. Went as far south as Guatemala, friend went on to the Bay Islands. Need a good guide book (Rauscher is what I used), charts very out of date. Very strong adverse currents heading south in Yucatan Channel. Did not particularly enjoy Belize, lots of mosquitoes. Belize Port Captains running a scam for large cash "check in" payments. Definitely go to Half Moon Cay in Lighthouse Reef. More at my blog at rebootracing.blogspot.com

[sawingknots]

thanks for the info,i haven't really done a lot of research yet but i kindof figured i would make landfall in the far south of mex. and play it by ear from there

[DRFerron]

I'm interested in this route, too, sawingknots. When do you plan to leave?

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by sawingknots

thanks,hmmm i expect one has to just see for ones self,i used to hear horror crime stories about the philippines too but in reality crime or lack of depends on your lifestyle,street smarts and the specific locality you choose to hangout in
just like the u.s.

That pretty much covers it anywhere you go. Like the English language there are exceptions to the rule.

I just left the west of Costa Rica to return to Panama. I do not like the west side of the oceans, but I have not had a problem with the locals. I have also done the west coast of Baja, and P.V.. The locals were great, the food excellent, and cheap.

I have not sailed the Phiilippines, or Brasil, but it's a mattter of street smarts. Even in some poorer parts of town. Which side of Central America wil you do? The Caribbean side has the beautiful water.......i2f

[sawingknots]

the caribbean side,i don't relish the idea of using the canal,btw how are you now john?i figured you would be somewhere in asia by now,i just can't work up the nerve to do the crossing so i thought i would snoop around closer to home this winter