Costa Rica Check-In

[RTB]

URGENT-

Have any members checked in to Costa Rica recently? I have checked out noonsite Noonsite: Costa Rica, but hope to get personal recommendations for anchorages, and customs and immigration procedures/experiences.

Thanks,
Ralph

[category4jay]

Ralph,
Which side of CR you planning on sailing to?

[RTB]

Pacific (note forum). It's not for me, but a friend. Customs and immigration is fairly clear, however one can never be too educated arriving at a foreign port. Knowledge of a good anchorage would be helpful, as well as facilities available. Perhaps a sailmaker???

Ralph

[category4jay]

Will your friend enter CR waters from the North or from the South? Will that be his final destination before returning to where he came from or will he continue in the same direction? Is it a onbe stop situation or does he wish to visit multiple locations.

[RTB]

I am not sure of exactly what i2f needs. He is asking for the info I mentioned....http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...n-60350-4.html

For now, winds are more favorable south of their position http://www.spotadventures.com/user/p...?user_id=55392 and they are low on fuel, so assuming that is where they will go.

[category4jay]

From Panama heading north

Golfito
Very clean and nice. Prices were reasonable.
Banana Bay Marina - Golfito, Costa Rica - Yacht Repairs and Supplies - Sportfishing Charters

Quepos
have not been there recently.The place looks very nice but Quepos was the scene of a recent yacht invasion. Google it.
Marina Pez Vela

Los Suenos
Premier place. arguably the finest in costa rica. very high end and costly.
Costa Rica's Premier Luxury Real Estate Resort

Puntarenas/caldera
The cruise ships dock in Puerto Caldera so maybe its ok but I have not been there. Puntarenas is dangerous no matter you hear. I would not go there.

Farther up the coast in Flamingo. Its been awhile since Ive been there but I've heard good things.
Hotel Flamingo Marina - The Best Hotel in Costa Rica

I love Costa Rica. Been there many times. But with all things be careful. The area is increasingly becoming a major transhipment point for Colombian narcotics vessels who are now bypassing Panama on their way north.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by category4jay

From Panama heading north

Golfito
Very clean and nice. Prices were reasonable.
Banana Bay Marina - Golfito, Costa Rica - Yacht Repairs and Supplies - Sportfishing Charters ...

Land Sea Services between Banana Bay Marina and the new King and Bartlett Marina (Golfito)
➥ Land Sea Marina Services, Yacht Maintenance, Golfito, Costa Rica

Give them our very best wishes!

[Paul L]

It depends on what port you are checking into, they all differ a bit and differ on different days. If you search the Yahoo South Bound group you'll find some check in stories.
Here is the details of a checking in Playas del Coco in he north>
SV Jeorgia: The Costa Rican Treasure Hunt
and checking out in July from Golfito
SV Jeorgia: Checking out of Costa Rica- Golfito style

[RTB]

I guess John can tell us about checking in. He made it in today.

He's probabaly napping now, and will be looking for cerveza soon.

Ralph

[CarinaPDX]

Be sure to have him stop at the Zona Libre in Golfito and stock up on rum (Flor de Caña from Nicaragua is very good and used to be cheap) and wine (Casillero del Diablo is good Chilean wine). I haven't been there for a long time (1994) but I'm certain the duty free is still there.

[bangkaboat]

Ralph,
I just sent a pm to John. I'm around L.A. until Tuesday, then back in a couple of weeks. I'm going to MINNEY'S YACHT SURPLUS - WE MAKE BOATING AFFORDABLE on Sunday - sent John the link - & could probably pick something up & ship it down.
Mike

[RTB]

Cool, Mike. I guess John hasn't got hooked up with internet access yet....nothing since they got to Costa Rica.

Ralph

[GordMay]

John has updated his blog with the graphic and moving tale of their abortive trip to Hawaii.
I recommend that EVERYONE read his eloquent and inspiring account!

Here ➥ Sailing with Cancer- One Man's race against time!

[RTB]

i2f-

I'm not sure you saw this thread? What can you tell us about checking in, in Costa Rica? I'm thinking it was a challenge, and there is very little actual info available online.

I hope that you find Golfito more to your liking. Please keep us informed.

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by GordMay

John has updated his blog with the graphic and moving tale of their abortive trip to Hawaii.
I recommend that EVERYONE read his eloquent and inspiring account!

Here ➥ Sailing with Cancer- One Man's race against time!

Gord,

You'e making me blush

RTB,

It was something to get checked in. We stopped at Calderas, but they won't even answer our call over the vhf. They don't want to mess with small boats. Puntarenas we got an agent. He gave us a nice discount on his services, and worked hard for his money. Unless your Spanish is very good. There will be lots of misunderstandings. Even the agent had a difficult time making the officials understand, but we're here.

We were going to leave for Golfito tonight, but there will be no wind. We will give it another day, and then motor if need be. Mel has to catch a flight home soon.

I should be posting in the blog MAKING LEMONADE as a follow up to our return to Central America. I was highly disappointed in returning, but that has come to pass, and now I am making lemonade out of lemons.......i2f