How Safe Is Rio Dulce ?

[susan kennedy]

Well, we have been to the rio before, loved it, and probably will go again. we have cruised Mexico, Belize, and guatemala and have had NO problems. We are just trying to be prudent and get recent info and opinions. perhaps the poor economy is making us a little paranoid.

thanks to all!

[ernoquic]

We anchored there in front of MAR & RAM marina al the time last year, and we never felt unsafe there. We had wifi from MAR. And just loved it!

Best Regards

S/V Tara

[JayCall]

If you want more current info, go to www.mailasail.com, click on "Web Diary" and find the link to the "Ajaya". They are there now, have been for the hurricane season and are staying until November. I believe there is a email address and you can contact them and ask about the situation. No mention on their part of any problems since they have been there.

[susan kennedy]

Thanks s/v Tara and JayCall!

[gpshephe]

Sorry to butt in and a little late as well I see, but I live in the Philippines. Word of mouth about Rio Dulce sounds a lot like here. There was a murder here a few months ago. A house keeper and her husband killed a German National and took his money and things. Were caught later. House down the street got broken into , cell phone was taken. These are examples of stories here. I've lived here two years and things happen all the time, the foreigners get together and gossip....."Did you hear about so and so". I personally have never had a problem. My neighbors are very nice. I think if your nice to the locals( not overly ), they'll be nice back

[gpshephe]

The reason I was cruising the thread was because I've been looking at boats. A boat was for sale from there. Now I see a lot of boats for sale there. Looks like Guatemala may be a good place to keep up with.

[sv Winterlude]

Check the Rio Dulce Chisme, the local cruisers online news - there's a bulletin board too that's a source of updated info from cruisers there now.

[Svdestiny]

Gpshephe, are you saying Don Dryden wasn't "nice to the locals" and thats why he was murdered?

[JamuJoe]

Originally Posted by susan kennedy

I've been there and I loved it, but then (2006) I never locked anything, anchored anywhere, frequently alone

Personal safety is largely a function of awareness and precautions. To leave a boat unlocked practically anywhere is an invitation to robbery, particularly in areas where the local populace is poor and may view visiting sailors as rich and careless. Lock your boat, hoist and lock your dinghy. Confronting armed robbers significantly raises the risk of personal injury or death, particularly when there are language, alcohol/drug or fear issues. Skip the bravado and live longer than your outboard motor. Rio Dulce is certainly a higher risk area, as is Utila in the Bay Islands, yet we have enjoyed both with sensible precautions. In the Rio I would certainly stay in a marina. Stay tuned to the Chisme and Cruisers Nets for current information.

[zeta]

I would say it is probably safer than most large American cities--especially at night, but then I' rather be in Karachi at night than Detroit.