Sail Guyana - A Safe Haven for Yachts

Guyana is regarded as a 'Safe Haven' for small cruisers and yachts. It is an ideal destination since it boasts some of the most wonderful sites in the world including the Majestic Kaieteur Falls. Guyana also has more than 850 bird species, 6,000 plant species and is referred to as the 'Land of the Giants' of South America

The area that is designated for yachting is about 40 miles up the Mighty Essequibo. It is an area with ideal anchorage for yachts that is central to a small vibrant town of Bartica, which stands at the junction of the Essequibo and Mazaruni rivers.

• The current flows northwest from Guyana to the Caribbean at up to two knots.
• The Channel up the Mighty Essequibo river is deep enough for small freighters.
• Try a time your arrival to pick up on the early morning rising tides going past Parika( not to far from the mouth of the Essequibo river. You will see many small fishing boats, trawlers, tugs, and wooden pilings as you arrived at Parika.
• You can overnight at Roed-en-Rust, a few miles from Parika.
• Entering the Essequibo river the water is usually rough at times and the colour is muddy. As you go deeper into the river the water becomes clearer.
• The Essequibo river comprises of many islands, some too small to be inhabited while some a very populated and used for agricultural purposes. You will notice large tracts of rainforest teeming with wildlife and birds.
• Fresh drinking water(bottle water) can be purchased at Parika. The water in the river can is useful for washing and is the cleanest beyond Bartica, please filter or add chlorine to the water as usual practices in the tropical countries especially in the Amazon region.
• Clearance for yachts is in Bartica. this is the official port of entry for all yachts. You can let the coastguards know that you reached Guyana by calling (592) 600 6510. The Immigration office is located next to the police station and open between 0800 hrs to 1630 hrs. A fee of G$2,500or about $12.50 USD is charge for your processing.
• Fresh vegetables, fruits, water and other services are available at Bartica.

Useful information

• Cruising Guide to Guyana by Chris Doyle
• Questions and Answers

Please refer to the Doyle Yachting Guides for full details on Sailing to Guyana. A copy can be purchased by emailing: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit Doyle's website at www.doyleguides.com or www.cruisingguides.com