Costs to Cruise Caribbean (Broad, I Know, But Try)

[dniello]

Hello,
I know this is very broad and have an idea for the answer I am going to get, but I am looking for a rough idea as to costs of cruising the Caribbean?
-I am in my late 20's so would be looking to have fun.
-Plan on having a boat ~30-35ft.
-no planned destinations (so advice would be great as well)

Just wondering general costs of good, supplies and services in parts of the Carib (realize its very big and diverse....but try).

Would be anchoring out when possible but also marinas and going out when possible.

Basically looking for someone who has cruised here for months at a time and want to see their opinion.

Thanks

[dniello]

Thoughts?

[jacob30]

There is a long ongoing thread about cruising on $500 a month. Suggest you check that one out.

[s/v Moondancer]

In the Eastern/Northern Caribbean:

On average store bought food costs about 20-30% more than it costs in Miami unless you eat native.

Marinas are 50c to 1$/ft/day

We anchor out for free 250 days per year but moorings in Bonaire, where we spend much of hurricane season scuba, diving are a mandatory $10/day.

Most restaurants are Miami prices and beer in bars is $4-5.

Living well in the Eastern/Northern Caribbean costs the same as Miami.

Venezuela and the Western Caribbean are cheaper.

It costs $200 or more to check into Mexico, The San Blas and Columbia whole many of the Eastern Caribbean Islands have free check in. They make their money overcharging for beer.

Good luck and bring lots of money

[colemj]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

The San Blas and Columbia whole many of the Eastern Caribbean Islands have free check in. They make their money overcharging for beer.

????

The check in prices for both Columbia and the San Blas (actually Panama) are ~$200 each, give or take a few $.

The beer in both countries is WAY less than the Eastern Carib - typically about $1/beer vs. $4-5. And that is for a 355ml beer vs. the 275ml beers in the Eastern Carib.

We are in this area now (and just had a beer), so these are current prices.

Mark

[osirissail]

Based on your limited information you can expect a "frugal" budget to be around $1K/month and a very comfortable budget to be $2K/month.
- - I you wish to go K.I.S.S-outfitted and operating like it is outlined in the Cruising on $500/mo CF Thread, then you could get by with $500/mo.