Rio Dulce Best Marina for first timer?

[NautiNurse63]

We are going to Rio Dulce for Hurricaine Season 2018 - what is the best marina for a first timer going there? Why? We plan to arrive late May and stay till late November....any advise?

Thanks
Tamera & Scott

[Matt Johnson]

We loved Tortugal Marina when we were there in 2013. The people were great and the breeze/view was wonderful.

Tortugal | River Lodge, Restaurant and Marina

Matt

[model 10]

There are probably 10 marinas, each different. If you have a good dink most of them are good. if you need a do it your self area some are better, If you want a pool, that is possible too. Food and a bar is possible also. Walk to town is a possibility at some. Some are an island.
If you have an idea about what you like I could give you a few ideas.

[belizesailor]

I dont think any marinas on the Rio are more or less suitable for a first timer. As Guy posted, there are a lot of options and different amenities. What criteria are important to you?

I suggest looking online at a few to give you an idea of the options and to narrow it down. Then post more specific questions.

The marinas on the Rio are relatively small, but there are a bunch of them...and each is unique in its own way.

Take a look online at Tortugal (great place as suggested), Tijax, Brunos, Monkey Bay, Nana Juana, Catamarans, Mar Marine....and see what you like.

[belizesailor]

A good source of info on the Rio and to get a feel for the services available there and the cruiser commumity is the Rio Dulce Chisme:

http://riodulcechisme.com

[CaptsWife]

I just asked a similar question on Rio Dulce Cruisers on FB. I received a variety of answers, but it has made me narrow my choices.

[belizesailor]

Maybe you can repost some of those answers here? And whats your short list and why?

[model 10]

If you are an English only speaker, several marinas would be more comfortable than others. Most of the staff will only speak Spanish but the management at some of the marinas are ex americans, Tortugal, Monkey Bay, Mar Marine etc. Some marinas are always full like Tijax, Nana Wana and Ram etc. Our favorite is Catamaran Island. Nice pool, nice bar and food, free transport to town, beatufull grounds etc. Grumpy old fighter pilot owns the place.

[Triumphant]

All good advice so far.

My suggestion

Don't book, VERY FEW of the Marinas are totally full, we arrived in Mid September this year and there are lots of spaces available.

Anchor off Bruno's or Shell Bay when you arrive and use your dinghy to check the options out, go to the various swap meets, the film nights, sports nights etc. and meet the people

To me, distance from town and a breeze are the essential items to look for.

[CaptsWife]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Maybe you can repost some of those answers here? And whats your short list and why?

The responses I received pretty much covered every marina, LOL. I haven't yet figured out which yet, but I'm leaning towards Tortugal based on what I've heard, pics, they are not at the bridge (noise), and they have a restaurant.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by CaptsWife

The responses I received pretty much covered every marina, LOL. I haven't yet figured out which yet, but I'm leaning towards Tortugal based on what I've heard, pics, they are not at the bridge (noise), and they have a restaurant.

Ah yes, but then you miss the local charm of the "Jake Brake Saloon"! [emoji16]

Tortugal is indeed a great place. Used to spend a lot of time there, lived aboard there for a while, was like my second home.

Due to some odd acoustic quirk you do hear the disco in town when they are really cranking, if you are on the Fronteras side of the marina, but its far enough away that its not too bad.

[thebootlegger]

You WILL enjoy it!

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

All good advice so far.

My suggestion

Don't book, VERY FEW of the Marinas are totally full, we arrived in Mid September this year and there are lots of spaces available.

...

Definately a change from the past. I remember years ago, the more popular marinas being booked up (including reservations) as early as April.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by Triumphant

All good advice so far.

My suggestion

Don't book, VERY FEW of the Marinas are totally full, we arrived in Mid September this year and there are lots of spaces available.

Anchor off Bruno's or Shell Bay when you arrive and use your dinghy to check the options out, go to the various swap meets, the film nights, sports nights etc. and meet the people

To me, distance from town and a breeze are the essential items to look for.

I wonder if this will hold true this season? With the damage sustained in the Eastern Caribbean from hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey, we're hearing a lot of people talking about going to the Western Carb this season. There is lots of fear in cruisers about leaving their boats in the Northern spots this time around.... lesson learned!

Matt

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by funjohnson

I wonder if this will hold true this season? With the damage sustained in the Eastern Caribbean from hurricanes Irma, Maria and Harvey, we're hearing a lot of people talking about going to the Western Carb this season. There is lots of fear in cruisers about leaving their boats in the Northern spots this time around.... lesson learned!

Matt

Could be a shift in cruiser traffic as a result. Almost certainly will be a shift in charter traffic...I expect it will be a busy season in Belize.

You can cruise Belize till quite late in the season and then run for the Rio at the first forecast tropical threat.