Entry Procedures for Bahía de Caráquez

Visa Requirements: Most cruisers will be able to enter Ecuador without obtaining a visa ahead of time. Check out this link from the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see the requirements for you. 

Agency Requirements: Agencies are no longer required for private yachts visiting Puerto Amistad. We worked very hard with Puerto Lucia, Salinas YC, Guayaquil YC, the Ecuadorian Yachting Federation, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Navy to eliminate this requirement if the cruiser is sponsored by these clubs.

Please note that the harbor entrance is not buoyed at this time, and coupled with the currents that come with the area's 8-10 foot tidal range, it can be tricky. For that reason, it is REQUIRED by the Port Captain of Bahía that all incoming yachts enter with the Capitania's permission and with a qualified pilot aboard. But, not to worry, just approach to the waypoints given below, and call on VHF 69 for Puerto Amistad and we'll arrange for a pilot to come get you. Please note that the river shoals have changed since the DMA charts (below) were published, so approach from the West in order to avoid the shoals. Please also be on the lookout for fishermen that work in the bay.

Click Map for Additional Detail

Waypoints:

Upon Arrival:

When the pilot guides you in, you'll have the option to take a mooring or drop your own hook. A representative from the navy will visit you on the boat for a cursory inspection, and then you'll be free to come ashore. Come to our office and we'll give you the "lay of the land." For your check-in you'll need a photocopy of your ship's papers, a photocopy of the zarpe and crew list from your previous port, as well as a copy of your vaccination records. You can get copies made in town for about $.05 per copy. Your check-in fees will be calculated, in part, on your tonnage and seem to run about $35-40 per boat. Please note that Ecuador started charging overtime for weekend and holiday arrivals which doubles your check-in fee!

Immigration:

After you've checked in with the Port Captain, you'll have to go to Manta in order to clear with Immigration. Gentlemen, make sure you wear long trousers as Immigration will not see you if you show up in shorts! You can take either a bus or taxi. You'll need a copy of your previous zarpe, crewlist, and receipts that you got from the Port Captain. You can get copies just outside, next to the Policia, in a liquor store. You can get 90 days without a problem, and the visa will cost $15 regardless of the number of people checking in. When you're done, you may want to get a copy of the immigration receipts because the Port Captain in Bahía wants a copy when you return. 

While you're in Manta, you may want to check out the mall where a U.S. style super market and Ace Hardware store are located.