Seasonal· Fronteras / Río Dulce Town· Other Caribbean
Hurricane Season in the Río Dulce
15° 39.7′ N · 88° 59.8′ W · approximate
The Río Dulce is the western Caribbean's classic hurricane-season refuge: hundreds of boats — Noonsite says upwards of 1,000 — tuck 20-25 miles inland behind the coastal mountains from June to December.
Practical
Atlantic season June 1-November 30; peak mid-August to late October, and October is historically the riskiest month for Guatemala (Mitch, Stan, Iris, Hattie). The river is well sheltered but not immune: Izabal is Guatemala's most exposed coast, and the worst damage historically has come from rain and flooding (Mitch 1998, Eta/Iota 2020). Marinas fill up — book months ahead (Noonsite 2020 typical rate for 45 ft US$250-350/month, verify). Cruisers in the river need the 9-month permit extension (via the Livingston agent). October-December are typically high-theft months on the river. Coordinate is Noonsite's Fronteras position. Map pin is a representative point (shared with a nearby port/town entry), not a surveyed position.
Best for
Planning a safe summer for the boat
Season
June 1–November 30
Nearby
- Río Dulce Cruiser Net (VHF 69)Right here
- Bruno's Marina (Fronteras)0.3 NM away
- Hacienda Tijax Marina0.3 NM away
- Mar Marine Yacht Club0.3 NM away
- RAM Marina & Boatyard (Haul-out)0.3 NM away
- Shell Bay Anchorage (Fronteras)0.3 NM away
- Fronteras / Río Dulce Town0.4 NM away
- Fronteras Marine & Hardware Stores0.4 NM away