Anchorage· Mamitupu· Other Caribbean
Ustupu Anchorage
9° 7.7′ N · 77° 55.8′ W
The largest town in Guna Yala, with more than two thousand people in thatched huts built inches apart and waterways running between them; a fascinating, crowded cultural stop.
Practical
Position 09°07.748'N 077°55.765'W, 5.9 m thick mud between the village and mainland, murky water (SY Balvenie 2012). Approach from the east: huge breakers on the east shore; turn south and parallel the shore, then north with the cemetery island to port and the town dock to starboard; keep off the town dock in north winds (traders tie up there) and off the limestone shelf in south winds (SV Wild Fox). Anchoring permit $15 (2018). Do NOT anchor in Bahía de Masargandi; anchor only behind the main island, and do not go up the rivers without permission or a guide (a $200+ fine may be imposed). Health clinic and airstrip. No photos of people. Small stores; no beer at the bar in 2012. Bad no-see-ums.
Best for
A full-immersion visit to the comarca's biggest town
Nearby
- Ustupu Village, Museum & Congress House0.2 NM away
- Mamitupu Anchorage4.3 NM away
- Achutupu Anchorage (Dolphin Island)5.2 NM away
- Ailigandí Village Island8.3 NM away
- Bagga Dub Restaurant (Isla Pinos)12.8 NM away
- Isla Pinos (Tupbak) Anchorage & Island Walk12.9 NM away
- Mono Island & Five Palm Island Anchorages14.5 NM away
- Mulatupu Anchorage (inside the reefs)15.1 NM away