Stores· Guna Yala (comarca-wide)· Other Caribbean

Veggie Boats & Colombian Trading Boats

9° 35.4′ N · 78° 40.5′ W · approximate

Motorised supply launches from the mainland tour the cruising anchorages with fruit, vegetables, eggs, chicken, beer and wine, and larger Colombian trading boats work the village islands buying coconuts and selling goods, sometimes diesel.

Belize Barrier Reef

Practical

Coordinate approximate: set at the Swimming Pool, the veggie boats' busiest stop. Schedule: there is no published timetable; launches run from the mainland on a loose round. Gone with the Wynns (Oct–Nov 2017) had veggie boats twice a week, taking orders by WhatsApp for milk, eggs or cheese, at prices on par with Portobelo grocery stores; get the boatman's WhatsApp number on the first visit and order ahead. Spirit of Argo (2016) found 'regular veggie boats' at the East Lemmons, one calling at Kuna Henge, and one arriving in the West Holandes with beer as well as produce; a 2010 cruiser described the first big ulu of fresh fruit and vegetables at Green Island as 'a new service this year', and one stopped even at the remote Naguarandup Cays. They stop at other islands first, so selection thins by the time they reach the outer cays (SY Balvenie 2012). Ask on the morning cruisers' net when the boat is expected. Etiquette: wait for the boat to come to you rather than dinghying over, which the net calls 'very bad form' (Spirit of Argo). Colombian trading boats call at villages, mostly Nargana–Corazón de Jesús; one yacht bought diesel from one at Playón Chico (2012), and six traders were seen at Ustupu's dock at once. Cash in small bills. Fresh water does not come by launch: fill at the Río Diablo, the Green Island and Dupwala wells or Río Azúcar (see those entries).

Best for

Fresh food without leaving the anchorage

Nearby