Navigation and Anchoring

  • Charts: Use updated nautical charts; some areas may be poorly surveyed. Electronic charts supplemented with local knowledge are invaluable add satellite charts.
  • Tides and Currents: Strong tides and currents, especially in narrow channels like those around Isla Meanguera, require attention.
  • Anchorages:
    • La Uniรณn (El Salvador): A protected harbor with access to town facilities.
    • Isla Meanguera: Quiet and scenic, with excellent shelter.
    • Amapala (Honduras): Offers a cultural and historic stop, though anchoring can be exposed.
  • Depths: Shallow areas near estuaries and mangroves require vigilance.

ย Weather and Climate

When the papagayo winds develop they can spill over and entering the bay in a NE direction may not be viable as you can expect gusts up to 40 knots from the E / ENE / NE / and NNE in which case hugging the El Salvador Coast and hugging the El Salvador Coast – we have had reports of folks anchored in the Lee of Isla el tigre dealing with tidal flow and currents and having to FIGHT their way out across the bay to the North West coast of Nicaragua.

  • Dry Season (Nov-Apr): Ideal for cruising with steady winds and predictable weather.
  • Rainy Season (May-Oct): Increased storms and squalls. Monitor for tropical depressions.
  • Papagayo Winds: These strong offshore winds can affect the southern end of the gulf. Stay updated on forecasts.

ย Wildlife and Ecology

  • Mangroves: Rich ecosystems, ideal for exploring via dinghy.
  • Birdwatching: Abundant seabirds and migratory species.
  • Marine Life: Dolphins and sea turtles are common, but fishing pressure has impacted stocks.

ย Cultural and Shore Activities

  • Isla Meanguera: Quiet villages and secluded beaches.
  • Amapala: Colonial history, hiking opportunities, and a chance to interact with locals.
  • Local Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood and regional dishes at small coastal towns.

ย Facilities and Supplies

  • Fuel and Water: Available in La Uniรณn and Amapala but not widespread elsewhere.
  • Repairs: Minimal repair facilities; La Uniรณn is the best bet for basic services.
  • Provisioning: Limited; stock up before entering the gulf.

ย Safety

  • Security: The region is relatively safe, but petty theft can occur. Secure valuables and avoid leaving dinghies unattended.
  • Health Precautions: Mosquitoes can carry diseases; carry repellent and take precautions against malaria and dengue.

WINDS

CURRENTS

SWELL AND WAVESย 

AMAPALA, ISLA TIGRE ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ HONDURAS
AMAPALA, ISLA TIGRE ๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ณ HONDURAS SIGN

SV DIVERGENT framed by the letter โ€˜Pโ€™ & anchored just off the town of Amapala

Isla
Tigre is In Bahia Fonseca. Bahia Fonseca is uniquely shared by
three countries: El Salvador (to the north and west), Honduras
(generally in the center), and Nicaragua (to the south and east).
Isla Tigre is part of Honduras. Visiting vessels are required to
check into the country at their first port of call.

Trip Report from SV DIVERGENT:

Amapala,
Isla Tigre, Honduras! We had a short but wonderful time there and would
definitely go back if we were headed south again.

There are no mooring balls or marina, but we anchored with good holding and plenty of room near the historic Amapala pier.

It
was easy to check in and out with the port captain and immigration
office, both located on the pier. We recall the cost being less than 20
USD.

The
port captain told us they only get a few cruisers each year. There is a
lot of panga traffic to and from the island. As a result, we received a
lot of viewing attention, and people were very friendly.

There is easy dinghy landing next to the pier at low tide.

All the streets we walked on or saw were cobblestone.

Local transportation is mainly via tuk-tuks. We also saw locals on motorbikes and quads.

There were several small tiendas suitable for provisioning.

There is an ATM on the main street near the pier.

Our
exploration and experience were only within the town of Amapala. We did
not get a chance to see the rest of the small island. Amapala is a
no-frills, authentic working village; there are not many tourist
amenities (restaurants, etc.). It was all about the experience for us โ€“
some of the highlights were:

โ€“
The main street connected to the pier has a colorful canopy of
umbrellas, which was fun to have as a backdrop for pictures. (The pier
itself is also quite colorful!)

โ€“
Taking a tuk-tuk ride through town to several tiendas for provisioning.
Our driver was a friendly young man who was all smiles and eager to
suggest where we could shop.

-Seeing interesting historical architecture.

-Watching the locals at work, at play, or at their homes.

UMBRELLAS OVER COBBLESTONE

Umbrellas offer shade and bright colors along the cobblestone paths
TUK-TUK

Three wheeled Tuk-Tuks are the taxis in Amapala
GARY AND ENA

Ena and Gary enjoying Amapala on their way north along the coast.

SY TIAMAT ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ Stephanie & Owen โ€“ Fountaine Pajot 44โ€™

Gary