Cochin (Kochi) - Docking
Anchorages:
The anchorage, east of the southern end of Bolgatty Island off the Bolgatty hotel, is free and quiet and good for an extended stay. Water is no longer supplied by the hotel, but standpipes are available (note: water is non-potable).
You can visit Ernakulum from here by dinghy, the modern site of Cochin. Ferries to fort Cochin run daily as well as ferries to Willingdon Island.
The Taj Malabar hotel is welcoming to cruisers who can use their facilities (bar, restaurant, internet, pool). Dinghies can be left at the marina.
Marina:
Contact Marina Manager (2022) Rahul (WhatsApp): +91 95266 92787.
The Kochi International Marina, which opened in April 2010, is part of the Bolgatty Palace Heritage Hotel on the east of Bolgatty Island. New pontoon decking was installed during 2018 however following the SW monsoon much of this is falling into disrepair once again. Maintenance is limited and no one appears to be looking after the marina.
The finger pontoons are short here so prepare lines and fenders accordingly. There are no dock staff as such, however, it’s likely other cruisers will be on the dock to assist with berthing.
Marina services are limited. Electrical wiring was replaced in May 2019 although the “city” power goes off several times each day. The Marina is connected to the Bolgatty Palace wiring and they have several standby generators available and restore the power quickly. Water is non-potable and showers and toilets are uni-sex. It’s advisable to only take showers during daylight hours. There is a washing machine. Advance reservations are recommended. See the marina listing for more details on services available.
The Bolgatty Palace resort facilities are available to marina users which includes free Wi-Fi in the air-conditioned reception area.
Notes
- John Crabtree and his boatyard/yacht club are no longer operating.
- One thing to note when staying here for an extended period of time is that Kerala is one of the wettest places on earth and installing an air conditioner is essential if you wish to avoid the boat becoming full of mold.
- Keep your boat locked when not on board.
Ashore:
The locals are friendly and helpful and you can get anything here with reliable delivery. The ferry to town is nearby and there is a treasure trove of hardware and useful things for boating in this area.
Lakshadweep Islands
These islands are renowned for incredible diving. However, a permit is required by visiting yachts and it has been reported that these are almost impossible to obtain. See Restrictions for details on how to apply for a permit. Neither alcohol nor bikinis are allowed and there is a very basic infrastructure (a few guest houses) with 5 diving schools. The main 5 islands have mooring buoys in their lagoon with entrances well marked – but one should be careful.
See this useful report from November 2019 – port update for Cochin.
Last updated: April 2023
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SVJoana says:
Jun 17, 2018, 02:08 AM
Although it is only June 2018, I have a very good idea of which boats have already passed through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea. There have been 31 private yachts that made the passage, of which 5 have made a North to South Passage. The boat names are:
ANNA SAARA, AURA, BENYLEO 2, BONAVENTURE (North to South), BLUE PELICAN, CANNONBALL, DR NO, ELAS, ENIGMA, ESPRIT 3, GALAXY (North to South), GREEN BOAT, INCRESCENT MOON, ITCHY FEET, KANDU, KINGS LEGEND, LEVENTEIA (North to South), LYKA, MIYAGI MOON (North to South), ORONO 1, PHOENIX, ROCK & ROLL STAR, RON GLAS (North to South), RONIN, SALIMA 2, SOUL, SORCERESS, SOUTHERN WING, SPIRIT OF AFRICA, VIMY, YACUBAL. I’m certain that there are more boats that have made the passage, but these are NAMED yachts, and not just statistics reported by agents.
As the Administrator for the Facebook Group RED SEA PASSAGE – I encourage cruisers who are contemplating this route to join the group. Since it is a secret, closed group – membership is vetted. You may email me at wade@joana.ca to inquire. Wade Alarie / SV Joana / http://www.joana.ca
A logical port to stage out of for a Westbound crossing of the Red Sea is Cochin Marina, India. Contact Nigel Joseph marina manager, +91 97470 57015, email to sales@oceanblue.in Send vessel name, mono or cat, dimensions, ETA and length of stay, to reserve space in the marina.