I thought I would let the cruising world know some facts about clearing into Costa Rica.

First off we are in Golfito. We pulled in around 1 pm, set the hook near the pier where we saw another boat with their Q flag anchored. Then we spent 3 hrs radioing the Port Captain who didn’t answer us. We concluded to go into town in the morning.

I woke up at 6 am to find our outboard had been pried off the transom of our sailboat which is 6 ft above the water (where it was locked). We hadn’t even cleared into the country and our outboard had been stolen, a 6 hp 4-stroke Yamaha (which they don’t sell or provide parts for down here in Central America).

We went ashore to the police station, before clearing in, spent the morning dealing with apathetic Central American Bureaucracy and then proceeded to clear in (more about the theft below).

Clearance

Clearance was straight forward, and to do so safely with less likelihood of stuff being stolen, anchor closely in front of Banana Bay Marina, Land and Sea, and Fishhook Marina.

Then go to Immigration a few blocks towards town, they will copy every document for you and tell you what to do.

Then you go to Quarantine which is upstairs above a small cafe, a block after the sidewalk turns to dirt. There you get a sheet with banking info. to pay your fees.

Then go to the customs near the duty-free area. There you take your next bundle of papers and receive your cruising permit. Afterwards, you can walk into the bank inside the duty-free area and pay your fees. It costs about $65 US.

After that, you go to the Port Captains Office and show your Zarpe and clear through them. Then go back to Quarantine where you show your receipt and get your final piece of paper.

It should only take a couple of hours to clear in and about $6 in cab fare.

Thefts in Golfito

The thieves were pros: they stole the outboard while we had our aggressive English staff onboard – who barks at everything and the hatches were open so he can run out if he hears things. They might have done it during a squall.

After talking to the locals, it seems these guys will steal from locals and cruisers alike, and they usually hit boats at dusk while everyone is at dinner. They will also hire kids to watch your boat, and they will go on and rob it while you are away (even if you leave lights on).

If there is an issue or something that looks suspicious, radio it on Ch. 16 and Tim from Land and Sea will rush out in his Panga.

Be extra careful in Golfito to lock you motor or dinghy and do so with extra due diligence. These thieves are running unencumbered by officials. Use a big chain so they cannot just cut the cables and pry things off with crowbars. Outboard theft is a huge problem here, and lately, it has been bad. Take maximum precautions.

Dave Wyness

S/V Cypraea

www.youmeandthed.blogspot.com

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