Isla Contadora
We anchored at 08 37.205N 79 02.120W
30ft of water
SUMMARY
Fuel - Yes via Jerry Can
Cell Service - Yes
Wifi - No
Dingy Landing - Yes
Garbage - Yes
Potable Water - Bottled water at store
Showers - No
Laundry - No
Groceries- Yes
ATM - Yes
Water Taxi - No
Cell Service - Yes
Wifi - No
Dingy Landing - Yes
Garbage - Yes
Potable Water - Bottled water at store
Showers - No
Laundry - No
Groceries- Yes
ATM - Yes
Water Taxi - No
Isla Contadora - Southern Anchorage Sept 2018
This was our first stop after being at Marina Vista Mar and doing projects for the last few months. We just wanted to be out of the marina and have access to some services if we needed them.
We were a little underwhelmed with Contadora. The anchorage was ok but not great. There was pretty decent tidal current which discouraged lounging in the water. It also would keep the boat at odd angles to the wind and swell.
Eventually we took the dinghy on to the beach.
The island itself didn’t scream anything that special. There wasn’t anything going on at all on a Friday afternoon. 6pm and the few restaurants that were there not a single one was open. There were very few people around and it looked pretty run down. Prices at the restaurant menus suggested fine dining but the décor suggested a small deserted town in the desert…
There were two reasonably well stocked General Stores unfortunately everything in them was extremely expensive. At least it could get you out of a jam….
Maybe things are better in high season?? On the plus side we did have whales swim past the anchorage almost every day and we have even heard reports from others that they sometimes swim right through the anchorage.... :-)
We were a little underwhelmed with Contadora. The anchorage was ok but not great. There was pretty decent tidal current which discouraged lounging in the water. It also would keep the boat at odd angles to the wind and swell.
Eventually we took the dinghy on to the beach.
The island itself didn’t scream anything that special. There wasn’t anything going on at all on a Friday afternoon. 6pm and the few restaurants that were there not a single one was open. There were very few people around and it looked pretty run down. Prices at the restaurant menus suggested fine dining but the décor suggested a small deserted town in the desert…
There were two reasonably well stocked General Stores unfortunately everything in them was extremely expensive. At least it could get you out of a jam….
Maybe things are better in high season?? On the plus side we did have whales swim past the anchorage almost every day and we have even heard reports from others that they sometimes swim right through the anchorage.... :-)
Anchoring
Approach
We came from the west so we followed the larger channel from the Southwest without much difficulty. You could also come in from the North and then from the East for an easier approach.
Anchor Depth – 30ft
There are lots of mooring balls in the shallower depths. It was unclear whether or not these were privately owned or available on a first come first served basis. It was off season so there were only few being used. A bunch more boats came in on the weekend but there was still plenty of room.
We anchored just outside of the mooring balls without much problem. There is a decent tidal current here that held us parallel to shore. Depending on the wind and swell this can make the anchorage rolly at times.
Water temp and Clarity
Water temp was 82 deg when we arrived at the end of Sept. Clarity was about 10-30ft depending on the day.
We came from the west so we followed the larger channel from the Southwest without much difficulty. You could also come in from the North and then from the East for an easier approach.
Anchor Depth – 30ft
There are lots of mooring balls in the shallower depths. It was unclear whether or not these were privately owned or available on a first come first served basis. It was off season so there were only few being used. A bunch more boats came in on the weekend but there was still plenty of room.
We anchored just outside of the mooring balls without much problem. There is a decent tidal current here that held us parallel to shore. Depending on the wind and swell this can make the anchorage rolly at times.
Water temp and Clarity
Water temp was 82 deg when we arrived at the end of Sept. Clarity was about 10-30ft depending on the day.
Dinghy Landing
The dinghy landing is anywhere near the hotel bar. It was super easy no surf at low tide. At high tide it was a different story. There was a medium sized beach break that required some timing to get through.
Garbage
There are small garbage bins that line the road as you are walking around. We even saw some for recycling but we don't know what they recycle...
Groceries
We found a few general stores on the island. There was a decent selection and you can find all sorts of items you might need. They both had a refrigerated section and small hardware section. You will also need to be prepared for resort island prices. We paid over $5 USD for a small gatorade and snicker bar... :-(
Market near the center of the island
Market at Hostel
Things to Do
There are several small restaurants and a few bars on the island but they were all closed when we were there. This is the small bar by the dinghy landing....
ANNOYANCES
Tidal current discourages swimming except at slack tide.
A little rolly at certain tides but fine with a flopper stopper
A little rolly at certain tides but fine with a flopper stopper
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