Nicaragua : Profile

Facts

In recent years Nicaragua has been avoided by cruising yachts and for good reason, although with the changing political situation this is no longer the case. The shallow reef-encumbered Miskito coast has many attractive anchorages, but navigation is difficult and even in the past when the area was not off-limits, most yachts restricted their cruising to the more accessible Corn Islands.
The opening of Marina Puesta del Sol, 13 miles north of Corinto, marks an improvement in facilities available.
Nicaragua's decision to extend its territorial waters from the normal 12 miles to 25 miles has resulted in the seizure of some foreign flagged vessels, mainly fishing boats. In their fight against illegal fishing, the Nicaraguan authorities have confiscated boats and arrested their crews, as a result of which the USA have warned all US vessels to avoid Nicaraguan waters, both on the Pacific and Caribbean side. Cruising yachts do not appear to have been affected, but those which intend to stop in Nicaragua should proceed directly to an official port of entry.
Even after the cessation of hostilities, provisioning in many places is still difficult. Even essential goods are difficult to obtain in some places and this includes fuel. There are simple repair facilities in most ports.

The climate is humid and hot, December to May being the dry months, while June and October are the wettest. Violent northerly winds occasionally affect both coasts in winter, particularly the Caribbean coast. On this coast the prevailing winds are E or NE, while winds on the west coast are usually light. The coasts are sometimes affected by tropical storms, the season for which lasts from June to October.