Port Suakin : Profile

Location

Although now in ruins, this ancient port was an important trading centre for 3,000 years. It was built with coral which required constant maintenance and once trade moved to the more modern port of Sudan, it quickly fell into disrepair.

Clearance

Although Suakin is not an official port of entry, boats arriving here from the south have been allowed to clear into Sudan and formalities are reported to be simpler. On arrival, call Port Control on Channel 14. The boat is usually visited by customs and quarantine. Otherwise, check in with the police in New Town (El Geif), which is reached over the causeway.

Local agent Mohammed will come to the boat and accompany you to authorities to help with formalities (he charges about US$30 for his services, less than Port Sudan). He can also help obtain fuel and sweet water (by jerry can), laundry, gas refills, fresh produce, as well as trips to Port Sudan.

Shore passes will be issued for a short duration only. Formalities must be gone through again if continuing to Port Sudan. Formalities are simpler if one arrives with a Sudanese visa. Passports are retained until clearing out.

When clearing out from Suakin one can obtain a cruising permit which permits cruising up the coast to Port Sudan. Using Mohammed, clearing out is simple, fast and efficient.

Last updated Jan 2009

Docking

The approach to the inner harbour is shallow but easy if you can avoid being distracted by the fascinating surroundings.

Very good all-round shelter.

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Report on Red Sea Passage 2003 (28 Jun 2005)

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