Ecuador Fees Rumours Unfounded

Created by doina. Last modified on 2005-04-12 11:46:39
Countries: Ecuador

Dear Noonsite, We are at the moment in Puerto Montt, Chile and are planning to sail north towards Ecuador. We hear however, more and more rumours about ridiculous entry fees of a few thousand dollars for yachts. Do you have any solid information about this?

Harry & Ellen, sy Zwerver, Netherlands

Dear Harry & Ellen

I think the best way to reply to certain unfounded rumors, is by way of an actual case of a sailing boat that arrived from Puerto Montt, Chile, George and Anita Rishell, s/v KONIG 50.8 feet, US flag, who left Puerto Lucia YC about two years ago, and have returned "home" (with a pet cat) as they call Puerto Lucia YC, on 15-mar-05. The fees paid on arrival are taken from the document issued by the Capitania de Puerto de Salinas reads:

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVAL ON SUNDAY 13-MAR-2005 / TRB 40 / HOLIDAY / $20.00

RADIO FREQUENCY $7.00

BILL N° 0010452 $0.25

TOTAL $27.25

The above is ALL they paid at the Port Captain, during a holiday. Now, in addition, all vessels must also pay $40.00 Custom duties (paid in a local bank) + $15.00 Immigration, and to cover a 20-minute visit by the local authorities to the vessel. Puerto Lucia YC was acting as liaison between the authorities and the boat owner. As it is with most countries in the world, owners must comply with Maritime, Immigration, and Custom authorities. Must have a valid passport, vessel registration, crew list, no weapons. Fees vary from boat to boat, and I can not guarantee what the local authorities would charge but the above is a fair indication.

I have other boats that have arrived at our marina and the charges are even less, for instance s/v LEPRECHAUN 54 FEET, ZARPE FROM LAS PERLAS, PANAMA. PAID AT THE PORT CAPTAIN $17.25!

I hope the above has put you at ease. Looking forward to your reply, we remain with best regards,

Galo Ortiz, Manager

Puerto Lucia Yacht Club

La Libertad, Provincia del Guayas, Ecuador, South America

VHF Ch 19, 2.13.01 S, 80.55.28 W

www.puertolucia.com.ec

marina@puertolucia.com.ec