Morro do Sao Paolo - Docking
The approach is straight forward, but going up to Gamboa is best done in daylight. Where the channel narrows, it deepens. The sandbanks on the eastern side are steep-to, those to the west shelve more gradually and need watching.
Charts here are not reported to be very accurate.
There are three good anchorages.
1) Morro do Sao Paolo
In a suitable depth just after passing the large ferry terminal of Morro do Sao Paolo, about 1/2 mile into the estuary. This can be subject to some swell in NE winds and there is a fair amount of passing boat traffic.
The yacht club previously operating in Morro has been closed for many years due to a large number of thefts. There is a rickety wooden jetty and bar on the site of the yacht club.
It is advisable to use a bright anchor light as the crowded school boats start before first light.
Last updated: February 2019
2) Gamboa
Yachts can anchor off the village or beach at Gamboa, about 3 miles into the estuary.
There is still passing traffic (frequent ferries) so if you want to anchor where there is less wash choose a spot after the jetty. Anchor in 7 meters in good holding of sand and mud. Beware of the very rapid shoaling towards the shore and the charter boat moorings.
Alternatively, a nicer spot for swimming is just off the beach and you can easily land the dinghy on the beach for going ashore.
The town is very pleasant with a variety of shops, a bakery, and restaurants. It’s possible to walk along the coast to Morro at low tide, take an inland path or take the ferry.
Last updated: September 2019
3) Curral
A particularly calm anchorage is to be found another 1/2 mile beyond Gamboa, at Curral.
The approach is straight forward, but going up to Gamboa is best done in daylight. Where the channel narrows, it deepens. The sandbanks on the eastern side are steep-to, those to the west shelve more gradually and need watching.
Last updated: January 2011
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Related to following destinations: Brazil, Eastern coast (north of Rio de Janeiro), Morro do Sao Paolo
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In Morro, we managed to anchor for the day in front of the Terceira Praia. The draft of our cat is 1,20m. The anchorage is amazing, but can only be attempted in really good weather. According to the charts, you could not get there. But there is a passage through the reef. You’ll see big boats anchored anchored there. But remember, it’s just a daily anchorage. I would never stay there at night.
Otherwise, you can anchor in front of the beach in Gamboa. It’s true that there are motorboats and ferries passing by, but at least there you can swim or land on the beach with your dingy. If you anchor further down after the jetty, the water is not that nice anymore.
Gamboa is very pleasant, quite little town. You can take a ferry and go to Morro.
Just spent Wednesday night in the harbor next to the old “Iate Clube” which was recommended in the outdated Imray cruising guide. We can now inform the fleet that the old Iate Clube is now an all night disco!
After we anchored around 3:30 PM we were barraged by about 30-50 speed boats and ferry’s running at full speed to drop all the young people off at Morro. We planned to move, but it quieted down by sunset and we enjoyed a BBQ on our aft grill. Then, around 10 PM, the music started -thump thump thump- and did not stop. We hoped it would end by 12 or 2 or 4 AM. We were mistaken. It stopped at 6:45 AM! What a mistake. If there is another party tonight we will either join it or move far away!
At Gamboa, there are frequent ferries, so it’s best to anchor after the jetty. Charts were not very accurate. The town has shops, a bakery and restaurants. We found the walk along the coast to Morro at low tide perfectly safe. You can also take the ferry and for the adventurous there is an inland path.