PORT GUIDE · FOR OFFICERS, MASTERS AND SHORE TEAMS
San Juan del Sur
Pilot
updated May 2018- Puerto San Juan del Sur pilot boarding Pilot boards11°13.9′N 085°53.6′W
Pilotage is compulsory and only available during daylight hours only. Vessels contact the pilot, who is also the loading master, by VHF or by sounding three long blasts on the vessel's whistle at intervals. Pilot boards approx. 0.6nm SW of the harbour.
Key data
updated May 2018Size limits
Offshore - Draught 8.6m.
Water density
1025.
Load line zone
Tropical.
Tides
Range 2.13m.
Max draft per terminal
| Terminal | Max draught | Max LOA | Berths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto San Juan del Sur | 8.60 m | — | 1 |
Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.
Approach
updated May 2018Approach
From offshore, Cerros de Elena, the peak of Orosi and the volcanoes Madera, Ometepe and Mombacho will serve as landmarks; nearer in, Monte Papayal will be distinguished and when bearing 039° leads to the entrance of the bay, where the leading light structures will lead to the anchorage.
Anchorages
The anchorage recommended for vessels loading is on or slightly S of the leading line with San Juan del Sur light structure bearing 170°, in depth of 12.0m, approx 400m off the wharf. Depths range from 12.0m HW to 9.6m LW.
The waiting anchorage, when not working cargo, is approx 0.6nm off lighthouse in approx 24.0-26.0m of water.
Papagayos winds blow directly out of the bay, which is open SW and as the holding ground is poor, vessels should anchor, during the season of these winds, so as to drag clear of the rocks, should the anchor fail to hold.
Charts and publications
BA 1021, 1022. Admiralty Pilot NP8, NP286(7).
Reporting before arrival
updated May 2018Communications
VHF: Pilots & Port: Ch 16.
Documents
These documents will be distributed to the Immigration Office, Harbour Master, Customs Office, Port Authority and agent.
Health
Customs and Port Health officers will board vessels upon anchoring, between sunrise and sunset, to issue clearance unless prior arrangements have been made.
Notices and regulations
Customs and Port Health officers will board the vessels on anchoring to issue clearance. This will only be given between sunrise and sunset unless prior arrangements have been made when they will board late into the night.
Inspections
ISPS
For ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org
Port services
updated May 2018Bunkers, water and stores
Fresh water: Available in harbour.
Bunkers: Fuel not available. Two oil and petrol stations available for small craft refuelling.
Stores: Available.
Transport
Nearest airport: Auguste Cesar Sandino International, Managua (140km).
Airport facilities: All facilities at international airport Managua.
Working hours
Normally 0600-1200hrs, 1300-1800hrs, 1900-2200hrs and 2200-0700hrs.
About San Juan del Sur
updated May 2018Where it is
San Juan del Sur is located on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua near the border with Costa Rica.
The port
The port of San Juan del Sur is a small lighterage port with a developing resort town that also accommodates cruise ships from an anchorage offshore. The harbour is formed by an opening in the cliffs 0.5nm wide between 2 high wooded bluffs. Rocks extending from the entrance points reduce the navigable width of the entrance to 0.4nm, the shoal water at the SE entrance is reported to be extending to seaward. Only small vessels can berth in the harbour with all cargo being worked at anchorages outside the harbour and transferred to the wharf inside the harbour. Cruise ships will be required to provide their own tender service to transfer passengers back and forth.
Traffic
In 2017, Puerto San Juan del Sur handled 8 cruise ships with 8,349 passengers.
Questions about San Juan del Sur
Where does the pilot board at San Juan del Sur?
The pilot boards at Puerto San Juan del Sur pilot boarding, 11°13.9′N 085°53.6′W.
What time zone is San Juan del Sur in?
Local time at San Juan del Sur is UTC−6. No summer time.
What is the maximum draft at San Juan del Sur?
The deepest berth listed is at Puerto San Juan del Sur: 8.60 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.
What is the water density at San Juan del Sur?
1025.
Which load line zone is San Juan del Sur in?
Tropical.
What is the UN/LOCODE of San Juan del Sur?
The UN/LOCODE of San Juan del Sur is NISJS.
Tips from seafarers
What crews who called at San Juan del Sur say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.
Plan a route to San Juan del Sur →
A planning aid, not for navigation. These facts come from public sources and each section shows how old it is. Check with the port, your agent, your ENCs and official publications. Spotted something wrong? Tell us on the feedback board.