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Anchorage. We’ve found the anchorage with most reliable holding to be somewhat east of the gray concrete town dock at the center of the village, in the area comfortably off the fuel dock (marked by two high, cylindrical, white tanks). Holding is in grass over sand (12’ – 20’) and secure once you’ve established a deep set. Others prefer the area still farther east and somewhat south, tucked inside the harbor’s protective reef. Additional anchorage is available west of the Municipal Dock, near the easterly end of the town’s sandy beach (just beyond the settlement). The bottom relief and holding are variable there, however.
Checking In. A full-time Port Capitan and Immigration Officer maintain regular weekday hours in their offices on the town dock. You can park your dink at either of the two wooden docks immediately to the left of the Municipal Dock. All you’ll need is a complete crew list (four copies in Spanish), the passports of all on board, a copy of your ship’s documentation papers, and a modest fee (the equivalent of about $6 in Lempiras in 2003). Money exchange and debit/credit card withdrawals/advances (in Lemps) are available at the bank just across the street from the foot of the dock. Photocopies can be made at the Internet Café on Main Street (along the waterfront) about a block west of the town dock. It’s best to start with the Port Captain, establish the exact change (in Lemps) required, bank accordingly, then proceed to the Immigration Officer. Both speak limited English, are professional and very helpful. No Customs check-in is required for cruising yachts in Honduras. Also, for those already cleared into Honduras, no further formalities are necessary during intermediate stops.
Puerto Este Ashore. Apart from checking in, we prefer to park the dink at the wooden dock recently constructed for that purpose behind Bush’s Store (two-story, white with blue-trim structure, a short distance west of the fuel dock). They’ll keep an eye on it for you (though it’s hardly needed), and there’s no need to buy anything or even enter the store. (You’ll likely want to, however, since this is one of the most thoughtfully stocked grocery stores in the Bay Islands. And when the boat comes in with fresh veggies, including hydroponic baby lettuce from Roatan, you’ll want to be on time. Ask at Bush’s for an ETA.) Trash can be deposited in the plastic can in front of the store. A second fairly large grocery store (and money exchange) is also located on Main Street, about a block-equivalent west of the Municipal Dock. Two remarkably well-stocked hardware stores and a surprising general store are also located down this way. For fuel (diesel and gasoline), check ahead with the attendant ashore for a commitment on both fuel and dock space availability. With last year’s dredging completed, we were able to get our 6 ½’ draft in for a secure tie-up. Still the hose was a tantalizing 15’ short; a longer one was said to be “on the way”.
Bob's Honduras Guide