There are no roads to Tortugal.

We are only accessible by water craft. If you did not arrive by water, we will gladly pick you up from Fronteras, free of charge. Here is how to get a ride to Tortugal, which is 5 minutes upriver from Fronteras:

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1) Hail us by VHF radio (available at most restaurants in Fronteras if you ask nicely) on channel 68.

2) Telephone:
(502) 5306.6432 or 502.7742.8847

3) Catch a ride via a local water taxi. Go to the municipal dock (under bridge on western side) and ask to be taken to Tortugal.

The marina is located about 22 km upstream from Livingston, Guatemala.

We are located about 1 km passed the town of Fronteras, also known as Rio Dulce. Tortugal's superb location offers clean water, privacy and quiet as well as easy access to shopping and services.

Sailing or Motoring
from the Caribbean:

GPS Coordinates:
15 39 0 N 899 00 0 W
Standing by on VHF channel 68

Head up river from Livingston through the canyon. Navigate across the Golfete and then enter the Rio Dulce itself. You'll eventually find yourself approaching the Rio Dulce Bridge. Sail under the bridge and continue up river about a kilometer where you'll see us on the right side.

Clearing into Guatemala

Checking into Livingston

To check into Guatemala at Livingston, Guatemala. Using Channel 16 call (loudly, repeatedly and friendly) "Capitania" as you enter. An official will answer and will instruct you to either come into Livingston to Customs or to await for the officials on your boat. Most times, Customs and a health inspector will come aboard to initiate the process.

Please have your documents ready, be relaxed and at peace and help the officials aboard when they arrive. The port entry officials in Livingston are among the nicest and most helpful you will meet, anywhere. They deserve your cooperation. In about one hour (or when they say), your papers will be ready. You may now leave your boat and go to town to finish the process of clearing Immigration and Customs.

Immigration:
Look for Immigration on your left at the end of the first block as you walk up the main street hill. Ask someone if you don't recognize Immigration for what it is as there are vendors in front. Stop here and get your 3 month stamp.

Customs:
When you see a Bank to your right, look for the sign that points the right turn to Customs. Turn right and go half a block to Customs on your left. Customs will ask you to make a deposit into that bank and then return with the receipt. This is the time to let the Customs official know if you are planning to stay more than the 3 months you have received and apply for another (9 month) extension.

Note: In Guatemala, you will be able to obtain three extensions (three months, nine months and one year) for up to 2 years stay in Rio Dulce without having to take your boat out of the country.

Port Captain:
Once you are finished with Customs, continue up the same street Customs is on to the dead end, take a right to another dead end where you will find a small boulevard. Continue left , until you see the fence and gate to the Capitania. Enter the gate and ask permission to enter the Capitania building where the Port Captain will give you permission to navigate the coastal waters of Guatemala (i.e. Rio Dulce, Amatique Bay, Izabal). Beyond Punto Manabique you will need a Zarpe (a pass to leave the country and return without having to check back in - ask if the officials would like a call by radio when you do come back in).
Again, the same rules of courtesy and respect apply.

Information for Buses / Flights / Driving

From Guatemala City:
Three major bus companies service the nearby town of Fronteras: Litegua, Fuente Del Norte (the economical route) and Linea Dorada (first class, with stewards, blankeys, movies, food and beverages, etc.) You can also hire a direct shuttle through Atitrans. The trip is approximately 5 hours.

From Antigua:
Grab a shuttle or local bus to Guatemala City. There you can arrange a shuttle to the Rio, or you can take a bus (see above.) Approximately a 5 1/2 hour trip.

From Puerto Barrios:
You can take any bus along the Carretera Atlantico (Atlantic Highway) and get off at La Ruidosa junction. From there you can catch a local bus north to Fronteras. Approximately a 1 hour trip.

From Flores, Peten:
Various bus companies run buses from Flores to Fronteras, such as Fuente Del Norte and Linea Dorada. Approximately a 4 hour trip.

From Livingston:
Water taxis can be found at the municipal dock in Livingston and will bring you to Fronteras. Once in Fronteras stop at the Otitours office or Bruno's to arrange for a pick up from Tortugal. Approximately a 1 hour trip.

Flying to Guatemala:
Guatemala is an international destination for many airlines. Ask your travel agent for more information about daily flights from cities in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere or book your flight online.

Driving to Fronteras:
If you drive to Fronteras you can arrange to leave your car at a parking lot on the east end of the Rio Dulce Bridge behind the waterfront Esso Gas station.