Been in Northern Brazil for a few months. Here's what we've learned...
1 North of Salvador not much (read none) infrastructure for cruisers until you reach Belem.
2 Monohulls with a draft of more than 1.5m will have difficulty even finding anchorage areas.
3 The majority of the coastline of northern Brazil is very shallow.
4 "Surprise" depth changes happen frequently (think 10m to 1m depth within 20feet)
5 There are quite a few "unsurveyed" areas abutting surveyed areas on chart.
6 Tides and currents can be extreme entering rivers with shifting sandbars.
7 If you need to repair anything major and don't have spares, expect it will not be available anywhere in Brazil and prepare yourself for the 125%+ customs charge on the item, the shipping cost and insurance if you purchased.
8 When entering rivers, be watchful for "river rats" (robbers). Generally nonviolent but weapons might be involved).
9 Camocim (if draft/tide allows) and Belem both up rivers aways, are fantastic stops where you can get fuel from a pump. Camocim, talk to the local fishermen, they have a fuel pump which you can access by rating up to other boats. Belem has 3 fuel pontoons and a roving fuel barge that will come up alongside.
10 The "marina" in Fortaleza is not really a marina. $1usd per foot per day, if the hose is available you can get water to your boat. Electricity is 220 at 60hz. If you have a long enough cable, and an outlet is available, the cablei will most likely be partially in the water. You "med moor" by dropping anchor then tie up to big shell encrusted concrete pillars. To access land, you must use your dingy to get to the rusting dangerous West dingy dock". There is one "marinaro" Jorge, who only speaks Portuguese and generally will only help with getting your lines tied to the concrete pillars. The manager is Reginaldo who is also the hotel manager. If you want to bring some one onboard, especially workers, you have to get permission from Reginaldo. You will be expected to pay "marina" fees in advance with no refund if you leave early. Unfortunately, this is the only,"safe" place for cruisers in Fortaleza. Anywhere else, expect to be boarded and robbed within hours of arrival.You cannot refuel in Fortaleza even with Jerry cans at the marina and there are no other marine pumps available that we could find. There are armed guards at both entrances to the property but if you want to leave the area, take a taxi or Uber for safety. And do not wear any expensive looking jewelry if you want to keep it.
11 Ile do Lencois is definitely worth visiting. Small town with friendly people. Some provisions but very limited. Tides are pretty extreme. Don't try to enter from the north. Even in a catamaran. Enter from the south and remember this is not a river but an estuary from the sea. Locals say there are sharks in the water.
12 Camocim, has ATMs grocery stores, home centers, a generally laid back friendly town.
13 Belem, Takes quite a few hours upriver to get to but worth the trip, especially if you need fuel. B &B Marina is wonderful. Good security, bar/restaurant onsite. There are a few sailboats and some sailboat needs can be found. Big city. Lots of grocery stores, ATMs, home centers, shopping centers, arts/culture and more people that speak English than we have found anywhere else. Generally safe in town. Definitely safe at B &B Marina but be careful anchoring away from a marina with security. Again, river rats (robbers) are an issue. Very busy river.
Last edited by Kansasdes; 08/13/2025 08:51 AM. Reason: Change info