COVID-19: OPEN PORT

• See Biosecurity for details of the current situation re. entry into Chile.

Description:

In the north of Chile, approximately 200 km (124 miles)  south of Arica lies the city of Iquique. Originally a Peruvian city with a large Chilean population, it was ceded to Chile as result of the War of the Pacific (1879–1883). Today it is one of only two free ports of Chile.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Before entering, try calling both the Club de Yates and the Armada/Capitania de Puerto on VHF  Channel 9  or 16. It’s unlikely you will get a response but at least they will know of your arrival.

There is a fair amount of activity in Iquique Harbor, both fishing boats and larger container ships and freighters, plus reefs and shallows. It is therefore recommended to enter for the first time during daylight hours.

After rounding the two large commercial wharves that extend NE from Peninsula Serrano, head in a southerly direction towards the yacht club. There is a red buoy to port followed by Roca Patilliguaje to starboard, marked by a lit green buoy. This should be given plenty of room!

There are several submerged and semi-submerged wrecks and reefs and the water in the “channel” is shallow. Cruisers report that at high tide (tidal range is minimal) there are depths of 8-10 feet, so one should approach slowly and cautiously. The closer to the harbor you get the narrower the channel becomes as there are many anchored fishing vessels.

The recent earthquake and subsequent tidal wave sank quite a few boats in the harbor. Consequently it is difficult to maneuver in the bay and reported depths are now inaccurate.

Cruisers that visited here in an aluminium boat in January 2020 reported the alarming electrical effect of disintegrating batteries and gear. New anodes disintegrated in the space of two weeks.

Position:  

20° 11.83’S, 70° 09.23’W (Port entrance)

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