Essequibo River, British Guyana

Raptor in Essequibo River

Guyana is the only South American nation in which English is the official language. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Brazil to the south and southwest, Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west.

Essequibo is the largest river in Guyana and the largest river between the Amazon and Orinoco. It flows from the Acarai Mountains near the Brazil-Guyana border 1,010km northward through forest and savannah into the Atlantic Ocean.

We set off from Domburg, Suriname on 3rd February 2012 and anchored opposite Bartica (N 06.23.964 W 58.37.037) the next day. It was approximately 265 nautical mile ride. We landed the dinghy at Cool Breeze, cleared in and spent a day exploring the town. 

Streets in Bartica

Street near Cool Breeze

Bartica occupies a unique natural location in the north-central Guyana where the mighty Essequibo, Mazaruni and Cuyuni rivers meet. Considered the "Gateway to the Interior". 

Even though this is the launching point for Guyana's diamond and gold miners, the place is not well developed and a little disappointing to find garbage everywhere. 

It's unparalleled natural location is one of the most intriguing sites for a town. The name 'Bartica' comes from an Amerindian word meaning 'red earth', is abundant in the area.

 

What about them?

Unfortunately garbage everywhere

We departed Bartica for Baganara Resort on 6th February. We motored 15 nautical miles up the river.

Here are some photos of the river on our way to Baganara Island (approx. 40nm inland). Apparently this about as far up the river we can go with a sailing vessel. Smaller & more powerful boats are needed to go further up through the rapids.

The rocks looks like a huge crocodile

A tiny island in the middle of the river with a bridge between the private property and an overgrown shipwreck on the right

It's calm in the river

Reflections

Baganara Resort

Baganara Island Resort on Baganara island (about 40nm up the Essequibo river). A peaceful place away from the city with nature all around. Had fun playing pool and table tennis all day. There are hammocks, chess board, frisbees, football, volleyball & kayaks too. All these to ourselves! 

I guess we came at a good time (off peak season). Even though the entrance to this river was pretty tricky with all the rocks, wrecks, stakes, shallow areas and limited charts, its definitely a nice place for some R&R. 

We anchored just off the Resort (N 06.20.027 W 58.35.545) for 4 days.

Our crew David

Monkeying around

Red Howler Monkey

A little settlement by the river

Exploring in the dinghy

Mangroves

Beautiful isn't it?

We departed Baganara for Bartica on the 10th February to clear out, and anchored 18 nautical miles (N 06.48.169 W 58.30.562) from the river mouth for the night. We headed off for Trinidad and Tobago the next day.