PUNTA GORDA

• BZPND
• Latitude: 16.1001
• Longitude: -88.8015
• East Coast Central America
• Port in Belize

Location: Punta Gorda Belize

Punta Gorda is a small port located in southern Belize, serving as the administrative center for the Toledo District. Here are some details and specifications about Punta Gorda's marine port:

General Description:

• Location: Punta Gorda, Toledo District, Belize
• Coordinates: Approximately 16.0980° N latitude and 88.8099° W longitude
• Type: Small, coastal port
• Primary Use: The port is utilized mainly for local and regional trade, passenger services, and limited cargo handling.

Facilities:

• Berths: Generally, the port has limited berthing facilities somewhat suitable for small to medium-sized vessels. Larger vessels may need to anchor offshore.
• Passenger Services: The port has facilities for passenger ferries, connecting Punta Gorda with other locations, including regional destinations like Puerto Barrios, Guatemala.
• Cargo Handling: Facilities for cargo are basic, and the port handles a relatively small volume of goods. It primarily caters to local needs and regional trade.

Depth:

• Channel Depth: The depth in the approach channel is usually shallow, suitable for small to medium draft vessels.
• Berth Depth: Berthing area depth is also limited, often requiring larger vessels to remain anchored and transfer goods via smaller boats or barges.

Port Services:

• Customs and Immigration: Available at the port for processing incoming and outgoing passengers and cargo.
• Fueling: Limited facilities for refueling small vessels.
• Supplies and Provisions: Basic supplies and provisioning services might be available in the town.

Connectivity:

• Road Access: Punta Gorda is connected to the rest of Belize via the Southern Highway, facilitating land-based transport.
• Air Access: There is an airstrip near the town with domestic flights connecting to other parts of Belize.

Operational Aspects:

• Operating Hours: Typically, the port operates during standard business hours, with customs and other formalities aligned to these schedules.
• Security: Basic security measures in place.

Economic Role:

• Trade: Mostly regional trade; exports include agricultural products, especially from the nearby rural areas.
• Tourism: Major role in facilitating tourism with connections to various islands and mainland attractions.

Environmental Considerations:

• Ecology: The port area, being in a region known for its rich biodiversity, follows regulations to minimize its environmental impact. Efforts are often taken to ensure sustainable port operations.

Tourism and Heritage:

• Attractions: Punta Gorda serves as a gateway for eco-tourism, with nearby attractions such as lush rainforests, rivers, and Mayan archaeological sites.

Development:

• Expansion: There are ongoing efforts to develop and upgrade the port facilities to better handle both passenger and cargo traffic, aiming to boost local and regional economies.

In summary, Punta Gorda is a small yet significant port in Belize, providing essential connectivity for cargo and passenger movement in Southern Belize. The port's development is crucial for the region's economic growth while maintaining a balance with environmental sustainability.