R.Guadiana

25931

25931

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There is an article in a Portuguese newspaper today about complaints by the tour-boat operators that the silting is so bad that they can't use either Odeleite or Pomarão. They are also asking for buoys so that they can make trips at night. The CCDR has stated (as usual) that dredging will take place next year.
 
Good news for all then?

Some of cruise boats are best part of 200 feet long, but they didn't have much draft, about 4-5 foot if I remember?

They used take 10,000 tonners as far as Puerto de la Laja and I'm sure sure I saw photos of ships between 3,000 and 10,000 tons alongside in Pomarao as well. I doubt they dredge, scrape away as far as that, but some bouyage would be good!
 
Last time we were there 2010, we stopped at Ria de Vasco and went no further. We were told the depths had shallowed quite a bit?

In 2008 we went up to Pomarao twice but got stuck leaving the second time, we just couldn't find the deep water to get out (10 mins before high-water as well)! Eventually a local asked us our draft 2.2m, and took us down the Portuguese bank about 3m off, then told us when to make a 90 degree turn back into the main channel. It was still close less then .3m under the keel, but entertaining!
 
We never found less than 3.5 m. There are rocks & a sandbank below Pomarao. Ask anyone down river in Alcoutim
for details of the course to steer using landmarks.
 
The famous Marcel and Effie on So Rong (draws 1.9m IIRC) even sailed up to Mertola.
His fame maybe came from getting stuck on the way back. However, So Rong is made of solid stuff so no harm done.
 
There is no problem getting above Pomerao some distance with 2m draft, stopping some 4km short of Mertola.

There is a page on our website describing the river, and with some chartlets that can be downloaded.
 
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