Charlie's Charts of the Western Coast of Mexico (including Baja) 8th ed

Publisher: pub. Charlie's Charts, 2001 $US32.50 CA 15939 Charlie's Charts of Costa Rica, 2nd ed., Wood, Margo pub. Charlie's Charts, 2001 0-9686370-0-0 $US25

This pair of guides will be of use to anyone contemplating cruising on the Pacific Coast of Central America. Their stated aim is to help the cruising skipper choose and identify anchorages and harbours, to make shore trips easier and to make your visit to the country interesting. In this they largely succeed. It is however worth noting that these guides originate from the US and are geared towards their domestic market so some of the terms and assumptions may be unusual to a non-US based reader. That said the guides contain the practical type of information that is required whilst both planning and executing a trip.

The guides are presented in a common format that comprises an introductory chapter covering the climate, weather, tides and currents, charts, entry procedures, dangers both afloat and ashore, wildlife and provisions. We then get into the specific information about harbours and anchorages. Each of the major places to stop is identified and for the majority a chartlet and pilotage instructions are provided. The chartlets are clear, if hand drawn. Waypoints are given to enable a GPS user to arrive at a point where eyeballing takes over.

The chartlets are supplemented with local information concerning facilities, places to visit and other practical tips. It was not clear to me how many of the tips were the writer’s personal experience and which were received wisdom but I found that added to the charm of the publications. I liked especially when describing the Bay of Golfito in Costa Rica the phrase ‘the southern part of the bay should be avoided as there have been reports of unsavoury activities which could compromise your safety, day or night’. Mental note must go there to find out more. Both volumes are complemented by several page size photographs and the text is enhanced with a number of line drawings of local animals, birds and flowers.

The volume covering Mexico divides the coast into four areas starting at the northern, US, border and ending with the southern, Guatemalan, border. The volume on Costa Rica divides the coast into two areas starting at the northern, Nicaraguan, border and ending with the southern, Panamanian, border.

I liked these volumes and found their slightly quirky style engaging and entertaining and would find them a useful source of information. - CRE

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