Port guide · UN/LOCODE NI BEF
Bluefields, Nicaragua
Nicaragua · 12.02° N, 83.75° W · Also listed as El Rama; el Bluff
The World Port Index classes Bluefields as an open roadstead on the Caribbean Sea. It records a channel depth of 3.6 m and a cargo pier depth of 4.9 m. Norfolk is 2,860 km away in a straight line.
- Channel depth
- 3.6 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 4.9 m
- Max vessel length
- 90.6 m
- From Norfolk
- 2,860 kmGreat-circle distance
- Nearest port guide
- Puerto Sandino330 km away
Depths and vessel limits
The index sets a maximum vessel length of 90.6 m.
- Channel depth
- 3.6 m
- Anchorage depth
- 6.4 m
- Cargo pier depth
- 4.9 m
- Tidal range
- 0.3 m
- Maximum vessel length
- 90.6 m
- Maximum vessel beam
- 13.8 m
As recorded in the World Port Index. Gauges run from 0 to 25 m. Confirm current depths and limits with the port before you fix a vessel.
Facilities on record
Arrival and entry
Bluefields is listed as a first port of entry. Pilotage is compulsory.
- First port of entry
- Yes
- Pilotage compulsory
- Yes
- Pilotage available
- Yes
- Pilotage advisable
- Yes
- Tug assistance
- Yes
- Tug salvage
- No
- Arrival notice (ETA message) required
- Yes
- Port security
- Yes
- Shelter afforded
- Good
- Entrance restricted by tide
- No
- Entrance restricted by swell
- No
- Entrance restricted by ice
- No
- Overhead limits
- Yes
Cargo handling
Cargo facilities on record: container, breakbulk and liquid bulk. The heaviest lift class recorded is up to 24 tons.
- Container
- Yes
- Breakbulk
- Yes
- Liquid bulk
- Yes
- Wharves
- Yes
- Anchorage
- Yes
- Lifts up to 24 tons
- Yes
- Longshore labor
- Yes
Services and supplies
Repair capability is rated limited.
- Repairs
- Limited
- Fuel oil
- Yes
- Diesel oil
- Yes
- Potable water
- Yes
- Medical facilities
- Yes
- Garbage disposal
- No
- Dirty ballast disposal
- No
- Airport
- Yes
US trade with Nicaragua
- US exports, 2025
- $2.4BLed by mineral fuels and oils
- US imports, 2025
- $5.0BLed by knitted apparel
Other ports in Nicaragua
The nearest is Puerto Sandino, 330 km away in a straight line.
Sources
- US trade figures: US Census Bureau, International Trade API, HS2 total exports and general imports for calendar 2024 and 2025, retrieved November 4, 2026.
- Port data: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, World Port Index (Pub 150), from NGA's UpdatedPub150.csv as captured by the Internet Archive on September 29, 2026.
- Distances are great-circle distances computed from World Port Index coordinates, not sailing distances.
- Map: Natural Earth 1:110m land, public domain.