Seaport · Nicaragua
Puerto Cabezas
Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua) is a very small port listed in the NGA World Port Index (no. 9760). It lies on the Caribbean Sea.
Port profile
- Country / territory
- Nicaragua
- UN/LOCODE (WPI)
- NIPUZ
- World Port Index no.
- 9760
- Coordinates
- 14.02°N, 83.38°W
- Harbor size
- Very small
- Harbor type
- Open roadstead
- Shelter afforded
- Poor
- Waters
- Caribbean Sea; North Atlantic Ocean
- WPI region
- Nicaragua East Coast
- Repairs
- Limited
- Railway (slipway)
- Small
Depths and vessel limits
Values as reported in the World Port Index; where a field is not shown, no value is reported.
| Channel depth | 10.0 m |
|---|---|
| Anchorage depth | 6.0 m |
| Cargo pier depth | 6.4 m |
| Oil terminal depth | 6.4 m |
| Tidal range | 0.5 m |
| Max vessel length | 120.0 m |
| Max vessel draft | 6.5 m |
Facilities
- Wharves
- Anchorage
- Breakbulk
Cranes and lifting
- Mobile cranes
- Lifts 0–24 t
Entrance restrictions
- Other restrictions
Navigation and port entry
- First port of entry
- ETA message required
- Good holding ground
- Turning area
- Port security
- Quarantine: pratique
Pilotage and tugs
- Pilotage compulsory
- Pilotage available
Services
- Longshoremen
- Medical facilities
Supplies
- Potable water
- Diesel oil
Communications and connections
- Telephone
- Radio
- Radiotelephone
- Rail
Only items reported as available in the World Port Index are listed.
Distance from Vietnam
Great-circle (straight-line) distances from Vietnam’s main port clusters. Actual sea routes are longer, as ships follow sea lanes around land.
| From | Great-circle distance |
|---|---|
| Cat Lai (Ho Chi Minh City) | 9,200 nm |
| Cai Mep – Thi Vai | 9,210 nm |
| Hai Phong | 8,630 nm |
Nearest major ports in our guides
Major container gateways and transshipment hubs closest to Puerto Cabezas, with full port guides:
- Moín (Limón) · 240 nm
- Puerto Cortés · 290 nm
- Colón (Manzanillo, Cristóbal, CCT) · 350 nm
- Balboa · 380 nm
Data source
Port characteristics on this page come from the NGA World Port Index (Pub. 150, U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency), as distributed in the seaport-data-js dataset. The index is a navigational reference and may not reflect recent construction, terminal changes or current operating limits. Always confirm details with the port authority, agent or carrier. Sailing directions: Sailing Directions Pub. 148 (Enroute) - Caribbean Sea - Volume II.
Frequently asked questions about Puerto Cabezas
Where is Puerto Cabezas?
Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua) lies on the Caribbean Sea, at about 14.02°N, 83.38°W.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Puerto Cabezas?
The World Port Index lists UN/LOCODE NIPUZ for Puerto Cabezas. Confirm the exact location code required by the carrier when booking.
What is the maximum vessel size at Puerto Cabezas?
The World Port Index reports a maximum vessel length 120.0 m, draft 6.5 m for Puerto Cabezas. Limits can change with dredging and terminal works, so check with the port or agent.
How far is Puerto Cabezas from Vietnam?
The great-circle distance is about 9,200 nautical miles from Ho Chi Minh City (Cat Lai) and about 8,630 nm from Hai Phong; sea routes are longer. Nearby major ports in our guides include Moín (Limón), Puerto Cortés, Colón (Manzanillo, Cristóbal, CCT).
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Puerto Cabezas?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Puerto Cabezas through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking.