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Mexico Boating
- Thread starter Bearbait
- Start date
As long as you keep the US registration up to date, with a current sticker on the boat you should not have a problem. To register the boat in Mexico you have to go through a importation process and major headaches. We have friends that have left boats in Cabo for 15 years or more, but they are registered in the States each year.
RJD Wannabe
New member
If you are interested in Loreto, I have some wonderful contacts.
Ya might want to read this- Nightmare in San Quintin
Why am I not suprised that Fishtails found that article....... But I do agree...I have a friend just down the street that was "caught" in a Mexican airport with a 9mm pistol clip.... and it cost him $4500 in bail just to get out of jail....and now he is a wanted fugitive in Mexico..... apparently a popular scam.
I will NEVER return to Mexico.... we spent a summer there and were very aware that we had no rights....
If you take your boat to Mexico.....be thrilled every time you see it....cause sooner or later...you won't.
Joel
SEA3PO
I will NEVER return to Mexico.... we spent a summer there and were very aware that we had no rights....
If you take your boat to Mexico.....be thrilled every time you see it....cause sooner or later...you won't.
Joel
SEA3PO
marvin4239
New member
When I was a kid in 1966 just after high school myself and 4 others went to Baja to surf and spend the summer. We stayed in a small town between Tijuana and Ensenada. One day while out surfing we noticed a splash in the water followed by a cracking sound. This continued and then we noticed someone on the cliff by our vehicle about 1/4 mile away waving at us. We went in to investigate and it was a Mexican guy with a highpowered rifle. He had been shooting at us to get our attention. He claimed that the beachs weren't public and this particuliar section of beach belonged to him and we had to pay him $3 a piece to surf there. $3 was a big chunk of money for us but he had the gun and we quickly paid up. I haven't been back since and hope things have gotten better but I kind of doubt it.
Here are some previous discussions of going to Baja:
Baja?
Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Sea of Cortez
Sounds like several of the Brats have gone cruising in Baja. I hope they jump in here and tell us more about how to have a good experience, particularly in light of the direction this thread is taking!
Warren
Baja?
Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Sea of Cortez
Sounds like several of the Brats have gone cruising in Baja. I hope they jump in here and tell us more about how to have a good experience, particularly in light of the direction this thread is taking!
Warren
A
Anonymous
Guest
We traveled to San Carlo, Mexico last year over Christmas and New Years and trailered our CD-22. We had NO problems except an 8-hour wait to get through the US boarder crossing coming back. We are going back this year at the same time but will come back a week later to miss the long line at the US boarder. The locals were great, the marina at San Carlos is first class with both a Christmas and New Years party. I don't know about Baja-never been there. The Senora state of Mexico though I think is as safe or safer than the US. :xtongue :xtongue
J&P
J&P
I have made three trips to Baja in my truck camper and towing a boat. I think the vast majority of people have a safe and fun trip. Problems can arise anywhere but my opinion is most of the Baja problems arise along the narrow strip near the US border. Get two hours south, past Ensenada, and it seem like a much different place. I have talked to lots of Americans who feel it is so dangerous in Baja and that the Mexicans have so much red tape etc., but if the experience were reversed and a Mexican citizen wanted to travel north to the US in an RV and bring his boat-I doubt that it would be very simple or easy. One of the examples quoted earlier about having a handgun clip in an airport-it probably wouldn't have ended much differently in any US airport. I think if you pay attention to the rules and use common sense it will be an enjoyable experience. The Vagabundos travel club in California has always been helpful with my questions and plans for all my travel in Baja. Good luck with your travels.
I would imagine that importing a boat permanently into Mexico would be a bit of a hassle as Discovery indicated, but there is a better way. You can get a "Solictud de importation temporal de embarcaciones" (temporary permit). I got one for my Corsair F-27 shortly after they became available in 1996. The one I received is good until 2016 but I think the new ones are for 10 years instead of 20. I think when they expire you can just get a new one.
I got mine at the Guaymas Aduana office (customs office). The process took less than an hour and as I recall was without charge. You will need the paperwork for the boat and the owners passport and visa (travel permit) I don't know where the permit can be obtained on the Baja but probably Cabo or La Paz.
The Marina Seca (dry storage) in San Carlos wants a copy of the permit for longer term boat storage which may be the case at better businesses in Baja as well.
I like Mexico very much and since the F-27 got sold a couple of weeks ago am looking forward to getting the CD-22 in the Sea of Cortez soon.
Dave
I got mine at the Guaymas Aduana office (customs office). The process took less than an hour and as I recall was without charge. You will need the paperwork for the boat and the owners passport and visa (travel permit) I don't know where the permit can be obtained on the Baja but probably Cabo or La Paz.
The Marina Seca (dry storage) in San Carlos wants a copy of the permit for longer term boat storage which may be the case at better businesses in Baja as well.
I like Mexico very much and since the F-27 got sold a couple of weeks ago am looking forward to getting the CD-22 in the Sea of Cortez soon.
Dave
patrick and linda
New member
INTERESTING SUBJECT FROM AN INSURANCE POINT OF VIEW. BETTER CHECK WITH YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER AS TO WHETHER COVERAGE EXIST OR TERMINATES AT THE MEXICO BOARDER.
EXAMPLE, PROGRESSIVE'S POLICY TERMINATES ALL LIABILITY COVERAGE AT THE BOARDER, AND IF PHYSICAL DAMAGE IS REQUIRED, ONE MOST FIRST CALL 1-958887764737 TO REQUEST EXTENSION OF COVERAGE, NOTE, PHYSICAL DAMAGE ONLY, LIABILITY IS HISTORY. REGARDING DAMAGE TO YOUR BOAT, COVERAGE EXTENDS TO REPAIRS MADE IN THE U.S. ONLY. NOW, THAT WAS WHILE ON LAND, WHILE IN THE WATER, BOTH PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND LIABILITY EXTENDS UP TO EITHER 50, 75 OR 125 NAUTICAL MILES OFF U.S. SHORE. THE DIFFERENCE IN MILES IS DETERMINED BY THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE PURCHASE.
GOOD LUCK.
PAT
PS DON'T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT INSURANCE IN MEXICO, THAT WOULD NOT BE A HAPPY ENDING!
EXAMPLE, PROGRESSIVE'S POLICY TERMINATES ALL LIABILITY COVERAGE AT THE BOARDER, AND IF PHYSICAL DAMAGE IS REQUIRED, ONE MOST FIRST CALL 1-958887764737 TO REQUEST EXTENSION OF COVERAGE, NOTE, PHYSICAL DAMAGE ONLY, LIABILITY IS HISTORY. REGARDING DAMAGE TO YOUR BOAT, COVERAGE EXTENDS TO REPAIRS MADE IN THE U.S. ONLY. NOW, THAT WAS WHILE ON LAND, WHILE IN THE WATER, BOTH PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND LIABILITY EXTENDS UP TO EITHER 50, 75 OR 125 NAUTICAL MILES OFF U.S. SHORE. THE DIFFERENCE IN MILES IS DETERMINED BY THE EXTENT OF COVERAGE PURCHASE.
GOOD LUCK.
PAT
PS DON'T GET CAUGHT WITHOUT INSURANCE IN MEXICO, THAT WOULD NOT BE A HAPPY ENDING!
Pat Anderson
New member
Our Progressive policy covers us in any U.S state or Canadian province and up to 50 miles offshore (we checked before our Alaska trip last year), but not Mexico. I assume folks buy Mexican insurance in Mexico? Patty keeps talking about the Sea of Cortez, and how she wants to cruise azure blue waters before going back to Alaska, but I was very wary of Mexico BEFORE I read this thread...now I am really concerned whether this is something I would ever chance.
Not having proper insurance in Mexico can get your vehicle/vessel seized and you jailed. Even if your home insurance company says they will cover you in Mexico (not likely), that will be for physical damage only - NOT liability. Mexican liability insurance is not inexpensive, but you cannot be without it.
Mexico's political and economic climate is uneasy right now. We have traveled in Mexico in the past, but are taking some "time off" from that these days. We live near the border and really enjoy the culture. The border cities don't give one a real look at what Mexico is like, though... you need to go in a ways.
For any vehicle/vessel going into Mexico, it is important to have the proper documentation/registration.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Mexico's political and economic climate is uneasy right now. We have traveled in Mexico in the past, but are taking some "time off" from that these days. We live near the border and really enjoy the culture. The border cities don't give one a real look at what Mexico is like, though... you need to go in a ways.
For any vehicle/vessel going into Mexico, it is important to have the proper documentation/registration.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Check your Neighbor for veracity.
You cannot bring firearms, ammo or any thing related to them into Mexico. They will look over your vehicle and if you have them they will put you into jail. It is not a scam, it is a legitimate way to keep the peace. Bringing any part of a firearm into Mexico will put you in a Mexican prison
You cannot bring firearms, ammo or any thing related to them into Mexico. They will look over your vehicle and if you have them they will put you into jail. It is not a scam, it is a legitimate way to keep the peace. Bringing any part of a firearm into Mexico will put you in a Mexican prison
Yes I know that.....but he didn't bring it in...or own it at all...someone put it into his bag at the airport.... The main problem is he owns a condo in Mexico and can not go back.... he is a wanted felon now... it cost him $4500 to post bail and he is not going back... for trial...and prison...
I spent one summer going to school in Mexico and we attacked and would have been robbed but our Mexican dog ran them off...(its a funny story about the dog... but he was there when we needed him)
Joel
SEA3PO
I spent one summer going to school in Mexico and we attacked and would have been robbed but our Mexican dog ran them off...(its a funny story about the dog... but he was there when we needed him)
Joel
SEA3PO
Tourists shun crime-hit Mexico beaches
By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press Writer
Assaults on American tourists have brought hard times to hotels and restaurants that dot Mexican beaches just south of the border from San Diego.
Surfers and kayakers are frightened to hit the waters of the northern stretch of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, long popular as a weekend destination for U.S. tourists. Weddings have been canceled. Lobster joints a few steps from the Pacific were almost empty on the usually busy New Year's weekend.
Americans have long tolerated shakedowns by police who boost salaries by pulling over motorists for alleged traffic violations, and tourists know parts of Baja are a hotbed of drug-related violence. But a handful of attacks since summer by masked, armed bandits — some of whom used flashing lights to appear like police — marks a new extreme that has spooked even longtime visitors.
Lori Hoffman, a San Diego-area emergency room nurse, said she was sexually assaulted Oct. 23 by two masked men in front of her boyfriend, San Diego Surfing Academy owner Pat Weber, who was forced to kneel at gunpoint for 45 minutes. They were at a campground with about 30 tents, some 200 miles south of the border.
The men shot out windows of the couple's trailer and forced their way inside, ransacked the cupboards and left with about $7,000 worth of gear, including computers, video equipment and a guitar.
Weber, who has taught dozens of students in Mexico over the last 10 years, plans to surf in Costa Rica or New Zealand. "No more Mexico," said Hoffman, who reported the attack to Mexican police. No arrests have been made.
The Baja California peninsula is known worldwide for clean and sparsely populated beaches, lobster and margaritas and blue waters visited by whales and dolphins. Surfers love the waves; fishermen catch tuna, yellowtail and marlin. Food and hotels are cheap.
News of harrowing assaults on American tourists has begun to overshadow that appeal in the northern part of the peninsula, home to drug gangs and the seedy border city of Tijuana. The comparatively isolated southern tip, with its tony Los Cabos resort, remains safer and is still popular with Hollywood celebrities, anglers and other foreign tourists.
Local media and surfing Web sites that trumpeted Baja in the past have reported several frightening crimes that U.S. and Mexican officials consider credible. Longtime visitors are particularly wary of a toll road near the border that runs through Playas de Rosarito — Rosarito Beach.
In late November, as they returned from the Baja 1000 off-road race, a San Diego-area family was pulled over on the toll road by a car with flashing lights. Heavily armed men held the family hostage for two hours. They eventually released them but stole the family's truck.
Before dawn on Aug. 31, three surfers were carjacked on the same stretch of highway. Gunmen pulled them over in a car with flashing lights, forced them out of their vehicles and ordered one to kneel. They took the trucks and left the surfers.
Aqua Adventures of San Diego scrapped its annual three-day kayak trip to scout for whales in January, ending a run of about 10 years. Customers had already been complaining about longer waits to return to the U.S.; crime gave them another reason to stay away.
"People are just saying, 'No way.' They don't want to deal with the risk," said owner Jen Kleck, who has sponsored trips to Baja about five times a year but hasn't been since July.
Charles Smith, spokesman for the U.S. consulate in Tijuana, said the U.S. government has not found a widespread increase in attacks against Americans, but he acknowledged many crimes go unreported. The State Department has long warned motorists on Mexico's border to watch for people following them, though no new warnings have been issued.
Mexican officials acknowledge crime has threatened a lifeblood of Baja's economy. In Playas de Rosarito, a city of 130,000, police were forced to surrender their weapons last month for testing to determine links to any crimes. Heavily armed men have patrolled City Hall since a failed assassination attempt on the new police chief left one officer dead. On Thursday the bullet-riddled bodies of a Tijuana police official and another man were found dumped near the beach.
"We cannot minimize what's happening to public safety," said Oscar Escobedo Carignan, Baja's new secretary of tourism. "We're going to impose order ... We're indignant about what's happening."
Tourist visits to Baja totaled about 18 million in 2007, down from 21 million the previous year, Escobedo said. Hotel occupancy dropped about 5 percentage points to 53 percent.
Hugo Torres, owner of the storied Rosarito Beach Hotel and the city's new mayor, estimates the number of visitors to Rosarito Beach since summer is down 30 percent.
In the city's Puerto Nuevo tourist enclave, which offers $20 lobster dinners and $1 margaritas, restaurant managers said sales were down as much as 80 percent from last year. One Saturday afternoon in October, masked bandits wielding pistols walked the streets and kidnapped two men — an American and a Spanish citizen — who were later released unharmed. Two people who were with them were shot and wounded.
Omar Armendariz, who manages a Puerto Nuevo lobster restaurant, is counting on the new state and city governments to make tourists feel safer. He has never seen fewer visitors in his nine years on the job.
"It's dead," he said.
By ELLIOT SPAGAT, Associated Press Writer
Assaults on American tourists have brought hard times to hotels and restaurants that dot Mexican beaches just south of the border from San Diego.
Surfers and kayakers are frightened to hit the waters of the northern stretch of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, long popular as a weekend destination for U.S. tourists. Weddings have been canceled. Lobster joints a few steps from the Pacific were almost empty on the usually busy New Year's weekend.
Americans have long tolerated shakedowns by police who boost salaries by pulling over motorists for alleged traffic violations, and tourists know parts of Baja are a hotbed of drug-related violence. But a handful of attacks since summer by masked, armed bandits — some of whom used flashing lights to appear like police — marks a new extreme that has spooked even longtime visitors.
Lori Hoffman, a San Diego-area emergency room nurse, said she was sexually assaulted Oct. 23 by two masked men in front of her boyfriend, San Diego Surfing Academy owner Pat Weber, who was forced to kneel at gunpoint for 45 minutes. They were at a campground with about 30 tents, some 200 miles south of the border.
The men shot out windows of the couple's trailer and forced their way inside, ransacked the cupboards and left with about $7,000 worth of gear, including computers, video equipment and a guitar.
Weber, who has taught dozens of students in Mexico over the last 10 years, plans to surf in Costa Rica or New Zealand. "No more Mexico," said Hoffman, who reported the attack to Mexican police. No arrests have been made.
The Baja California peninsula is known worldwide for clean and sparsely populated beaches, lobster and margaritas and blue waters visited by whales and dolphins. Surfers love the waves; fishermen catch tuna, yellowtail and marlin. Food and hotels are cheap.
News of harrowing assaults on American tourists has begun to overshadow that appeal in the northern part of the peninsula, home to drug gangs and the seedy border city of Tijuana. The comparatively isolated southern tip, with its tony Los Cabos resort, remains safer and is still popular with Hollywood celebrities, anglers and other foreign tourists.
Local media and surfing Web sites that trumpeted Baja in the past have reported several frightening crimes that U.S. and Mexican officials consider credible. Longtime visitors are particularly wary of a toll road near the border that runs through Playas de Rosarito — Rosarito Beach.
In late November, as they returned from the Baja 1000 off-road race, a San Diego-area family was pulled over on the toll road by a car with flashing lights. Heavily armed men held the family hostage for two hours. They eventually released them but stole the family's truck.
Before dawn on Aug. 31, three surfers were carjacked on the same stretch of highway. Gunmen pulled them over in a car with flashing lights, forced them out of their vehicles and ordered one to kneel. They took the trucks and left the surfers.
Aqua Adventures of San Diego scrapped its annual three-day kayak trip to scout for whales in January, ending a run of about 10 years. Customers had already been complaining about longer waits to return to the U.S.; crime gave them another reason to stay away.
"People are just saying, 'No way.' They don't want to deal with the risk," said owner Jen Kleck, who has sponsored trips to Baja about five times a year but hasn't been since July.
Charles Smith, spokesman for the U.S. consulate in Tijuana, said the U.S. government has not found a widespread increase in attacks against Americans, but he acknowledged many crimes go unreported. The State Department has long warned motorists on Mexico's border to watch for people following them, though no new warnings have been issued.
Mexican officials acknowledge crime has threatened a lifeblood of Baja's economy. In Playas de Rosarito, a city of 130,000, police were forced to surrender their weapons last month for testing to determine links to any crimes. Heavily armed men have patrolled City Hall since a failed assassination attempt on the new police chief left one officer dead. On Thursday the bullet-riddled bodies of a Tijuana police official and another man were found dumped near the beach.
"We cannot minimize what's happening to public safety," said Oscar Escobedo Carignan, Baja's new secretary of tourism. "We're going to impose order ... We're indignant about what's happening."
Tourist visits to Baja totaled about 18 million in 2007, down from 21 million the previous year, Escobedo said. Hotel occupancy dropped about 5 percentage points to 53 percent.
Hugo Torres, owner of the storied Rosarito Beach Hotel and the city's new mayor, estimates the number of visitors to Rosarito Beach since summer is down 30 percent.
In the city's Puerto Nuevo tourist enclave, which offers $20 lobster dinners and $1 margaritas, restaurant managers said sales were down as much as 80 percent from last year. One Saturday afternoon in October, masked bandits wielding pistols walked the streets and kidnapped two men — an American and a Spanish citizen — who were later released unharmed. Two people who were with them were shot and wounded.
Omar Armendariz, who manages a Puerto Nuevo lobster restaurant, is counting on the new state and city governments to make tourists feel safer. He has never seen fewer visitors in his nine years on the job.
"It's dead," he said.
Doryman":3lj9qj5f said:I'm still going ahead with my RV caravan to Cabo (safety in numbers, experienced guide, etc.) but this has definitely made me re-think my hope of taking the Lori Ann to the Sea of Cortez next winter. Texas and the ICW is looking increasingly attractive!
On the other hand, the infamous bums of bumfuzzle.com are touring Baja in a '58 VW Camper Van and have no problems. His blogs are fascinating. Even better are the cruising ones when they sailed the world sans any experience.
-Greg