Navigating South of the Red Tape: Mexico Boating

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1. Great article for those wanting to venture south of the border. It would be worth mentioning the process required when you venture back home too.
   Having made the trip multiple times now, probably the most frustrating part of the bureaucracy is the lack of uniformity in the process and fees, depending on the person, place and organization you deal with in Mexico. Cash is king and have lots of it, preferably in pesos, because that is all they usually want to accept for payment. Have lots of small bills because they rarely have change, or so they claim. If your paying in dollars, expect an unfavorable exchange rate.
   Also, setting aside the allure of boating south of the border and all the romanticism associated with that, the reality of the situation is it comes with a lot more risk than many are willing to admit. For example, if your having your boat worked on in Mexico keep in mind capitalism operates much differently down there. The Port Captain works closely with vendors requiring a receipt of work performed has been paid in full, even if you don’t agree with the bill, before they will process you out of the country. In a nutshell, you have no recourse and are essentially held hostage until you pay up regardless of charges. And good luck contesting a bill or negotiating a refund in a dispute after the fact.
   Lastly, many of the things that we take for granted north of the border, are lacking down south. Simply put, what might be a much lesser issue at home can be catastrophic the further south you venture, especially in terms of health and personal safety.
   Boating in Mexico can be a great experience, but it’s not for everyone and for good reason!

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