Isla Mujeres : Profile

Clearance

Customs clearance is only required if you intend to stay more than 7 days.

There is no official requirement to hire an agent and the Mexican government is keen to promote its simplified clearance procedures. To which end, there is now a bank on Isla Mujeres where Immigration fees can be paid. If it is decided to use an agent, it is best to ‘shop around’ as there are several offering their services.

One has to clear in with Health first, then Immigration, followed by Customs, and finally Port Captain. The Port Captain's office is on the front street opposite the ferry wharf; Immigration is also on the main road and Harbour Master next door. A health inspection is carried out at the local hospital. See S/V Picasso's experience of the steps invloved.

Additionally agriculture may or may not come out to the vessel to inspect. This inspection is done on a case by case situation and is not often.

The Port Captain now requires a Zarpe (which includes a notorised crew list) for ALL boats, including those arriving from the USA. Vessels arriving without a list will be fined.

The Navy sometimes inspects vessels in the harbour.

The only firearms allowed in Mexico are sporting guns which must have a valid Mexican hunting licence, obtained in advance. Other firearms must have a permit, and be declared to the authorities on arrival, who will keep them in custody until departure. The penalties for having an unauthorised gun on board are severe and can lead to seizure of the yacht and imprisonment of the captain.

Customs office Tel: (52 98) 877 0189. The Puerto Isla Mujeres marina will assist those berthed there with formalities, contact Director of Operations Pierre Sanchez at 011-52-998-287-3356 or nautipete@yahoo.com

Docking

Besides being an island with natural inlets and harbours for protection from stormy weather, there are several full service marinas and docks with electricity, water, fuel, showers, toilets, and laundry.

Harbour Master Tel: (52 987) 70095

El Milagro Marina
Isla Mujeres
Tel:805 698 8165 (USA), Fax:805 969 0262 (USA)
www.elmilagromarina.com, ericschott@msn.com
Position 21deg 14.6N, 86deg 46.47N. New small marina within walking distance of the town. Water, power, showers, toilets, laundry, mini-market, internet and accomodation. Customs and Immigration services.

Marina Paraiso
21deg 14.572N 086deg 44,460W
Tel:011 52 998 8770252, VHF Channel 16 & 13 (24 hours)
paraisoclubdeyates@yahoo.com
Opening Hours: 0600-2000
Marina with 37 moorings. Offer help with clearance and have health and immigration on-site. Those at anchor can buy a marina day pass for 50 pesos, which allows use of the fresh water pool, showers, WiFi and dock water. In addition marina offers same day laundry service, happy hour from 1600-1900 and 24 hour security.

Puerto Isla Mujeres Resort & Yacht Club
Puerto de Abrigo, Laguna Macax, Isla Mujeres, Q. Roo, 77400
Tel:+52 998 287 3340, Fax:+52 998 287 3346, VHF Channel 16,11
marina@puertoislamujeres.com
Opening Hours: 7-7
24 hour security, water and electricity. 64 slips for yachts up to 80' long and 10 for yachts up to 175' long and 10' draft. Marina staff will arrange for the various officials - Immigration, Customs and Port Captain - to visit the boat for clearance formalities. Chandlery, 150 ton travelift and repair facilities in the boatyard.

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