Report on El Cid Marina, Puerto Morelos

Created by doina. Last modified on 2006-05-05 12:39:56
Contributors:
Countries: Mexico

Most cruisers travelling along the Yucatan Peninsula, head right past Puerto Morelos on their way to and from Isla Mujeres. We were lucky enough to decide to visit Puerto Morelos where we stayed at the new El Cid Marina. It was a welcome stop for us with its floating cement docks, cruiser facilities, and full access to the El Cid hotel amenities.

Entry into the marina is straightforward: go to the Sea Buoy (20 48 304 N, 86 52 898 W) then head 334 degrees, and through the markers and the entrance in the breakwater to the marina.

The marina has 50 side-tie slips for vessels from 25 to 100 feet and med-tie for smaller vessels, all behind a substantial breakwater. The rates when we were there were $1/ft., but discounts may be offered. The marina facilities include laundry, hot showers, a small store, internet in the marina office, and a fuel dock. The slips have 30, 50, 100 amp power and water. Propane tanks can be left at the office to be picked up and filled. The marina manager, Mario and the Administrator, Rudy, were so helpful and kind to us and all of the marina staff were very friendly. There is also an excellent restaurant located at the head of the docks.

We also checked into Mexico here. The marina office had Immigration, Sanitation and Agriculture come from Cancun to the marina and we paid $20 for each of the 3 officials to cover their travel costs. The Port Captain is in Puerto Morelos. The El Cid Hotel is fronted by a nice beach and has a huge swimming pool with water slides at one end and a large, heated jacuzzi. They also have evening entertainment 5 nights a week and the shows we saw were very professional. Car rental, fishing, scuba and snorkeling are also available.

The town of Puerto Morelos is only 2 km away and can be reached by taxi or collectivo (4 pesos). The reef which is part of Parque National Arrecifes Puerto Morelos is just offshore and offers excellent snorkelling. There is a fairly sizeable grocery store in Puerto Morelos where some provisioning can be done. One can also travel the 32 km to either Cancun or Playa del Carmen, where there are large supermarkets like Mega, Sams, Walmart, or Chedraui.

We highly recommend El Cid marina as a stop along the Yucatan Peninsula. Information on the marina can also be found at www.elcid.com The marina's phone number is 52-998-871-0184/85.

Michelle, Karl and Kelsey Mech, s/v ARCLYD