Explore: Isla Mujeres
General Info
This long, narrow island lies off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, 8 miles northeast of Cancún. The island is close to many coral reefs, as well as the Cancun underwater museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
This port can be closed if a hurricane is imminent due to the heavy seas over the shoals. However, arriving boats are permitted to enter.
Position 21° 14.23’N, 86° 44.63’W (port entrance)
Clearance
See the main Mexico Formalities page for full details of clearing into and out of Mexico.
Note: Isla Mujeres clearance procedures differ from normal formalities for Mexico so see cruiser reports for most current details.
Clearing in without an Agent
There is no official requirement to hire an agent and the Mexican government is keen to promote its simplified clearance procedures.
Clearing in yourself should take several hours on a good day. See this report for the latest information from cruisers who have cleared in here both with and without an agent, including latest details of which offices to visit and fees.
Clearing in with an Agent
If you decide to use an agent, it is best to ‘shop around’ as there are several offering their services. Also, some of the marinas can act as Agents too. Agents fees are reported to be in the region of US$50-$75 (on top of normal clearance fees).
The Port Captain’s office is open from 0800-1700, however, they only work from 0900-1400. Arrival outside these hours is normally not a problem if you are staying at a marina, as they can inform customs of your arrival and arrange clearance for the next morning. In this instance, you will be allowed off your boat, but restricted to the Marina area for the night. If anchoring, all crew must remain on board until clearance the following morning.
Notes:
- The Port Captain requires a Zarpe (which includes a motorised crew list) for ALL boats, including those arriving from the USA. Vessels arriving without a list will be fined. For US boats obtaining a Zarpe is difficult, but not impossible. See Noonsite/USA/Formalities for the details.
- Try to avoid clearance on the weekends as the port Captain’s office charges overtime ($40.00 USD)
- The Navy sometimes inspects vessels in the harbour.
- If staying in Mexico for more than 5 days, then a TIP (Temporary importation document) is required. This is issued in Cancun after checking in at a cost of US$50. Full details here. Note however that latest reports are that a TIP is not asked for if staying 1-2 weeks only.
Last updated: January 2019
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.
There are two main anchorages:-
1) The Isla Mujeres’ municipal anchorage on the western side of the harbour channel where there is 3m over mud/sand.
2) At the southern end of the harbour, take the Makax Channel into the sheltered lagoon. Depth about 3m in the centre. Take care not to obstruct access to the marinas or docks.
Puerto Isla Mujeres Resort & Yacht Club
