Insider's Notebook: Checking In/Out of Port

Information on checking in and out of port has changed since the initial writing of this article.

As of April 1, 2005 you must check into port on your arrival into Mexico. Your documentation or registration, passports and travel visas, identification (not required with passport) and clearance from the last port of call.

After you have initially checked into Mexico you only need to contact the port captain of the respective port and inform him of your departure (VHF 16A) You should contact the port captain of your new port when you arrive. (I guess so you mom doesn't worry!)

It really couldn't get any easier or cheaper. Gone are the $32 worth of in and out fees. This will be a huge boon for recreational boating in Mexico.

Port fees are another issue. Check with your local port captain - you might end up going back to a previous port to pay your fees before leaving the country.