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Miguel
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Posted: Tue Jun 6th, 2006 11:56 pm |
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A friend is coming down with a gasoline engine(s) fishing boat... We'd like to "go across" to see the other side for some sight seeing...
Is gasoline available on the Baja side?
At which locations? (We'd like to go to Santa Rosalia and Loreto)
Is it dock service... or the dreaded taxi into town and cans back to the boat?
And lastly... any general knowledge - do's and don't - or - watch out for's?
Thanks for taking the time to help us out with this one!
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JZ
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Posted: Wed Jun 7th, 2006 01:41 am |
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Miguel wrote: A friend is coming down with a gasoline engine(s) fishing boat... We'd like to "go across" to see the other side for some sight seeing...
Is gasoline available on the Baja side?
At which locations? (We'd like to go to Santa Rosalia and Loreto)
Is it dock service... or the dreaded taxi into town and cans back to the boat?
And lastly... any general knowledge - do's and don't - or - watch out for's?
Thanks for taking the time to help us out with this one!
Gas is available at Santa Rosalia, Loreto, Mulege, and Puerto Escondido. At Mulege, you pull up to the med-moor style dock. Someone will more then likely come over to assist you with fuel. They will take your cans into town and fill them for you.
At Santa Rosalia, they have a tiny marina with about 16 slips our so. Tell the manager of the marina how much gas you want and they will fetch it for you. Last time I was there (October) they had a hand crank pump they could use. The previous times the pump was only available for diesel. With the hand pump it is relatively easy to fill up.
Loreto is a similar deal as Santa Rosalia. They have a tiny harbor you pull into. In the past the Port Captain would make arrangements for you to have gas brought down to the dock using a truck and 55 gallon drums w/a hand pump. This is a pretty fast process (once the gas arrives!).
I heard Puerto Escondido South of Loreto had a gas dock, but I've never used it.
Two things to watch out for: 1) if you go into mouth of the river at Mulege where the dock is make sure you study the charts very closely. There are rocks in the middle of the channel that are exposed at low tide, but unexposed at high tide. The deepest water is on the right side of the channel, which is not what you would normally expect. 2) There is a shoal area at the beginning of Conception Bay, so make sure you look at the charts.
Conception is a great place to visit on the Baja side. Sanstipac is a spectacular anchorage. There is a small restaurant/cantina there and several houses on the beach.
You should go soon if you are going to go this year, or wait until October. If you wait much longer it will be too hot and the risk of Chucasco and Hurricanes increases.
Buy Gerry Cunningham's and Jack William's guidebooks and read them thoroughly. Study them before pulling into any anchorage or harbor.
Study the weather and pick your window. It's best to go first thing in the morning generally. If you have a good boat, you can make it across in a little over 3hrs.
Twice I've had problems with gas from Baja. Your boat should have Racor fuel/water separators and/or some type of Octane boost, fuel stabilizer.
Let me know if you have more questions.
Last edited on Wed Jun 7th, 2006 08:45 am by JZ
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Miguel
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Posted: Wed Jun 7th, 2006 05:30 pm |
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| Thanks JZ... that was one great answer, I (we) really appreciate all the time you spent providing such detailed info... we'll heed your advice.
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FreeSpirit
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Posted: Thu Jun 8th, 2006 01:32 pm |
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I just got back and Escondido has a great place for both gas and diesel. The situation is much like Marina San Carlos with the big tank and such. I was told I would need to call on the radio to get some one to help me but both time I got fuel they were all ready there and were great. The service was in fact as better than in San Carlos. I was truely impressed.
Good Luck and have a ball.
Gordon Frisbey
Free Spirit
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RRR
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Posted: Thu Jun 8th, 2006 01:58 pm |
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Migel,
You might get some input from one of the locals on this forum that live in S. Carlos to advise you about the neccesity of "despacho" papers for your trip across. In the past we onloaded desiel fuel at Loreto (the dreded cab ride with our own portable tanks you spoke of...it's really not all that bad) and both times we were checked for despacho papers/visas etc by the port captain.
If you need paperwork for crossing, we always got them from the S.Calos marina office. Marina Real isn't set up for same. History shows it took us most of a day to get the paperwork done - mostly waiting for the port captain to show up to sign off on seaworthyness of the craft.
A good stop for you on the Baja side might be Puento Chivato. We always put into the bay under the hotel...drop the pin and swim to shore. Up the stairs and enjoy a supper...a drink or two...and some quality time in cool A.C. Back to the boat and a short run down to Conception Bay to drop the pin for the night. Great fishing starts right outside the bay opening first thing in the morning.
Good luck and have fun. Ric Bah-Haw-Diamond
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JZ
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Posted: Thu Jun 8th, 2006 03:31 pm |
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The days of the "Despacho" are history. It is no longer a requirement in Mexico. The rules changed a little over a year ago. However, there has been discussion that you are suppose to "check-in/check-out" with the local marina and alert them of your arrivals and departures. But no more official despacho, crew list and all that.
Punta Chivato is definitely a must see ancorage, it is actually a good place to aim for on the crossing. The restaraunt is nice, but the service can be very bad. It is run by some Italians that cater to the all inclusive crowd, not boaters.
Here is an article from Latitude 38 from May, 2005:
"Port Captains In Mexico Told To Obey Directive That Eliminated Domestic Clearing
May 2 - Mexico City
Tere Grossman of Marina San Carlos, and five other members of the Mexico Marina Owners Association, traveled to Mexico City for meetings with government officials on April 25-26 to work out the implementation of the new reglamente that eliminates 'domestic clearing' as it had been known - and hated - by cruisers in Mexico.
The April 19 reglamente (or directive) from President Fox stated that as of that date, mariners would no longer have to jump through the traditional port captain to immigration to aduana to the bank and back to port captain hoops while tossing money in the air just because they had arrived in a new port captain jurisdiction. Thanks to the directive, all that's required now is that the port captain or a marina be "informed" of the arrival or departure of a vessel. (This does not, of course, eliminate the need for a boat to clear into Mexico at the first port of entry, and out of Mexico at her last port in Mexico.)
The big question everyone wanted answered, of course, is what constitutes "informing" a marina or port captain. Can it be done over the radio - as Grossman is battling for - or will the port captain or marina have to be visited during working hours and something put in writing? A final written decision is expected in a week or two. How this question is answered will determine if the new rule is a complete victory for visiting mariners or just a partial victory.
Other issues discussed included what to do about boats that are already in Mexico but which no longer have their clearing papers from their original port of entry. What to do with boats that are trailered into Mexico. And whether port captains can require that mariners use a ship's agent when clearing into Mexico for the first time and clearing out of Mexico. Grossman was promised that port captains won't be able to require that mariners use agents, but she hasn't got it in writing yet.
The new rules took effect on April 19, but compliance has not been universal on the part of port captains. Grossman reports that Jose Lozano, the Executive Director of Mexico's Merchant Marine, reiterated that the new policy indeed went into effect on April 19, and said that all port captains were reminded of the change in policy a week later."
Last edited on Thu Jun 8th, 2006 11:16 pm by JZ
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Miguel
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Posted: Thu Jun 8th, 2006 04:52 pm |
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To FreeSpirit --
Thanks for the input and gas availabilty confirmation.
To RRR --
Thanks! The evening and morning you suggested at Punto Chivato sound demanding... but heck, we’ll just suck it up and follow your tip on the hotel, supper with drinks, and early morning fishing... life can be demanding down here in paradise.
To JZ --
A tip of the cap again for the clarification! Much appreciated.Last edited on Thu Jun 8th, 2006 04:54 pm by Miguel
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RRR
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Posted: Thu Jun 8th, 2006 08:40 pm |
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JZ,
Thanks for the input on Despacho papers situation. Seems like only a year ago that the entire thing was still up in the air as to if they were neccessary or not. Something about 50 mile limit from S. Carlos.
That means the BAH-HAW-DIAMOND can now run over to Tortuga without looking over our shoulder all day.
I was hoping that someone on this forum would have the straight dope on this subject. THANKS !!
Miguel,
Don't get me wrong on the Hotel at P. Chivato. We never stayed overnight at the hotel. Just supper and a few cold ones. Were always anxious to get south to Conception bay so we would be ready for the early morning fish.
Ric
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Miguel
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Posted: Fri Jun 9th, 2006 01:18 am |
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RRR -- I'll tell ya... misplace a comma and change the meaning...
ERROR
...and follow your tip on the hotel, supper with drinks, and early morning fishing...
SHOULD HAVE BEEN
...and follow your tip on the hotel supper with drinks, and early morning fishing...
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cantremember
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Posted: Fri Jun 9th, 2006 07:08 am |
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"This does not, of course, eliminate the need for a boat to clear into Mexico at the first port of entry, and out of Mexico at her last port in Mexico" (Latitude 38)
"I was hoping that someone on this forum would have the straight dope on this subject. THANKS !!"
Interesting comments. I think I would be a little nervous bopping around the sea without some kind of aduana/immigration/import permit, etc. documentation on board. Seems one trailering in should clear in/out of Mexico in Guaymas if you are planning on leaving SC area or perhaps even if you are staying local. SC Port Captain could probably clear this up.
Domestic clearing is very easy now, but it seems one would have to initially enter legally before you would have domestic clearing priveleges.
I cleared in at Ensenada several years ago and did the temporary import on my documented boat at Guaymas. Very easy and Very reassuring. I wonder if a temporary import could be obtained and then stays with the boat for the 10 years even tho it is trailered in and out. Leaving by water does require checking out of the country.
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JZ
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Posted: Fri Jun 9th, 2006 02:11 pm |
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cantremember wrote: Interesting comments. I think I would be a little nervous bopping around the sea without some kind of aduana/immigration/import permit, etc. documentation on board. Seems one trailering in should clear in/out of Mexico in Guaymas if you are planning on leaving SC area or perhaps even if you are staying local. SC Port Captain could probably clear this up.
Marina San Carlos is who you should speak with to get total clarity, they work with the port captain.
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cantremember
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Posted: Fri Jun 9th, 2006 09:19 pm |
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Thank you for the good advice, JZ. I sent MSC an e-mail asking for info. Meanwhile, here is a clip from the Marina de La Paz web site FAQ section that pretty much say's it all.
IMO, the Shroyer's of Marina de La Paz are right up there with the Grossman's fighting DF for all of us on boating issues. Thank you, thank you.
Keeping a tourist card or TIP on the boat would appear to keep everything Mexican legal for those who are so inclined. Changes since I imported our boat: I didn't get a decal and it was only $10.00 then...
1. How long can my boat stay in Mexico? All countries regulate foreign marine traffic within their boundaries, whether for commercial or pleasure purposes. Mexico's law allows an owner/captain to enter Mexico with a pleasure boat and keep it in the country for the duration of the original visit, which is determined by a "tourist card", which can be issued for up to 6 months.
Someone wishing to keep his boat in the country for longer than the original visa can do so by requesting a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for up to 10 years. The temporary import does not change the registry or nationality of the boat; It is simply a permit to keep a boat in Mexico for up to 10 years. There is a one-time $50.00 US fee.
It is recommended that you get a TIP at your first port of entry. The Temporary Import Permit is not issued in all ports. If you are coming from the USA on the Pacific side we recommend you stop in Ensenada at the one-stop office and do all paperwork (Immigration, Port Captain, and the Temporary Import Permit). If you wish to obtain the TIP at another port, go to the Customs (Aduana) office and ask where to do it. The permit cannot be obtained in Cabo San Lucas. In La Paz the permit is issued at the Banjército office in the ferry terminal in Pichilingue, 10 miles from town. You take the original and a copy of the following documents: Passport, tourist card, and vessel documentation or registration, the hull number, and engine identification numbers (VIN). If you don´t have a car take the bus that runs from the downtown waterfront bus depot in the morning. You will need $50.00 in US dollars or a credit card. They will issue a document and a decal that is to be placed on the vessel.
The Import Permit is also needed to import maintenance and repair parts and materials for your boat. It is recommended that you attach to your request a detailed list of equipment aboard, including brand names, models, and serial numbers where pertinent.
The permit is valid for multiple entry into the country for the 10 year period, so you do not have to cancel it when you leave Mexico, if you are planning to return.
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JZ
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Posted: Sat Jun 10th, 2006 01:26 am |
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cantremember wrote: Keeping a tourist card or TIP on the boat would appear to keep everything Mexican legal for those who are so inclined.
Agree 100%. Since the vehicle import free zone down to Empalme was established there is some ambiguity on whether a TIP is required, but I suggest getting one except for people making a one time trip down to SC and staying within the SC cruising grounds. I think anyone who leaves the boat in MX or is cruising around the SOC should have one.
That is interesting that they now cost $50. They were free in the past if you obtained it yourself or you could pay the marina $50 to do it for you.
Very interesting that a decal is now issued. That site seems to be very up to date on this subject.
Also, it seems to suggest that you can avoid paying duty when bringing maintenance and repair material down for the boat. It is not clear if this is just when you bring the boat in originally, or if you subsequently bring supplies at another time. It seems like the later, but isn't clear on the exact procedure.
Last edited on Sat Jun 10th, 2006 12:32 pm by JZ
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cantremember
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Posted: Sat Jun 10th, 2006 04:34 am |
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Roger JZ, Here's more info off MLP website also the link.
http://www.marinadelapaz.com/
3. Can packages marked "boat or yacht in transit" enter Mexico duty free? Contrary to another old-time belief, there is no law allowing importation of goods for "boats in transit". Importation of repair and maintenance materials for pleasure vessels can be arranged for boats with a TIP. If you ship a part out for repair, have the package checked by Customs first. To have parts shipped in to Mexico, you will need a letter from a marina which verifies that the parts are for the vessel and not for sale.
4. Does a Temporary Import Permit allow me to bring ANYTHING for my boat into Mexico duty free? The items to be imported must be for repair or maintenance. Other items must be declared and duty paid. That is, anything that could possibly be sold separately from the boat is subject to duties.
Importation must be done at the point the goods enter the country: at the border if you drive over, in La Paz if it comes on a direct flight from Los Angeles, or in Guadalajara, Hermosillo or Mexico City, if that is where the plane first touches down.
Following is a suggested procedure for importing parts and materials. Bear in mind that each Customs port, even each official, may do things differently.
A.- Arriving with merchandise at the Mexican border (by car):
Have with you a copy of your TIP, two copies of the Invoices of the equipment you are importing, with serial numbers and accurate description of the merchandise, and two copies of third party voucher (usually a marina, and often they don't ask for this).
B.- Merchandise shipped direct to La Paz by air. (when and if La Paz gets direct flights again)
- Go to customs cargo office at the airport and pick up the Guia and Cargo Manifest. On this visit get all serial numbers and relevant information regarding merchandise shipped, if you do not have it.
- Fill out and make two copies of SAITMDMRMIT, being sure to include serial numbers and accurate description of the merchandise.
- Make two copies of your TIP.
- Have copy of Guia and Cargo Manifest.
- Have original and copy of third party voucher if requested.
- Have two copies of the invoice of the merchandise being imported.
- Present all the above at the Customs main office in La Paz at the BANJERCITO window.
In three days the office will issue you a letter to present to the Customs official at the airport (Vista) instructing him to inspect the merchandise and release it to you if all is in order.
C. Merchandise sent by overnight or express mail like DHL, UPS, FEDEX, or USPS
This is sometimes a more difficult proposition. You must deal directly with these companies and a Customs agent to get your merchandise out of customs in Toluca or Guadalajara, whereever the plane first touches down. The TIP sometimes doesn't work for lack of information on the part of the shipping company, inland Customs authorities not acquainted with maritime law, and often a definitive (rather than temporary) importation must be done, which entails paying taxes and duties.
Note: Procedures change often (faster than we update this web page) so be sure to ask for latest procedure before you start.
My understanding locally, (last year), not going through a marina, you present the old parts at K 21 aduana, (engines, transmissions, alternators etc.) and complete a manifest you prepared with description of what you're taking out. They keep a copy you keep a copy. Then when you come back with replacements you present the manifest along with your TIP etc. at customs with exact replacements for the manifest items. Item descriptions were completed on your own piece of paper longhand and boy some peoples hand writing is really atrocious. I don't think timing matters other than running with the tip. Marina La Paz FAQ comment about declaring equipment such as electronics etc. when you get your TIP is because if something is stolen you can, along with a police report or mariuna documentation probably bring in replacements for items that disappear. Also, I can't see why a person couldn't follow the same procedure for shipments into Guaymas airport as outlined above for La Paz. Could save a lot of time, hassle and money.
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JZ
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Posted: Sat Jun 10th, 2006 12:45 pm |
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Wow, this is very interesting. Thanks for the post.
Last edited on Sat Jun 10th, 2006 05:23 pm by JZ
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