Any Paperwork Needed?

[Bill Burgette]

Hypothetically, If I were to sail from New Orleans to Panama and I had to get 50 gallons of fuel in Mexico, what would the total cost be? Would I have to pay some money to enter a Mexican marina or pay to the Mexican government some money to allow me to enter their waters? Could you just hoist a "Q" flag and fill up if you don't leave your boat?

How does this work in other countries as well? Thanks guys and gals, just trying to garner some knowledge here.

[s/v Moondancer]

Well, if I were doing it I would stop at Marina El Cid south of Cancun, fill up and keep going, claiming I was a yacht-in-transit. I doubt the marina would turn you in but you might ask them first. The Mexicans are very touchy about paperwork and protocol.

Mexico Marinas- El Cid- Mexico Marina Boat Docks- Mazatlán, Cancún/Riviera Maya Dock Hotels

If you check in you will be out about $300, immigrations/customs and marina fee. But the marina and Puerto Morelos are great places to visit so it might not be worth the risk of not checking in and getting into trouble with the Mexican authorities.