Yucatan or the Bahamas ?

[cinnabar]

Going to Yucatan from Key West takes some planing and a good weatherforcast. Light winds is a must because the current makes a mess out there with any wind against it. Close to Cancun and the coast going south, eddies helps a lot. Pueto Morellos is a good port of entry, i payed US$ 100 for al paper work and later on US$ 40 for a 10 years permit in Cancun (import permit)

[JackHinks]

I have lived in SWFLA for over 20 years and have worked in the boating and resort industry. You are in luck in that in march and april, area resorts are very busy and need temporary employees. When I ran a beverage department and had about 15 banquet bartenders working with me, we put everyone on 6-7 days a week. They made some good money. If you can't bartend, you can be a server. There are resorts in Collier and Lee counties. You may be able to make some good money over the next two months.

[slomotion]

I vote for the Bahamas. You're too close to them now to justify giving them a pass. Yes, meat and American style food can be expensive (if you're a beer drinker, stock up in the U.S.), but you can still live cheaply. AND, these are some of the most spectacular cruising waters in the world with literally hundreds of islands, ranging from resort party towns to completely deserted. For an interesting log from some people who cruised the western Caribbean for years before going to the Bahamas, go here:

BoatUS Cruising Logs

[JRO]

So... Where did you go?
I'm heading to the Yucatan myself.
I got my Bahamas tee shirt last year.

[cinnabar]

Hi JRO!
Port of entry: Puerto Morelos, just south of Cancun, Marina El Cid. We paid 100US for paperwork. Futher south is Puerto Aventuras, hurricane safe, 20US pr day. (not port of entry).
Easy shopping in Playa del Carmen by shuttel bus, 18pesos...

[JRO]

Originally Posted by cinnabar

Hi JRO!
Port of entry: Puerto Morelos, just south of Cancun, Marina El Cid. We paid 100US for paperwork. Futher south is Puerto Aventuras, hurricane safe, 20US pr day. (not port of entry).
Easy shopping in Playa del Carmen by shuttel bus, 18pesos...

So... Are you 100% happy being there?
Besides the marina, which sounds great, are there good anchorages and access by dinghy?

[cinnabar]

Hi JRO!
There is no anchorages here in P.A but just north of El Cid Marina right outside Puerto Morelos city is some few morings behind the reef. Maybe not a safe spot in strong easterlies.
Any strong winds...go to P.A., only safe habor on this coast line. For long term stay you can ask around for a privat dock for less money... At this moment its' blowing snot from SE!
We are waiting for a break in the wind. Starting out for a trip to Denmark.
Another warning!!! The Golfstream is not to play with, look for light winds going south and across the stream. Close to the Yucatan coast a mild eddie can help your way south.
El Cid Marina has a outer buoy at: 20-48,304N 86-52,898W, from there you can see some red/green markers in to the marina. We draw 8' so you shut be OK, lots of water..You might not find any charts with that information, its' a new marina. Good Luck.

[chelem1]

I sail out of Progreso and would be glad to help you on this end with getting a dock space, food, transportation and any info you might need.

[s/v 'Faith']

By all means make the tripto the Bahamas.

You will have to eat anyway, and you are almost there already!

If you have a good anchor, you will not pay much more for what you need then you would in the US.