Central America Liveaboard Marinas

[Dave22q]

Considering long term relocation to Mexico- Isla de Mujres, Merida; Costa Rica- Pacific coast; Belize and Panama- either coast. Draft is 5',
Anchoring out is not an option, want liveaboard marina with decent ocean access and shopping within bike range.
Any specific marina information would be most welcome.

[s/v Moondancer]

Marina El Cid in Puerto Morelos is our favorite...very secure!

[hpeer]

Following.

[Sailmonkey]

Is there a reason you’ve left Rio Dulce off of your list?

Ocean access requires a day, but the rest of the requirements are met.

[rosatte]

If you make it to Columbia the marina at Tumoco is very secure and reasonably priced

[anacapaisland42]

Originally Posted by s/v Moondancer

Marina El Cid in Puerto Morelos is our favorite...very secure!

As far as I can remember that's not in bike range


Bill

[freshalaska]

Can you give more information on Tumoco. Things like amenadies price per foot is there a haul out and can you work on your own boat? Price of skilled workers ect..
Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Boatguy30]

Tumaco? On the Pacific? Wasn't aware there were good stopping points along the Pacific coast of Columbia. But certainly the Caribbean coast has improved over last 15 years.

[Nicholson58]

Following

[Jackz]

following

[marinac]

following

[polaris2.11]

following

[model 10]

Starting with Isla Mujeres, the 2 marinas out front are expensive and boats don't usually stay more than 6 months. Back in the lagoon, are a couple of very funky marinas that have boats that have been there for a while, but they are so tied up that it would take all day to get out for a sail.
El Cid Marina in Morelos,MX is a ways from town and boats usually just stop there for a while.
Belize is a pain in the ass with the 30 day check in all the time. The Rio Dulce in Guatemala is popular. The Bay Islands of Honduras have a couple of marinas. One of the better places might be Bocas Del Toro Panama. There is not much on the Pacific side of Panama and further north in Costa Rica, Golfito might be the only place that is affordable. Mexico on the Pacific side is pretty cool with many places to stay.

[danimalafloat]

We've sailed from Los Angeles through the Panama canal. In my opinion, Puerto Vallarta was hands down the best marina we've stayed in. TONS of places to walk to, dockside bars, gated and guarded docks, huge yard with good skilled labor for 1/2 the U.S. cost. There are 2 marinas - one is rough adn the other is top notch. Depends on your budget, but the top notch marina was about $990/ month, including water and electricity for a 44' sailboat. That was back in 2015 at Marina Vallarta. Again, really, really nice marina with all the amenities you could ask for. HUGE shopping center and steet vendor setup as soon as you leave the dock. Tons of things to do in Puerto Vallarta - it's a huge protected cove. There is a small cove you can sail to in a few hours which makes you feel like you're on a deserted island (because you can only get to it by boat). Amazing fishing. Oh, and you could walk to the international airport if you wanted to.

If you're looking for a cheaper option, Vista Mar in Panama is a brand new marina with amazing staff.
Downside, it's much more secluded and you will have to ride about 1/2 a mile to get out of the gated area which encompasses the resort/ marina.
As of 2019, there was no yard, however, the marina already has plans (and plenty of land) to install a lift.
Upside: totally safe and protected (armed guards protect the only gat you can drive in from). There is a really nice (but not cheap) marina bar. If you are a golfer, this marina is connected to a very nice course - it's only a few hundred yards away.
Our favorite perk of this marina was that they let cruisers use the GIANG infinity pool. There are very few full-time residents of the houses on the resort, so most of the time it feels like you're swimming in your own private pool overlooking the ocean. The pool is almost as big as a football field. Super plush.