 |
 |
|
Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean Sailing and Yachting |
||
 |
 |
|
Although it is far from the most popular way to reach the Mexican Caribbean, intrepid sailors think nothing of climbing aboard a boat and sailing to this popular destination. Chartered and personal boats can certainly be sailed into any number of harbors around Mexico. While many sailors have their own boats, sailing to Mexico is possible even for those who don't. Before setting sail, travelers may want to consider a few of the more important safety hazards, like coral reefs or unfavorable trade winds. However, there are a few other considerations to make as well:
Getting Into MexicoPrivate sailing boats to Mexico must enter the country through an official port of entry. Travelers will need to clear their entry with the Port Captain's Office (the Capitanía), the Immigration Office (Migracíon), and the Customs Office (Aduana). Immigration and customs services are available at the following ports along the Mexican Caribbean:
At the Aduana you will need to fill out an Import Form. This form states the rules for docking in Mexico and provides the fine amount for any rules broken. The ship's owner does not need to sign this form, but an original, notarized form giving another person power of attorney must be shown if the owner is not present. When leaving Mexico you must give this form to the departure port. You will also need to give one original and one copy of your boat's state registration or Coast Guard registration as proof of ownership. The Aduana will keep the copy of this document. Remember: If you choose to handle port entry yourself, you should first visit the Capitanía with all of your documentation. He will later direct you through the other offices. Otherwise, clear through a marina, which may charge no more than $100(USD) for all services. If you enter through a marina, you will receive blank tourist cards to fill out. Otherwise, you will need to get them from the Migracíon office, and every person must be present to fill out and sign their own card. The documentation you will need includes the following:
Mexican officials charge no fees for boats or trailers left in Mexico for up to 20 years. Travelers may enter and leave without their boat. Once you have passed through all of these formalities, you may also stop in at local ports at Isla Mujeres, Chetumal, and Puerto Morelos. Chartering a VesselYachts are usually chartered from within or near the Caribbean on a weekly basis. You may travel with this boat to Mexico, and return it an average of one week to ten days later. Your yacht rental options are "bareboat," "skippered bareboat" or "crewed charter." If you're an experienced sailor, you may decide to charter a bareboat - a rental boat with all the equipment needed to travel to the Mexican Caribbean, but with no crew. If you wish to rent a bareboat, you will need to prove your qualifications, and you may be given a tutorial of the Caribbean area including reefs and safe harbors. Based on your knowledge and experience, the charter company may insist that you take a skipper for at least the first several days of your journey. If the company requires you to travel with a skipper, the cost of the skipper's service is your responsibility. If you're not quite ready to set sail on your own, choose a skippered bareboat. A skipper lends knowledge and expertise to your journey to the Mexican Caribbean, and is paid by the day. Crewed charter yachts come with a skipper and full crew, including a cook. On a crewed charter, remember this: The captain calls the shots. You will decide on the itinerary, but if weather or any other obstacle threatens this schedule, the captain may alter your course for safety. Captains know the region well, so they may be able to offer great alternatives when necessary. They can also help you plan the perfect itinerary when the weather provides the sunny days for which the Caribbean is known. On most charters you may choose between paying an additional fee to have the charter company provide the food or buying it yourself before you set sail. While buying the food yourself can save money, it presents some challenges. Bringing food into the Caribbean through customs can be time consuming, and buying food can be difficult, especially if you are not departing from a major port. Whatever you decide, remember that fresh fruit and vegetables must be purchased locally. Also remember that you will be responsible for feeding everyone onboard, including the skipper and/or crew. Charter CompaniesCharter companies in the Caribbean come in all sizes. Larger companies are recommended for your first charter, since there are fewer guarantees with the smaller companies. For example, if the boat you had requested becomes unavailable, smaller companies may not have other boats for replacement. On the other hand, in the same situation, larger companies will most likely give you a similar or larger boat at no extra cost. Many of the better smaller companies, however, purposefully stay small in order to provide better customer service. There are two"tiers" of charter companies, but these are not quality or service designations. In the first tier, companies use the newest boats, often with the most extras. Boats older than four or five years are no longer used by first tier companies. First tier boats may include the auto pilot function, GPS systems, stereos, and cell phones; check with the specific charter company for details. Second tier companies usually use older boats from the fleets of first tier companies. These second tier boats come with fewer extras and a lower price tag. The most popular large yacht charter companies currently serving the Caribbean region are The Moorings and Sunsail. Charter BrokersWhen selecting a crewed charter, make sure you're compatible with the crew. The best way to find the right crew for you is through a broker. Yacht brokers act similarly to travel agents, and they can often provide quotes from several different chartering companies. The boat owner pays for the services of the brokers, so you can utilize their help at no cost. Brokers can also help you find a bareboat charter. There are two main charter broker trade organizations: the American Yacht Charter Association (AYCA) and Charter Yacht Broker's Association (CYBA). Members of the AYCA and/or the CYBA include the following outfits in Florida:
Choosing a YachtWhen choosing a yacht, note these cost, size, style, and equipment considerations:
Costs and PaperworkCrewed yachts cost more than bareboats, and the crew should be tipped. Although more expensive, crewed charters can be worth the extra money. These boats often have more extras, such as equipment for scuba diving or kayaking, and they tend to be more spacious than bareboats. They also come with a chef who will prepare all onboard meals. Having the charter company provide the food may be more costly than buying it yourself, but may be more convenient. Skippers on bareboats have a fee of around $80(USD) to $120(USD) per day; ask the individual skipper about his rates. If you're on a crewed charter, the crew, including skipper and cook, should be tipped 10 percent to 15 percent of the charter's total cost. Tips make up approximately 30 percent to 50 percent of a crew's income, so don't forget to factor this into your budget. Chartering a yacht will cost more during the high season than during the off-season. However, chartering a bareboat can cost less than a stay at a mid-level resort if two or more couples travel together. You should also account for airfare if you're picking up a yacht on one of the islands. Add customs duties and possible luggage fees into your charter budget, as well. One final tip: Read the fine print on anything you sign. There may be deposit and insurance fees added to your charter cost. It is best to put any charges on a credit card in case of mistakes or problems. You may also want to look into the company's cancellation policy, although in general, most charters cannot be refunded within 60 days of the departure date. Armed with this information, sailing into any or all of Mexico's ports should be a breeze. Related Articles
Cruises allow travelers to personalize every aspect of their arrival in Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
There are a number of ways to book your trip to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. Be sure to find out about all of your choices before you make your decision.
More Articles About Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean
This article will prove an important resource for visitors who'd like to learn more about the culture found throughout Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean.
|
