The Small Mexican Ports

If you're shipping to Mexico via any water bound vessel, you'll need extensive port knowledge. In the years since NAFTA, Mexico has expanded it's ports to cover a variety of sizes, types and locations. The size of a boat often has a direct relationship to the size of the port it will dock in. So when shipping or sailing to Mexico by small vessels, it is important to find small ports that is geographically near the destination area. The following are the small-sized ports in Mexico that can dock international boats or in other term, first ports of entry.1.      Port of Acapulco - This seaport, located in Acapulco, features the capability to handle ships up to 500 feet and features an excellent shelter. Pilotage is compulsory in channels which are 76 feet deep and a port 40 feet deep, with no tugboats available. The lifts and cranes are able to lift up to 24 tons.2.      Port of Alvarado - This harbor, also located in Acapulco, has very low water depths and no lifts, but tugboats are available as well as pilotage. This port is also located in Acapulco, and features a very good shelter and is very efficient for holding ground or as a turning point.3.      Port Cozumel - Water depths in this port are between 12.5 and 13.7 meters, making this Cozumel port of the pier, jetty or wharf type. This port will handle ships up to 500 feet in length, with pilots available but no lifts or tugboats.4.      Port of Isla San Marcos - A small pier-type located in Isla San Marcos, it has very shallow water that is not a good place for a turning point or holding ground. Though you'll find a supply of diesel oil here, there are no lifts, tugs or pilots available. This port is an ideal location for smaller crafts such as personal boats and yachts.5.      Port of La Paz -This La Paz harbor type of port can handle boats up to 500 feet in length and makes an excellent turning point and has medium water-depths. There are no cranes, tugs or repair facilities in La Paz, though you will find medical capabilities.6.      Port of Morro Redondo - This port is very similar to the port of Cozumel. The anchorage level is 76 feet and there are medical facilities readily available. There is no shelter available and there is no access to radio or phone.7.      Port of Nanchital - This Nanchital river port offers limited ship repair capabilities, but no medical facilities. This very well equipped port can handle vessels up to 500 meters in length and has supplies, cranes, lifts, tugs and pilots. All types of quarantine are also available.8.      Port of Pajaritos - Though not great for holding ground, this seaport is good for use as a turning around point. Water depth is around 46 - 50 feet and anchorage around 76 feet. For repairs, there are repair facilities, tugs and pilots available. However, there are no cranes or lifts available. This port also houses diesel oil, supplies, and medical facilities..    9. Puerto Chiapas - This port can handle 500 feet boats but the shelter characteristic is poor. Pilotage is available as well as tugboats, medical supplies and ship repair facilities. Water depth is between 16-20 feet and anchorage is in the range of 36-40 feet.10.    Puerto de Salina Cruz - A small sea port in Salina, Mexico which caters limited ship repairs, medium marine railroad size and large dry dock facilities. Provisions and medical supplies are available. Lifts and cranes can handle 24 tons of weight and all types of communication are available. Maximum vessel size is over 500 feet with pilots and tugs available.11.    Port of Santa Rosalia - A small coastal-breakwater harbor type port located in Santa Rosalia, Mexico. It offers fair shelter, limited ship repairs, medium marine railroad size and medical supplies. Water depth is 26 - 30 feet with the availability of tugboats and pilots. Telephone, radio, telegraph and air communication is likewise available.