Sheltered behind the 800-mile-long Baja Peninsula, the third largest in the world, Mexico’s Sea of Cortez is one of the most unique cruising grounds on Earth.
This Travel Notes page provides useful information about Baja, Mexico. From airport procedures to currency exchange it will tell you what to expect to make your vacation smooth and worry free.
Base Manager
Socorro Navarro
Address
Moorings Mexico
Costa Baja Resort & Marina
KM 7.5 Carretera a Pichilingue
La Paz, Baja California Sur,
C.P. 23019, Mexico
Hours of Operation
Hours of operation: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, 7 days a week.
Base Facilities
Located in Marina Costa Baja. You will find showers facilities, snorkeling gear, kayak rentals, weather information, ice cubes & blocks, markets and provisioning stores.
Base Map
How to Get There
Two ways to get to the La Paz Base:
-Fly to La Paz international airport and take a taxi to the base.
-Fly to San Jose del Cabo international airport. Rent a car, take a bus or take a taxi to La Paz; about 3 hours driving.
Servicing Airlines
Aero Mexico
Aero California
Alma
Delta
Alaska Airlines
Due to the number of flights which we organise, the Moorings can offer some great rates to many destinations. Please make sure you contact your Vacation Planning Specialist before you book your flights.
Customs / Immigration Information
Immigration
Entry regulations: Proof of citizenship; photo ID; onward ticket.
Non-national (non-Mexican) clients living in Mexico that book with Clearwater need to bring their passports and Mexican visas in order for the base to dispatch the boat. They are subject to the immigration procedure and fees. Mexican nationals are not.
Yacht Movement
Everyone needs a tourist visa; form provided at airline ticket counters or aboard the aircraft flying into Mexico. This is needed for the yacht’s dispatch.
Departure tax, boat: approx. $45 US per boat - is paid in advance at time of booking.
Customs
Upon arrival, all passenger luggage must go through a brief inspection by Customs Officials.
First, you must complete a customs declaration form.
Mexico's inspection system is at random. Once you have completed your Customs Declaration Form, when your imports are within the limits permitted by law, you must push the button on a "traffic signal" located in the customs area. A green light allows you to continue on without further inspection. A red light means you will have your bags thoroughly checked to make sure the contents agree with your customs declaration. If any undeclared values are found, fines will be imposed.
If in your Customs Declaration, you declared values that exceed those permitted by law, those articles will be checked and you will be asked to pay applicable taxes, based on their value.
Please contact your local Mexican Embassy or Consulate regarding what you are allowed to bring into Mexico without having to pay taxes.
Upon Leaving the Country
Upon leaving, authorities will request your citizenship documentation and blue copy of your Tourist Card. We recommend that you check those items you are allowed to take back with you when you go back home. It is important that you keep the receipts of all items you buy in Mexico.
Airport
General Manuel Marquez de Leon Airport in La Paz.
Airport Transfers
Transfers from the airport to the base are not included. Clients may purchase airport transfers in advance through the appropriate booking locations.
Cost: $24 USD / 19 EUR / 14 GBP roundtrip p/person.
Arrival / Departure Procedure
Embarkation: Charters start at 10:00 AM or 4:00 PM (with evening start).
Briefing Times: Boat/chart Briefings are scheduled at: 8:00 am (Mon – Sun) for all starts. 2:00 pm (Mon - Sun) for evening starts.
All head charterers are required to attend the briefings.
Disembarkation: All charters end at 10 AM at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.
Late Arrival Procedure
The Customer Service Desk is open until 4:00 PM. If clients arrive after office hours a WELCOME BOARD will be left onboard the boat with your party’s name. Moorings boats are on Dock # 1 in Marina Palmira right in front our office.
Taxes / Departure Tax
Departure tax: Airport $11.50 USD per person. Please note that each passenger MUST have their Tourist Card when they depart the country or a fine will apply.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at the airport. Prepaid airport transfers are offered at a lower rate than the regular taxi fare. See "Transfers" for further details.
Car Rental
All the main car rental companies are present in town. You can return a car at the airport or pay a one-way to Cabo San Lucas or San Jose del Cabo airport (leaving the car in another town).
Clients may also have a ferry bring their car over from the mainland. See Directions to Base.
AVIS CENTRO
A. Obregon #820
Tel: 011-52-612-1222651 Tol Free: 01-800-288-8888
E-mail: rentavis@prodigy.net.mx
Website: www.rentavis.com
THRIFTY CAR RENTAL
A. Obregon e/ Allende y Juarez
Tel: 011-52-612-1259696 Toll Free: 01-800-021-2277
Website: www.thrifty.com.mx
Area: 1,972,000 sq km (769,080 sq mi)
Population: 111,211,789
Capital City: Mexico
Official Languages: Spanish and indigenous languages
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish), Amerindian or predominantly Amerindian, White
Religion: Roman Catholic, Protestant, other
Government: Federal Republic
Industries: food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel, petroleum, mining, textiles, clothing, motor vehicles, consumer durables, tourism
Tipping: 10-15% is the norm if it has not been included.
Electricity: Current in Mexico is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz. Two-pin plugs are standard. Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items, should consider bringing a plug adapter and a transformer. The Moorings pier is equipped with 110V power outlets. The majority of our yachts are equipped with power lines, battery charger and 110V plugs. There is a 12V cigar lighter outlet by the chart table on the majority of our yachts.
Time: UTC/GMT - 5 hours
Festivals & Holidays
1 January :New Year's Day
February (1st Monday): Anniversary of the Constitution
March (3rd Monday): Benito Juárez Day
1 May: Labor Day
16 September: Independence Day
November (3rd Monday): Anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
1 December (every 6 years): Virgin of Guadalupe, Government and banks only
25 December: Christmas Day
Independence was declared at midnight, therefore 15 and 16 September both count as part of the "Noche del Grito" or Shout of Freedom. Only the 16th is a holiday.
Moveable Public Holidays 2009 2010
Good Friday 10 April 2 April
Easter 12 April 4 April
Easter Monday 13 April 5 April
Whit Monday 1 June 24 May
Hotels
Fiesta Inn
Hotel Marina
Hotel La Concha
Hotel Seven Crown
Restaurants
Restaurant La Panga – located next to the base
Dinghy dock Restaurant – located in the Hotel Marina at the base
Inquire at Customer Service for more options.
Post Office
Post Office: A small post office can be found at the base. Stamps are available and the mail is picked up daily.
Internet Connectivity
The Marina offers complementary internet connection.
Cellular Phones
Your cellular phone may work in Mexico, check with your service provider for coverage.
Tourist Information Centres
La Paz Office
Km. 5.5 Carretera al Norte, Edificio Fidepaz
(state tourism office)
e-mail : tourism@lapaz.cromwell.com.mx
tel : 011-52-112-40100/40103/40199
fax : 011-52-112-40722
The Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) operates across the U.S. and Canada, plus other select countries around the world. These offices offer a wide range of services to assist travel agents and visitors with information about travel to Mexico. This information is courtesy of the Mexican Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR). The toll free number for the US is 1-800-44-MEXICO.
Websites: www.mexico-travel.com; www.mexicotravel.net; www.vivalapaz.com; www.bajalife.com
Banks
Business hours for most Mexican banks are Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some branches open on weekends. However, you can find automatic teller machines (ATM) in downtown La Paz.
There are many banks and money exchanges located in town.
Most banks do not exchange traveler’s cheques after 12:00 p.m.
Most banks will not give cash advances on credit cards. It is best to use the ATM machines located at most banks for cash.
24-hour AUTOMATIC MONEY TELLERS located at the following banks:
BITAL, 5 de Mayo esq. Maderos/n Col., Centro
BANAMEX Arreola y esqerro, col. centro.
Bancomer, Calle 16 de septembre col., centro.
Banoro, Calle 16 de septembre col., centro.
Currencies / Money Exchange
Mexico's currency is the Mexican Peso, available in coins and bills in several denominations. The most common bills are $20, 50, 100, and 500. Coins are 50 cents, $1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos.
Most foreign currencies can be exchanged for Mexican pesos at any money exchange places, which generally offer more flexible business hours and faster service.
Hotels offer the least favorable exchange rate, while the best rate is available at money exchange places. Traveler checks can be cashed at a slightly lower rate than currency.
Although Dollars are widely accepted in most Mexican tourist centers, we advice you to use Mexican Pesos during your visit.
€1 = 18.29 Mexican Pesos
UK £1 =21.32 Mexican Pesos
US $1 = 12.92 mexican Pesos
Travelers Cheques
The local American Express representative is at a travel agency calle Viajes Perla, Calle 5 de Mayo no. 170, La Paz, B.C.S.
Accepted Forms of Payment: US Dollars and US$ travelers checks are used throughout México. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most places.
Fishing
Fishing is best between June and October.
All boats have a fishing permit. Charterers must purchase individual permits at the base. Rod rental/lures are available at the base.
No danger from ciguatera in the Sea of Cortez.
SPEAR GUNS ARE ILLEGAL. HARVESTING LOBSTER OR PURCHASING SMALL OR FEMALE EGG CARRYING LOBSTERS IS ILLEGAL; PENALTIES ARE STIFF.
Snorkeling or Diving
Snorkel equipment is available at the base.
Diving is best between June and October; however, diving is available year round.
Dive Compressors are not allowed on the yachts.
There are several reputable operators in Baja; one in Loreto. The base can help arrange diving if client wishes with our recommended dive company.
Fun Baja Contact Person: Enrique Castillo
E-mail: funbaja@prodigy.com / Website: www.funbaja.com
Water Sports
Kayaks can be added to your charter contract.
Boating License
A boating license is required for all Mexican Nationals issued by the Ministry of Navy. The licensing requirements entail a a sailing course and a medical exam.
This license is issued approximately 2 weeks upon completion of the aforementioned requirements.
Every boat that goes out on charter needs to have a "despacho" (crew list) that is issued by the port Captain and immigration and in order to issue one to a Mexican Citizen. Therefore all Mexican citizens need to have the "Certificate of Competence" or "Libreta de Mar".
Marina Information
Moorings Office/Local Dockage Facilities:
Located in Marina Costa Baja.
Showers facilities, weather information and public telephones are available.
Open every day 7:00 am/ 7:00 pm VHF Channel 16 call sign "Marina CostaBaja".
The marina will relay to the base in case client can not reach us. They also contact Moorings Mexico after regular business hours in case of emergency.
It is necessary to contact the marina if client return after hours when the base is closed. They will assign a slip.
There is no pump out station available in the marina.
In Baja, Dock #1 is reserved for The Moorings’ boats. We have slips spaces numbered 106-110.
Electricity Information
Current in Mexico is 110 volts AC, 60 Hz.
Two-pin plugs are standard.
Visitors from abroad who wish to operate personal small electronic items, should consider bringing a plug adapter and a transformer.110V, 60 Hz
The Moorings pier is equipped with 110V. power outlets. The majority of our yachts are equipped with power lines, battery charger and 110V. plugs.
There is a 12V. cigar lighter outlet by the chart table on the majority of our yachts.
Cruising Area Restrictions
Restricted Zones
Red areas will be outlined in the Briefing. They include:
-the east side of every island
-the mainland south of San Evaristo
-San Lorenzo Channel
-El Baja Reef
-Isla Los Islotes
-Isla Los Animas
-Isla Santa Cruz
-Isla San Diego
-South side of Balandra
NOTE: All Mexican nationals are required to obtain a boating license issued by the Ministry of the Navy prior to being able to charter from our base in Baja. In order to get this license, the client will need to take a course as well as a medical exam. Upon completion of the course and medical exam it takes approximately two weeks for the license to be issued.
Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page for more of the best places to visit on your trip. While you are in Baja take the opportunity to visit these other cultural attractions.
We recommend you consult your chart briefer and cruising guide, but among our favorite places are: Isla Espiritu Santo, Isla Partida, Isla San Francisco, Isla San José, San Evaristo, Puerto Gatos, Agua Verde, Puerto Escondido, Isla del Carmen and Loreto.
Moorings Provisioning
If you don't want to spend your holiday in supermarkets or buying food, Moorings offers a fantastic range of Food and Drinks packages which can be pre-ordered and will be on your boat when you arrive.
Supermarkets
There is a small mini-market located near the base (no fresh produce). For full self-provisioning, the nearest store is in the town.
Travel Insurance
Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can be very costly.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services, and U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. U.S. European clients may experience the same situation and should check with their provider before departing.
Moorings offers 'Charter Care' which is a comprehensive travel insurance scheme for your complete peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, please make sure that it covers all of the destinations and activities of your Moorings vacation.
Vaccination and Immunization Information
Mexico is generally risk-free of contagious disease.
At time of publication, an International Vaccination Certificate is not mandatory.
Clients wanting more information on vaccinations and immunizations should contact:
The Centers for Disease Control's International Travelers' Hotline in the USA at 404-332-4559.
Detailed traveler's advice on traveling abroad can also be found at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm. This website is in English.
For Americans, useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.
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