The Small Ports in Mexico

If you're shipping via a water vessel to Mexico, you will need to be able to employ an extensive amount of port knowledge and expertise. Mexico is now home to a variety of ports that operate in the country that vary in size, type and location. The size of a boat often has a direct relationship to the size of the port it will dock in. Any time you are shipping or sailing to Mexico via a small vessel, you will want to find small ports near the final destination. 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 port is a seaport located in Acapulco which features excellent shelter and the capability to handle any vessel up to 500 feet. 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 capable of lifting 24 tons.

2. Port of Alvarado - A harbor port with low water depth and no lifts, you can find tugboats and pilotage here. Located in Acapulco Mexico, Alvarado port has very good shelter and efficient for holding ground and 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 has no lifts or tugs, but there are pilots available. Ships to 500 feet are welcome.

4. Port of Isla San Marcos - Located in Isla San Marcos, Mexico, this very small pier-type port has very shallow water and is not good for turning points and holding grounds. 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. While medical facilities are available at the Port of La Paz, you will find no repair facilities, lifts, cranes, or tugs.

6. Port of Morro Redondo - This port is very similar to the port of Cozumel. This port features a 76 foot achorage level as well as medical facilities. Unfortunately, the port features poor shelter and there is no radio or phone available.

7. Port of Nanchital - You will find limited ship repairs at this port, though you will find no medical facilities. The port is located in Nanchital, Mexico. This port serves vessels up to 500 meters in length and has supplies, cranes, lifts, tugs and pilots available. All types of quarantine are also available.

8. Port of Pajaritos - A ship may use the seaport to turn around, though it's not a great place to hold ground. Water depth and anchorage is 46 - 50 feet and 76 feet respectively. There are no cranes or lifts for freight, though you can find limited repairs, tugs and pilots. Medical facilities, supplies and diesel oil can also be found at this port.

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.