Feature: Marinas & Channels - Mexico

Marinas & Channels: Mexico​

by Capt. David Reams​

*Disclaimer – the following list is not a complete guide. It contains marinas and ports visited by the author. Comments are subjective and are based on experience only. If a marina or port is omitted, it is only because the author has not visited the same.

Isla Mujeres: This is only place in Mexico on the Atlantic where we have stopped. The island is 338 miles SSW of Key West. Nice island and a short ferry ride from Cancun where there is everything you could need (Sam’s Club, Walmart, Costco, Office Depot, K-Mart, Gigante etc.). The airport is about 20 miles south of Cancun; it offers lots of flights from the US and a nice private jet terminal.

Puerto Isla Mujeres: (011-52-987-704-13 x 3000) This is a beautiful marina with hotel rooms, swimming pool, swim up bar, nice restaurant, iguanas, etc., one of our favorite places. Lots of slips, and a very helpful staff. This marina is not cheap, but very nice.

At 21 16.3N, 86 45.5W you will be about ½ mile north of Roca Yunque off the north end of the island. There are markers (few and far between) down along the west side of the island to the entrance of the channel. Once inside there are markers and lots of slips and moorings including a Navy Base. Continue on past the Naval area to the narrow channel in the mangroves. At the end of this channel is the marina. As you reach the end of the mangroves, stay on the port side of the channel, closest to the marina, as there is a coral reef at the end of the channel on the starboard side. The marina has good power and docks but the tap water is so mineral laden it will destroy your icemakers. Use your water maker or a water softener system at the dock.