Is there any interest out there in a harbor capable of mooring and servicing large yachts in Mazatlán? A group of us are investigating development of such a facility and are looking for feedback.
I used to spend the darkest months of Canada’s winters living like a loco in Old Mazatlan. I believe that it has the largest fishing fleet/port on the Pacific coast. Shrimp fleet if I remember correctly. I somehow suspect that the fishing industry is on a decline now, due to lack of quotas and habitat restoration/protection. I would think that the infrastructure is well imbedded and could be up and running with upgrades/modification in a short time period. As you probably/should know, going into business in Mexico is not like north of the border. You may want to spend LOTS of time doing research, as you will probably need a national partner and a strong local team to deal with the hidden costs and charges which have a habit of appearing from anyone with a title. Doing any business venture in Mexico without a Mexican partner that you absolutely trust is a recipe for disaster. On the happy side, the Mexican Riviera is fabulous; I made a point of living in most Pacific Resorts for an extended time. The best cruising area is probably Cabo San Lucas for it’s incredible diversity in marine life; the local waters act as a nursery for whales and other species. The calm and exquisite Sea of Cortez is picture postcard material for diving etc. Good luck in your venture.
Thanks for the reply! We're very well connected with local, state and federal authorities as well as prospective quality Mexican and international investors. Right now we're trying to determine if the market is right for a marina which will accomodate large vessels (25-30m and up?) as well as smaller yachts. The harbor on the north end of town won't handle much beyond 50' and not too many of those. There are many slips for small sportfishing vessels and almost all of them are full. We hope to develop both permanent and transit moorage right in the heart of the city. Very exciting!
I would think that if you give people an "option" over the canal route to the Med they would take it. The Pacific Riviera, Sea of Cortez area is not as known as it should be, would make a great charter destination for the Pacific fleets once your up and running.
Mazatlan My feeling is yes there is. I have cruised the Mexican Pacific and Cortez region extensively on large (55 & 75 M) yachts. The area is incredibly beautiful and fantastic for cruising. The real problem we found is that distances between marinas and ports can be quite large – Unlike the Med or Caribbean where you can be in a different country more or less overnight. The Mexican government has been addressing this problem with the Escalera Nautica (Nautical Stairway) Project (http://www.escaleranautica.com) of which Mazatlan is part of. A new large marina was completed across the sea in La Paz a few years ago which has become a popular spot for large yachts in the winter and is already undergoing major expansion. As a resident of this area all I ask please do your best to minimize the environmental impact of any development of this extraordinary region.
I think the nautical stairway project is in permanent limbo. One marina was attempted in Baja as part of the project only to be abandoned. Being a CA boater, the challenge for enjoying the Sea of Cortez and mainland is first having sufficient fuel stops along Baja.
We have a new maintenance dock with a medium size travel lift and some refitting sheds here in the Marina Mazatlán complex on the north end of town. The new facility bears the logo of the Escalera Nautica, so it's not completely moribund. The problems with the intermediate steps of the ladder, between La Paz or Mazatlán and San Carlos/Rocky Point to the north, have mostly to do with funding and access. FONECOT, the federal tourism agency, maintains they're still committed to the project and have funding in place to achieve their goals. However, I'm not too sure their projections for the amount of usage will bear out. That said, what we're proposing, without being too specific, is a large yacht marina located within walking distance of our historic center and all it's attractions. Outmywindow's recollection of Old Mazatlán might be challenged today by all the renovation of historic properties and new businesses popping up everywhere. There is a true renaissance happening here. Added to that are all the new condo towers going up in the north end of town. "CNN en español" reported Mazatlán to be the hottest real estate market in Latin America due to the retiring boomers and it's easy access to the border.
