San Diego & Mexico border question

[rfrye1]

I am getting mixed answers from some. maybe you can help. In the past we used to sail down to the Los Coronados and anchor for the nite for a nice overnite trip. Of course we ALWAYS checked back into customs in SD on the return.

But if I sail into Mexican waters, dont stop, then back to SD do I still need to stop at customs?? Its such a pretty day trip to sail around those islands and back up to SD, but the customs stop is a pain. I always end up sailing north wanting to avoid customs these days and a change would be nice.

Thanks. Bob

 

[sailaway78]

Sticker

Do you have a sticker from ICE. Usually with a sticker, you can clear in on the radio.

 

[CaptDon01]

We made the trip out of Mission Bay, down and around all the Los Coronados Islands one LONG day last year. Covered 82 miles by the time we stopped for the night at the city docks on Shelter Island. My understanding is that as long as you don't go ashore,(which you can't do there), you don't have to check-in with Customs. But, I would not like to spend the night there anchored by myself. Also, the border folks kept a close eye on us coming and going. The helo's would hover over us several times, and it seemed like they ran back and forth all the time along the border. I would like to anchor off San Clemente Island before I would go back down to the Coronados Islands. I just don't trust the Mexican Navy to look out for my safety down there.

Don

 

[zeehag]

i have spent the night anchored there---but that was a long time ago--before 9-11 and ...... but if you stop at los coronados you should go to customs.. many folks sail into and out of mexican waters daily, including usnavy. uscustoms, now part of homeland security, would have an awful lot of boats waiting to clear.

 

[Lee Coller]

See here: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/pleasure_boats/boats/pleasure_boat_overview.xml

Any small pleasure vessel leaving a United States port into international or foreign waters, without a call at a foreign port, does not satisfy the foreign departure requirement. Therefore, certain fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel that leaves from a United States port and returns without calling a foreign port or place, has not departed the United States.

 

[Chris Patterson]

"Any small pleasure vessel leaving a United States port into international or foreign waters, without a call at a foreign port, does not satisfy the foreign departure requirement. Therefore, certain fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel that leaves from a United States port and returns without calling a foreign port or place, has not departed the United States".

Looks like that answers the question in a nutshell.

 

[Rick D]

Check With The CG Directly in SD

"Any small pleasure vessel leaving a United States port into international or foreign waters, without a call at a foreign port, does not satisfy the foreign departure requirement. Therefore, certain fishing vessels, cruises to nowhere, or any vessel that leaves from a United States port and returns without calling a foreign port or place, has not departed the United States".

Looks like that answers the question in a nutshell.

That certainly should answer the question. However, my recollection is that there was quite a stink a few years ago when HS announced that any vessels entering into Mexican waters had to check in when they returned. I don't know the current situation; I would think and hope it is changed since it's unworkable and ties up needed resources. I would contact HS directly to get their take. Although I go into Mexico yearly, it is via a regatta and the process is different for returning.

 

[fox islander]

...I've heard nothing but good things about the Méxican navy and the service they provide.

 

[rfrye1]

Thanks for the info Lee. I have printed those Regs and filed them onboard. Yes Rick is correct. There was a big stink. Rumors of $5000 fines were rampant. I havent anchored off the Coronados for 5-6 years, since things got sketchy in Mexico with the Cartel problems. Too bad, it was a nice 3-4 hr sail from SD. I guess I'd consider it if 2-3 boats went down together. It's nice to anchor on the East side of the main island and watch all the birds.

 

[zeehag]

look out for the tuna pens--i dont know where they are--but they do exist....sur and norte , be careful, have fun! is pretty there. we used to watch the goats, and do some fishing.