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Consistently Inconsistent

As much as we love Mexico, we have to say enforcement of its immigration policies often tends to be inconsistent from port to port — and sometimes from month to month.

A case in point is the situation at Cedros Island, which lies a short way off the Baja coast, 300 miles south of the border. It’s known to be a bona fide port of entry, but is rarely accessed as such by cruising sailors. We cleared out there ourselves not long ago and had a very pleasant experience. But recent reports from several cruisers indicate that it’s best to pick another port of entry such as Ensenada or Cabo San Lucas. In fact one cruiser claims to have actually been fined later for attempting to clear in there, as the Cedros office is apparently unauthorized to issue visas.

The way we understand the law, all foreign vessels must clear in at the first port of entry at which they stop, meaning that you do not necessarily need to clear at Ensenada, just because you are sailing past it. Interestingly, though, we’re told that several bad apples have been removed from Ensenada’s immigration staff, possibly due to complaints of foul play by cruisers and fishermen. If this info is correct, clearing there now should be a more straight-forward experience than previously, which would be good news for everyone — especially the Ensenada business community, which is eager to polish the port’s image and attract an increase in boating traffic.

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The Boston-based Pacific Seacraft 40 Shango rides Cyril’s fury in Neiafu Harbor. © 2012 Gary Kegel Although this news is several weeks old due to interrupted Internet access at the scene, we thought this report and dramatic photos warranted sharing.
"When ah fires my gun, all o’ yo’ kin start a-runnin!" exclaimed Hekzebiah Hawkins in Al Capp’s Li’l Abner comic strip.