Fito Espinosa, harbormaster at Marina Coral in Ensenada, sent us this update from Neil Shroyer of Marina de La Paz, president of the Mexico Marina Association, on the current situation in Mexican marinas:

“Yesterday, Sunday the 29th, Mexico’s Maritime authority issued Directive #13 to all Port Captains in Mexico, informing them that they may not authorize the clearance or departure of passenger vessels for hire (Mexican- and foreign-flagged) that operate with Nautical Tourism permits (charter, tours, diving, sport fishing, whale watching, sunset cruises, etc.).

“Ports in Mexico are not closed to navigation to any other than the above. Navigation with private vessels IS PERMITTED, however, due to the COVID-19 worldwide outbreak, México is asking its population to stay indoors, limit non-essential travel and movement, wash hands with soap and water frequently, and keep a safe distance from other people. Considering the above, the Marina Association of Mexico is recommending recreational vessel use be stopped and to only undertake navigation if it is for purposes of relocation, isolation, transportation, etc.

“At this time, all marinas are operational, some with reduced office hours and services. We expect marinas in Mexico to be able to continue operating in this manner throughout this health contingency. We hope that with the cooperation of everyone, México will soon be able to return to the normal operation of its tourism industry.”

You can keep up with cruising news on our Heading South page. Or, if you have news to share about your current Mexico cruising situation, comment below or email us here.