Navigating from California down Baja, Mexico by Boat — What You Need to Know?

Are you planning on taking a boat trip to Baja California? If yes, you should find this brief guide helpful in understanding and navigating the process of entering Mexico by sea — everything from immigration requirements to Mexican insurance that you will need.

Immigration Requirements

Before entering Mexico, visit the Banjercito website, fill out an application for entry into the country, and pay any applicable fees. Follow the on-screen prompts and save the electronic receipt — you will need it when you send an email to the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM) with the vessel and passenger information included. Also, print out a copy for yourself to keep onboard the boat.

When you arrive at your first Mexican port of entry, you will be required to check-in with the local immigration office and show your passport. You will also be required to fill out an entry permit — now known as a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) — and pay the applicable immigration service fees.

Vessel Documentation

Every boat entering Mexico must carry the original, current Vessel Documentation or Registration, which serves as proof of ownership. This means that boats with federal documentation will be required to present a United States Coast Guard (USCG) Certificate of Documentation, while boats without federal documentation will be required to present a valid State Registration.

Temporary Import Permit (TIP)

A Temporary Import Permit (TIP) is required for all boats in Mexican waters. TIPs are valid for ten years from the date of issue, and they can be used multiple times throughout that period. If you do not have an original TIP on board, marinas will probably turn you away — not to mention that Mexican officials can seize your boat and levy steep financial penalties against you.

TIP applications can be submitted online from 7 to 60 days before your departure date. You can also apply at any of the Banjercito CIITEV offices in Ensenada or get your TIP at any Mexican Consulates in the United States.

Mexico Fishing License

Every time you enter Mexican waters, you must get a fishing license. This is true even if you are not fishing, as long as you have fishing gear on board.

Although licenses are easy to obtain, you should make every effort to get one before your visit. You can get your licenses at the Mexico Department of Fisheries' CONAPESCA (Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca) office in San Diego. However, most get their licenses from their local fishing and gear shop.

Whale Watching

So, are you thinking about taking a trip to Baja to witness the whale migrations? As a result of tight federal regulations, you can only go whale watching in Baja's three calving lagoons (San Ignacio Lagoon, Magdalena Bay, and Laguna Ojo de Liebre, also known as "Scammon's Lagoon") with an authorized service provider licensed by the Secretaría de Turismo (SECTUR).

Mexican Liability Boat & Yacht Insurance

The Mexican government requires that all boats sailing in Mexican waters produce proof of valid Mexican Watercraft Liability Insurance. Mexican Liability Boat Insurance offers financial protection if your boat is held liable for damages caused to other vessels, docks, marinas, or people.

Get Your Mexican Boat Liability Insurance Quote Today!

If you plan to navigate Mexican waters from California, West Coast Global Insurance Services has made it easy to protect yourself from the unexpected. Please fill out this form to get a quote for the most reliable watercraft coverage throughout Mexico.