Southern Pacific Coast

Last updated: 24 March 2026

Overview

Cruising routes along Mexico’s Pacific coast connect North American departure points with the Sea of Cortez, the wider Pacific, Central America, the Panama Canal, and the Caribbean. Southbound boats work their way from Baja and the Sea of Cortez, then either continue along the coast of Central America or turn west across the Pacific.

Midway along this coast, a key services hub lies at Bahía de Banderas, with multiple marinas, haul‑out and repair options, and full provisioning on hand in La Cruz and Puerto Vallarta.

Attractions

The Playa del Amor, or Hidden Beach, is a tiny pocket of sand enclosed by a near‑circular rock crater, forming a sheltered “hidden” cove that opens to the sea through a low tunnel. It sits at the entrance to Bahía de Banderas within the protected waters of Islas Marietas National Park, a small offshore island group at the bay’s mouth.

La Quebrada in Acapulco is famous for its cliff divers, who leap from around 35 meters into a narrow ocean inlet. The tradition began in the 1930s as informal challenges among local swimmers and evolved into an organized tourist spectacle, now performed daily by professional divers from multi‑generation local families.

Notes for mariners

National parks and other protected areas along Mexico’s Pacific coast may have no‑anchoring zones, access controls, or permit requirements; skippers should confirm current rules and any conservation fees with CONANP (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas) before entering.

Hurricane season on this coast runs from mid‑May to late November. Most boats head south from Baja and the Sea of Cortez between October and March, then move north again between March and May, before the start of summer.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

Playa Mazunte ★ 5.0
The anchorage offers good protection and holding conditions, accommodating about three boats comfortably. Visitors appreciate the vibrant town atmosphere, with various dining options and local culture. Swells can be significant, particularly with southeast winds.
Tenacatita Bay ★ 4.8
Calm waters and a scenic beach enhance the appeal of this anchorage. Many visitors appreciate the vibrant cruising community and activities, although crowding can occur in busier seasons. Access to local shopping and recreational opportunities further enriches the experience.
Isla Isabela ★ 4.7
The anchorage features stunning wildlife and beautiful waters, ideal for birdwatchers and snorkelers. Conditions can be rolly, with varying depths for anchoring. Some visitors suggest careful positioning to avoid complications with their anchors.
Bahia de Organo ★ 4.7
The anchorage provides good holding and protection from swells and wind. Multiple reviews indicate that using a stern anchor improves comfort, especially during night winds. Access to taxis is convenient via a walking trail.
The lagoon offers a calm anchorage experience with easy access to nearby amenities. Depth at the entrance varies significantly, and care is required to avoid shallow areas and sandbars. Multiple visitors appreciated the French bakery that delivers baked goods to boats.
Las Hadas ★ 4.6
Anchorage has a calm environment with good holding and welcoming services. Several restaurants offer dining options nearby. Access to town is straightforward via dinghy, taxi, or bus, enhancing the overall experience.
Calm waters and good holding are noted, though a stern anchor is often necessary due to some swell. The anchorage offers excellent snorkeling and is serene after day visitors depart. It's advisable to check for tourist boat patterns in the afternoons.
Papanoa ★ 4.5
The anchorage is well-protected and offers a calm environment for staying overnight. Visitors appreciated the various activities nearby, including a water park, but some mentioned the anchorage bottom being rocky. There are also numerous dining options accessible by dinghy.
Playa Jicaral ★ 4.4
The anchorage is generally calm with good holding on a sand bottom. Snorkeling opportunities are plentiful, especially near the protected swim area. Traffic from local boats may present some navigation challenges during busy periods.
Zihuatanejo ★ 4.3
The anchorage presents challenges with murky water that can lead to significant growth on hulls, as mentioned in multiple reviews. Visitors appreciate the easy beach landing and the town's vibrant atmosphere, but note issues with boat traffic and swell. Good holding is reported on sandy bottom.

Marinas

Marina El Cid ★ 4.8
The marina features a friendly sailing community and well-maintained facilities including pools, hot tubs, and restaurants. Access to resort amenities enhances the stay, though some reported depth challenges and noise during peak times. Visitors should assess docking conditions closely.
Ixtapa Marina ★ 4.4
Entry conditions at mid tide are satisfactory for boats with shallow drafts. The marina provides easy access to public transport options for reaching nearby Zihuatanejo. Staff are described as accommodating, speaking English, and being generally helpful.
Docks are in poor condition, with multiple Reviews highlighting safety concerns. While the marina offers good amenities like a hotel pool and nice staff, some visitors found the prices to be high compared to other options in Mexico. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
The marina has friendly staff and a strong cruiser community. Reviews mention activities like movie nights and weekly markets, but concerns include high fees, maintenance issues, and poor water quality. Docks showed signs of deterioration in several accounts.
Access to the marina involves passing through a hotel gate, which may require permission for temporary parking. The marina itself features clean facilities, friendly staff, and is noted for good security. Depth issues at the entrance can occur, especially for deeper drafts.

Moorings

Moorings are available for 400 pesos per night, with good condition noted by multiple visitors. Vincente is responsive and helpful, providing services such as arranging water taxis. Noise from the city and nearby boat traffic has been mentioned.
Mooring conditions can be rolly, especially in calm weather when boats align with the swell. Most moorings are priced at 500 pesos per night, with stern ties available for an additional 300 pesos. Visitors are advised to confirm arrangements in advance.

Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

Services available include sail and outboard maintenance with recommended contacts. The marina has a pool and a dinghy dock for 100 pesos per day. Several Reviews mention the marina is safe and staff are professional.
Services for hauling out boats are available, with visitors reporting comprehensive maintenance and skilled support. Costs for hauling out vary, with specific prices noted. Communication with staff is emphasized, contributing positively to the overall experience.

Chandlers

A solid variety of boat supplies and parts is available. The chandlery offers reasonable pricing compared to both Amazon Mexico and US prices. Be prepared to pay in cash as card reader issues may occur.
Access to boat-specific parts is available at this chandler. It is one of only two locations in Acapulco supplying such parts for boating needs. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
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The chandler offers limited selection. The owner, Ignacio, speaks English and assists with contacting services for boat work. Visitors should check recent Reviews for additional context or updates.
Mexico Marine ★ 4.7
A variety of marine supplies is available, including engine oil sold in bulk and hose connections. The staff is friendly and speaks English. Visitors mention the good selection of parts and the organized layout within the small space.
The chandler has a well-stocked inventory, including hypalon patch glue, West System epoxy, and various marine cleaning products. Inventory limitations may include the absence of plastic plumbing connections. The location requires a cab ride from nearby marinas.

Boat services

SeaTek Mexico ★ 5.0
Expertise in rigging and fiberglass services is highlighted in multiple Reviews. Projects were completed on time and within budget, reflecting professional and responsive staff interactions. Quality of work is considered superior compared to various US options.
Pieter Karsten specializes in marine electronics services. Reviewers highlighted his fair pricing and knowledge of brands like Victron and B&G. He offers options for products including lithium batteries and chart plotters from his inventory.
Luis Boat Services specializes in boat maintenance and offers assistance in locating parts for repairs. Reviews commend his reliability, communication, and additional services like airport transportation. He has a network of specialists to ensure timely repairs.

Yacht clearance links

Useful yacht clearance links:

National Institute of Migration: Countries that require a visa
https://www.inm.gob.mx/gobmx/word/index.php/paises-requieren-visa-para-mexico/
National Institute of Migration: Multiple Migration Form Electronically (FMMe)
https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/generate-fmm/
Mexican Government: Online Temporary Import Permit (TIP) Application
https://www.gob.mx/public/tramites/detalleTramite.xhtml?homoclave=BANJERCITO-2019-115-001-B
Marinas of Mexico Association - AMMTAC: Visiting Mexico by private boat
https://ammtac.com/wp-content/uploads/BoatingGuide.pdf
Noonsite: Verified clearance procedures, processes and fees.
https://www.noonsite.com/place/mexico/

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in Mexico:

Ports of entry offices

Offers: Immigration.
Service at the immigration office is notable for its staff's friendliness. Visitors reported being assisted with payments and obtaining 180 days for cruising. Coordination with the office appears responsive, as they actively facilitate necessary procedures.
Place details mention: fees or payments and visitor visa requirements.
Offers: Domestic movement reporting.
Check-in at this port of entry is efficient, averaging around 15 minutes. The staff is noted for their professionalism and English proficiency, with a helpful approach in handling paperwork. Visitors appreciate the convenience of radio check-out.
Place details mention: opening hours, required documents and temporary import requirements.
Offers: Domestic movement reporting.
Clearing in and out requires personal attendance. The process is reported as fast, friendly, and efficient, contrasting with experiences at other ports. Visitors found staff helpful, making interactions pleasant.
Place details mention: check in steps and opening hours.
Offers: Immigration.
Administrative processes are handled at the Santa Cruz Immigration Office. Visitors should bring all necessary papers and copies. Staff interaction is described as friendly yet formal.
Offers: Port authority.
Check-in and check-out procedures require careful timing, as waiting times can be lengthy. Visitors must prepare all necessary document copies, as no copies are provided on-site. It is advised to check in at least two days ahead for efficiency.
Place details mention: check in steps, required documents, opening hours and departure requirements.
Offers: Port authority, and domestic movement reporting.
Check-in procedures can be lengthy and frustrating, requiring multiple visits. Staff communication primarily occurs in Spanish, which may hinder some visitors. Certain fees apply for anchoring, with overall mixed experiences reported.
Place details mention: opening hours.
Offers: Port authority, and domestic movement reporting.
Checking in at the Acapulco Port Captain office may be challenging for boaters not in a marina. Visitors report being directed to marinas for processing, often leading to delays and additional fees. Staff interactions vary, with some reporting helpfulness while others faced uncooperative responses.
This page was compiled from noforeignland community content and other publicly available sources,
with review notes from: Brett Hunt.
Please send feedback or corrections to [email protected].
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