See Mexico Clearance page for full details of all formalities for both entering and existing Mexico.
Arrival:
The marina dock staff work 24 hours a day. All clearance formalities are carried out at the marina.
Note: The Port Captain's office only work Monday to Friday in the morning - so a weekend arrival will slow everything down a bit.
The Port Captain, Customs, and Health inspection will come on board to complete formalities (normally arrive in a patrol boat). Immigration is based at the airport which is 10 minutes by car. Marina staff are very helpful and will probably offer you a lift.
Many cruisers have picked up their TIP here with no problems. To get a TIP you must travel to the Mexico Guatemala border, and while this is possible in taxis, buses etc., most cruisers hire care and driver and make a run for provisions and Mexican cash from an ATM as part of the same trip. Previous issues getting a TIP in Chiapas seem to have been resolved.
Note that if you checked out of Mexico in Huatulco you cannot enter Puerto Chiapas for any reason (except emergencies) without having to check back into (and out) of the country. Being low on fuel, tires, engine problems, and similar is not considered an emergency.
Departure:
Note: It's likely our boat will be searched with a dog upon arrival AND departure, so plan ahead for paperwork one day and departure the next day.
Cruisers have reported in the past that the Port Captain wants to see some type of certificate that shows you are "qualified" to be the captain of your boat, in order to leave Mexico. This is not required for checking-in, just departure from Mexico.
The Marina Manager and port officials can be helpful to time a fast clearance as needed to cross the Teheunatec winds at the best time.
Last updated: November 2025
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Our recent stop in Chiapas was a treat. The marina team assited with absolutely everything related to checking into Mexico, getting all required documents and paperwork done. They arranged transport to various official sites to get it all done. One thing to keep in mind is that the port Captains office only work monday to friday in the morning so a weekend arrival will slow everything down a bit. However this gives one time to enjoy the marina pool, amazing restaurant and the abundace of bird life and marine life around the yacht. Overall an amazing experience. Well done, and Thank you very much for all the help.
Note that the marina is staffed 24/7/365, but outside office hours (and sometimes during office hours, if the staff have stepped out) the yard staff only have a handheld VHF radio. They will not hear a hail from a boat until it is well within the harbour.
Marina and travel lift are all fully functional. All tsunami effects repaired save a few non-functioning lights.
Reported by Brock & Jamie:
Marina Chiapas is operational after the earthquake and damage from the surge which followed. The travel lift will be back in service in the next week or so. Docks are still being repaired but most are functional. Electrical & water service is fine (water is portable and not bad tasting). Marina staff took us through the process of checking in, giving us a ride to Immigration, Aduana, and the Port Captain’ office. This was after the Navy and the narcotics dog inspected the boat at the marina. Very easy process. Tapachula (with Wal-Mart, Home Depot, etc) is only a 25 peso collectivo ride away and makes provisioning straightforward.
I made a mistake with our TIP. We were travelling from the south (Panama, Costa Rica) and I attempted to complete the TIP online. What happens is that the TIP is then sent to your US address. When we went to the Guatemalan border, they were unable to help us and insisted that we acquire that original. So we had DHL ship it down from Washington state. The better option would have been to not do anything in advance and just apply for it once you arrive in Mexico. It’s a 1000 peso ride to CD Hidalgo where the Banjercito office is. I suspect the process would have been easy, had I not tried to get ahead of things. Looking forward to exploring nearby Puerto Madero and Playa Linda.
Update from Rob Murray – 11 September, 2017
Update on marina Chiapas Mexico, damaged by tsunami from the 8.1 magnitude earthquake on September 7, 2017. Docks were lifted clear of piling system and damaged. Repairs underway, and functioning on a best efforts basis now. No boats were damaged by the tsunami or earthquake, either in the water or on the hard.
The most powerful earthquake to hit Mexico in 100 years struck off the nation’s Pacific Coast on 7 September 2017, killing at least 32 people and levelling some areas in the southern part of the country, closer to the quake’s epicentre. Reports from cruisers in Chiapas Marina are that the docks have been badly damaged and the travelift had water to above the engine. Repairs will likely take months.
Marina Chiapas is indeed a lovely marina. I?t is a new facility that is being lovingly taken care of by knowledgeable people. It has hot water showers (solar) with fully functioning nozzles. Excellent laundry service is available by contacting Ronnie. His wife does a great job at a reasonable cost, with next day service. Shopping at Walmart and Chedreau in Tapachula is easy to get to for about $20 pesos per person in a collective. Returning with heavy loads might be better accomplished in a regular taxi for about $150 pesos. Some collectivos have storage space behind the last seat, so this might work well also. Catch the collective van with the dolphin on the side. This is the one that passes by the marina.
Diesel mechanics and electricians are available. Check with Memo or Enrique. They will hook you up with a good one. Marine parts and supplies are virtually nonexistent however If you need something shipped in, talk with Memo. He has a downtown address you can ship to. Fed Ex seems especially slow. DHL might be better.
The marina has a large dry storage capacity, not all stalls have power. The workmanship of the yard guys seems to be very good, and they can handle any ongoing chores that need to be taken care of while the boat is in storage. Storage in the water is also available. The marina fees are very good, especially through the summer months.
Chiapas is a good place to land travel from many great places close.
We think this may be the best marina on the west coast of Mexico with the best marina rates and very friendly and efficient staff.
Marina Chiapas gets a lot of rain but seems to be in a sweet spot because we have never had lightning close to the marina.
Marina Chiapas is a lovely marina, however, they do not have a laundry room, though service is available. They also don’t offer a shuttle into Tapachula. You may easily get a “collectivo” for 16 pesos by walking to the road at the entrance. When returning from Tapachula, if you stand on the main road & flag an orange taxi (servicing Puerto Madero) you can usually get a return ride for 50 pesos. The white taxies will cost you 20 bucks. The marina staff is extremely friendly & helpful. S/V Moondance