El nuevo marina en Cozumel

Andromeda's Christmas/2016 New Year's cruise to the new marina in Cozumel:
I have sailed to Cozumel several times prior. The lack of any marina (the old Caleta marina was always full, strictly limited to the working boats) or even a protected anchorage severely limited one's enjoyment. The only anchorage, next to the cruise ship docks was sketchy and exposed to all but the east winds.
Andromeda's first visit to the new 360 slip Cozumel Marina: Long awaited, just opened, the new marina opens Cozumel to the cruising sailor. Its 360 slips are divided in their management between the local working boats, 130 slips; and the cruisers, 130 slips. Almost all of the old Caleta marina working boats have been moved to the working boat half of the new marina.
It is carved out of rock, has reef growth already on the bottom, and gin clear water. Great finish. Solid fixed concrete structure, plastic fender boards, composite floor planking, great landscape and flatwork. 9' entry depth. I poled 8'2" depth at the slip. On my visit the onland facilities were still not finished and operable. There is a nice structure, nearly finished, and said to be 2 weeks away from completion, but who knows? The head was a trailer. The office was a trailer.
The cruiser side is run by the Mexican government's Fonatur. Typical government operation. The only working email appears to be the individual address of Landy Perez, the on-site manager who I interfaced with: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The charge was $1.00 US/per foot/per day plus electricity separately metered. The unbelievable downside is that each double slip has but 1, 30 amp outlet.
Click link for video: www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0aGWZuqDGKi...AE-9AC0-E9F0D8CB922B
I am thrilled to have this new infrastructure enhancement. Andromeda will be based in this new marina for much of 2016!

George: Thanks for this report. We are currently on the Rio Dulce and will be heading North to Isla Mujeres for a few months. I have spent a unhappy time there before because of the swell. On another topic I noticed your arch/davit which I need to have made. Do you have any plans/dimensions? Thanks, Charlie McDowell
S/V Island Sol IP 40

Andromeda's arch is a Wells Marine. Wells should have it on file, I don't, but Andromeda is an IP44 anyway. It is my second Wells arch, I had real satisfaction with both, dealing with Howard, who was great, but died 2008 and the company is run by his daughter and her husband, about whom I have heard less than glowing praise. I tried to get them to build me a bimini extension, but gave up after sustained non-response. May I refer you to my comprehensive photo post in IP photos, now on this site, under IP 44 davits and arches, click here: www.ipyoa.com/photos/view-all-photos?view=categories&catid=394

Hayden,
Well, its just a short sail south from the HCC to Isla Mujeres. Here are my key considerations:
1.It's Mexico. I love the country and its people are by far the best in the Caribbean. I love the Mexicans, their language, and culture. I have been here since 2004.
2. It's Mexico; and food, drink, health care, and labor are cheap. Andromeda stays spotless, waxed, and varnished for $200/mo. This year the exchange rate has been $17.25 pesos per dollar.
3. Cancun is a great airport, with the cheapest, most plentiful flights to all parts of the US.
Southwest airlines just started service and it is a tremendous addition. Cozumel also has many flights.
4. Importing your boat is easy and cheap (say $150 US), and good for 10 years. Once documented in Mexico there are so many cruising destinations that are other Mexican Caribbean ports: Isla Mujeres, Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventura, to which you can sail without any additional paperwork cha cha.
5. Cell service and internet are better and cheaper than the Eastern Caribbean. XM/Sirius radio reception everywhere.
6. The Laguna Makax in Isla is the premier hurricane hole in the area. Andromeda has comfortably weathered many hurricane seasons, including Wilma. YMMV.
7. Great big box shopping: Sam's Club, Walmart, Chedraui, Mega. Even on Isla Mujeres I can get unsweetened vanilla almond milk and non-alcoholic beer at the local Chedraui. Mega, on Cozumel has everything you could imagine.
8. Check out these marinas on the web:
Isla: Paraiso, El Milagro, Puerto Isla Mujeres Marina, Marina Makax, Marina del Sol
Cancun: La Amada
Cozumel: see post below
Puerto Morelos: El Cid
Puerto Aventura
Come on down, the weathers fine, much better, warmer, winter weather than the Bahamas!

Andromeda returns, November 2017. Dock electricity now has 2, 30 amp plugs per slip. Marina head and shower facilities complete. Short rate with electricity $58/day. Lots of slips available. Stopped at Puerto Morelos on the way down. Anchored close to the lighthouse this time instead of checking in to El CID.