Route specialty
Mexico Yacht Delivery — Baja, Cabo & the Sea of Cortez
San Diego is the gateway to Mexico, and we run this route constantly — to and from Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Puerto Vallarta and beyond, including the notorious northbound 'Baja Bash.'
Southbound to Mexico is one of the easier deliveries on the coast: the prevailing wind and swell push you down the Baja peninsula. The return is a different animal. The 'Baja Bash' — beating back north up the outside of Baja into wind, current, and short steep seas — is one of the West Coast's most demanding coastal passages, and it's where experience really pays.
Beyond seamanship, a Mexico delivery means paperwork: clearing in and out, the Temporary Import Permit, and fuel and provisioning planning for a coast where the stops are far apart. We handle the run and the logistics, and we time trips around the summer hurricane season.
What this route demands
Why owners hire a licensed captain for it
The Baja Bash
The northbound return up the outside of Baja beats into wind, current, and steep seas. We time it in stages and pick the windows that make it safe and as comfortable as it can be.
Mexican check-in and out
Clearing in and out and the Temporary Import Permit have to be handled correctly. We manage the process so the boat isn't held up at the border.
Fuel and provisioning gaps
Stops down the Baja coast and across to the mainland are far apart. We plan fuel and provisions for the real distances, not the optimistic ones.
Seasonal timing
The eastern Pacific hurricane season shapes when it's smart to move a boat to or from Mexico. We plan deliveries around it.
From our delivery log
137 deliveries on this route — and counting
A sample of Mexico yacht delivery runs from our logged deliveries, across 43 different builders. Explore the full delivery database →
Nordhavn 62′ · 2024
La Paz, Mexico Long Beach, CA
Nordhavn 57′ · 2024
Puerto Escondido, Mexico Dana Point, CA
Offshore 55′ · 2024
La Paz, Mexico San Diego, CA
Azimut 55′ · 2024
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Newport Beach, CA
Viking 68′ · 2024
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Fort Lauderdale, FL
Nordhavn 63′ · 2023
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Dana Point, CA
Nordhavn 63′ · 2023
La Paz, Mexico Panama City, Panama
Nordhavn 60′ · 2023
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Sidney, BC, Canada
See it for yourself
See a Mexico yacht delivery in action
Real footage from our own deliveries on this route, filmed underway.
Nordhavn 71 Mexico to California boat delivery. 800 nautical miles along Baja California
Nordhavn 71, Ensenada to Dana point
Horizon 75 FD, San Diego to Cabo San Lucas Yacht Delivery, DAY 3-5, Fishing and calm ocean for 800nm
Questions about this route
What is the 'Baja Bash'?
It's the northbound delivery from Cabo San Lucas up the outside of the Baja peninsula back toward California — beating into the prevailing northwest wind, current, and short steep seas. It's one of the more demanding coastal passages on the West Coast, which is why owners hire an experienced captain for it.
Do you handle the Mexican clearing-in and Temporary Import Permit?
Yes. We manage the check-in and check-out and the required paperwork as part of the delivery.
When is the best time for a Mexico yacht delivery?
Outside the eastern Pacific hurricane season, and in a suitable weather window for the direction of travel. Request a quote and we'll recommend timing for your boat and route.
Planning a Mexico yacht delivery?
Tell us about your boat and route — quotes are free, with no obligation.