Marmeon - 12-11-2006 at 08:57 AM
Hi. My husband and I are going to Mulege/Loreto area in March for a couple of weeks of kayaking and camping. We have been there a few times before for
the same purpose. This trip, a couple of friends will be flying in to join us. We will be driving down, carrying boats and gear for all four of us. I
know there are pretty strict rules for kayaking outfitters (which we are not). Is there something I should (or could) be doing to protect myself from
the allegation by some energetic official that I am an unlicensed outfitter, since we will have more boats and gear than we could reasonably intend
for our own use.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Don Alley - 12-11-2006 at 09:08 AM
I would think that you might have a potential problem at the border. You will be carrying items additional to your own personal use, so those extra
items (two kayaks and gear) could be subject to a duty? Maybe?
Why don't you ask at the consulate in the US? That might help, and what they tell you may be the same interpretation an official would have in Mexico.
It might be better info than you'll get on a message board. Maybe.
shari - 12-11-2006 at 09:17 AM
Can't you just say you are carrying your relatives boats too as they only have a small car? or something like that...or have a letter from the folks
who flew down...I dont think 4 kdayaks will alarm them...outfitters bring a trailerload down.
Maybe??
djh - 12-11-2006 at 09:31 AM
Maybe take a copy of your friends' flight confirmation, showing itinerary - and maybe a note from them about meeting you for your personal trip...??
I don't know... might help. . .
djh
bajarich - 12-11-2006 at 09:35 AM
I drive down through Baja every January and stay through March. My wife flies down and joins me when she has her 2-week spring vacation, so I haul
her kayak and mountain bike along with mine. I have never had a problem getting across the border, and if anyone asks I just tell them they are for
my wife who will fly into Loreto or Cabo San Lucas. No one has ever questioned that.
shari - 12-11-2006 at 09:41 AM
Can someone bring an extra kayak for me??? We desperately need a double plastic one for kickin around in.
Multiple Kayaks
MrBillM - 12-11-2006 at 10:33 AM
For a number of years, there was a group of Wind Sailing Fanatics who would show up in Percebu carrying multiple boards of different configurations
for each of them. I once asked if they were ever questioned at the border and they said Never, but that might simply be the luck of the draw. I can
see where some official might think you were intending to sell.
[Edited on 12-11-2006 by MrBillM]