Tampico, Mexico

seafrontiersman · #1 (**permalink**) 03-13-2011

I'm sailing tomorrow from Galveston to Tampico Mexico and none of us have ever been there; I need a little information....

1. Is there anything about the harbor itself that I need to know about other than what's in the sailing guide and on the charts? What about presents (bribes) for port officials? Normally American blue jeans and cigarettes were good choices as well as greenbacks but its been a few years since I've used a Mexican port.

2. Where are the good bars and restaurants, does anyone have any good ones to reccomend?

3. Where should one NOT go. I know that Mexico has violence issues so don't bother sending "I wouldn't set foot in Mexico....." because the men wouldn't have it!

Fair winds and following seas to all!

Mike

seafrontiersman · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

Well I just got back from Tampico so I guess I'll make the report myself! Although Tampico is a modern and efficient cargo port, I saw no facilities for sailing vessels and any anchorage in the river which bisects the city will be on poor ground and vulnerable to thievery.

Having said that, I found the people to be warm, friendly, and helpful as is typical in Mexico. The area immediately adjacent to the city docks is a pretty rough (as is usual) but the city in general is much cleaner than, say, Naples or Marsellies and there are a number of fine restaurants and good hotels around the city square near a huge and lovely cathedral.

Things are more expensive in Tampico than in most of Mexico but it might be worth a day trip if one were using Veracruz. Just my .02

xxuxx · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

Although the people are nice, the place is a pit with no real facilities for private little sailboats. Why not go on to Tuxpan, a lovely place with great people then on to Veracruz, also a nice place with better facilities. Who told you to go to Tampico??? My least favorite place to go in Mexico. YUK.

seafrontiersman · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

VGC Veritas, the people who had the ship I drive for a living loaded with survey equipment and told me to take her there.

It isin't a good place for sailing vessels and I just wanted to let my fellow sailors in on the fact.

Isla Del Carmen is MUCH worse by the way!

seafrontiersman · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2011

VGC Veritas, the people who had the ship I drive for a living loaded with survey equipment and told me to take her there.

It isin't a good place for sailing vessels and I just wanted to let my fellow sailors in on the fact.

Isla Del Carmen is MUCH worse by the way!