This is the best marina on the west coast of Puerto Rico. Marina Pescaderia may not look like much, but it gets high marks from us. Find Out Why! This article and video cover the following details about Marina Pescaderia:
- Dockage
- Services
- Amenities
- Exploring and Provisioning
Marina Pescaderia sunset at docks
On the west coast of Puerto Rico, one marina stands above the rest. Marina Pescaderia isn’t a flashy resort style marina with luxury amenities, but rather a simple service based marina located in the small fishing village of Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo.
Besides being the only full-service marina on the west coast of Puerto Rico, they are very accommodating to all cruisers, whether they are staying at the marina, or just dropping the hook for a few days. Marina Pescaderia’s owner, Jose Mendez has appeared to make customer service his number one priority, and it shows!
Dockage
Marina Pescaderia drone looking out
Marina Pescederia is equipped with a modern reinforced concrete dock system, which proved it was strong enough to withstand Hurricane Marina, which ran directly over Puerto Rico in 2017.
Once inside the protected bay of Puerto Real, the marina is wide open which makes for an easy approach.
Once you’re in the bay, you can hail the marina on VHF channel 16 for a slip assignment, and someone will surely be available to catch your lines.
Transient rates are very reasonable at $1.00/ft, and there are dock boxes and metered electrical hookups dedicated to each slip. Each slip also has a hose hookup with safe potable water for your holding tanks.
Clean Bathrooms and hot showers are available, and the Marina also has a quality wifi signal, and we did not have any issues connecting from the boat.
- 97 Slip Marina
- Reinforced concrete docks
- Potable water each slip
- Electrical connections 30/50/100 AMP: Metered at $0.45/kW
- Sanitary Pump Out Station
- Free quality Wifi
- Bathrooms and Showers
Services
Marina Pescaderia owner Jose Mendez
Once you get settled in your slip, head up front to check in. Jose will hand you a packet of information he has prepared with a thorough list of local service vendors, restaurant recommendations, and even an overview of every anchorage you’ll hit along your travels east. He’s gone as far as listing out the best restaurants at each anchorage. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get one of his mother’s fresh baked cookies. Something tells me Jose is a bit of a foodie.
CBP Roam
As part of the new CBP ROAM program, Marina Pescaderia is an official US Port of Entry to the island of Puerto Rico. Now you do not need to go to Mayaguez office, by sea or land, to fulfill your United States entry requirements. You can arrive at the marina and do everything from the marina office. Non-US citizens may still need to visit Mayaguez however.
Marina Pescaderia CBP Roam website
Before you arrive, get your Amazon order in. Jose allows you to ship your packages to the marina before you arrive. Just give Jose a call to give him a heads up.
The closest West Marine is across the island in San Juan, but the Timon General Store, next to the Marina office, is a certified West Marine distributor. In Puerto Rico, be prepared to pay an extra 10-20% beyond regular West Marina prices, and an additional delivery cost to get it to the marina.
If you need anything, just ask Jose. He can seriously help you with pretty much anything. After spending two days in San Juan hunting down materials for a project, I called Jose. He was able to find in 10 minutes what I struggled to do over two days, even though I was no longer staying at the marina.
Jose has also been know to accommodate boats that aren’t even staying at the marina. If you’re just dropping the hook, you can still top of your water tanks for a small charge, arrange a rental car, and get Jose’s assistance with any repair or questions you have.
Marina Pescaderia dock gate
- Fuel Dock (Diesel and Gas)
- Rental Car on-site
- 24-hour security
- Concierge Service
- Customs and Immigration on-site
- West Marine Certified Dealer
- Many Service Professionals Available:
- Engine Mechanics
- Rigging
- Sail Repair
- Upholstery and Canvas work
- Fiberglass
- Marine Electronics
- Plumbing and Electrical
- Aluminum and Stainless Welding
- Air Conditioning/refrigeration technicians
Amenities
Marina Pescaderia – girls at the bar at La Bodeguita
For the average cruiser, a stop at Marina Pescaderia will be more of a working stay while you perform some maintenance, get some professional help, and go on a provisioning run. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun. In addition to an on-site dive shop, Bait and Tackle shop, and a general store, the marina has virtually two on-site bars and restaurants. Three if you count the “West Coast Sailing” patio area where you can sip on a beer and snack on an empanada from the convenience store/cafe.
La Sirena is a seafood restaurant run by chef Pierre-Philippe Saussy and offers fresh local seafood.
La Bugeita is a fun and lively bar just outside the marina gates. They serve good food, cold beer, and encourage you to bring your dog. Arthur was pleased to make an appearance!
Marina Pescaderia and La Budeguita are pet friendly
- Restrooms and Showers
- Laundry (One washer/One Dryer)
- On-Site convenience store and cafe.
- La Sirena Restaurant onsite
- Pescaderia Rosas onsite
- Tackle and Bait Shop
- Dive Shop
- Pets are welcome
- Dog-Friendly bar/grill next door
Exploring and Provisioning
Marina Pescaderia drone view from east
If you’re arriving from the Dominican Republic, suddenly having access to all of the American stores in the area is like heaven. Pueblo and Econo are the go-to supermarkets. Puerto Rico also has warehouse shopping at Sams’s Club and Costco, which we find to be a great way to stock the boat, though it’s more accessible from the east side of the island (Salinas or Fajardo).
You probably want to rent a car for at least a day or two. Spend one day exploring the island, spend’s another day shopping. Make a trip to the Mayagüez Mall, Walmart, Kmart, Home Depot, and even catch a movie at Caribe Cinemas. On-site rental cars are only $35/day.
Walking:
- Very Goof Bakery nearby
- Marine Supply Store
- Small Market
- Some restaurants
By Car:
- Mayagüez Mall
- Big Box Stores: Walmart, Kmart, Home Depot
- Pharmacies, Banks, Supermarkets
- Cabo Rojo Lighthouse
By Boat:
- Boqueron
- La Parguera
- Combate Beach
- Mona Island
Conclusion
Marina Pescaderia dock view
Whether you just crossed the Mona passage, or you’re about to, you won’t find a more convenient place to stop. Either way, you will most likely need to provision and do some boat work. This marina is clean, organized, and secure. The amenities and services offered are excellent, but the level of customer service provided by Jose Mendez and his team are the best we have ever seen. And even if you’re just dropping the hook, stop by and tell them Satori sent you!
Marina Website: marinapescaderia.com
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