I asked GPT4

Hello, I’m happy to help you with your questions about boating from Mississippi to Mexico and back. 😊

First of all, you need a valid passport or passport card to enter Mexico by boat. According to the U.S. Department of State1, your passport must be valid at the time of entry and have at least one blank page for a stamp. You may also need a tourist visa if you plan to stay in Mexico for more than 180 days1.

Second, you need to plan your route carefully and make sure you have enough fuel, water, food, and safety equipment for your trip. You can’t just jump in your boat and go, because there are many factors to consider, such as weather, currents, tides, navigation, traffic, and regulations. You also need to check the entry and exit requirements for each port of call along the way2.

One possible route is to follow the Great Loop, which is a circular boating path that goes down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico, then eastward around Florida up to the New York area, then westward through either Canada or the northern part of the United States until you return to the Lake Michigan area3. This route covers over 6,000 miles of scenic cruising and can take several months or even years to complete4. You can find more information about the Great Loop on this website3.

Another possible route is to go through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Illinois River until you reach the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis, MO5. Then you can continue southward on the Mississippi River until you reach the Gulf of Mexico. From there, you can cruise eastward on the Gulf’s Intracoastal Waterway until you reach Florida, then southward along the Florida coast until you reach Mexico6. This route is shorter than the Great Loop, but still requires careful planning and preparation.

Third, you need to alert the authorities about your trip and follow their instructions. You need to register your boat with the U.S. Coast Guard and obtain a Certificate of Documentation or a state registration number2. You also need to report your arrival and departure to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Mexican National Migration Institute (INM) at each port of entry12. You may be subject to inspection by either agency at any time during your trip12. You can find more information about reporting procedures on this website2.

Fourth, you need to find a marina in Mexico that can accommodate your boat and provide you with the services you need. You can use online resources such as this website or this website to search for marinas in Mexico by location, size, amenities, and ratings. You can also ask other boaters or local authorities for recommendations. You should contact the marina in advance and make a reservation if possible.

Fifth, you need to respect the laws and customs of both countries and avoid any trouble or conflict. You should not carry any illegal substances, weapons, or contraband on your boat12. You should also not fish or hunt without a proper license or permit12. You should be aware of the environmental and cultural issues that affect both countries and act responsibly12. You should also learn some basic Spanish phrases and etiquette to communicate with the locals7.

I hope this information helps you and your partner settle your discussion and plan your trip. Boating from Mississippi to Mexico and back can be a great adventure if you do it right. Have fun and stay safe! 😊