12.00 we dropped anchor behind Isla Pedre in Boca Chica.  

Checked our surroundings and the Marina Zarpa The marina staff said it was deep enough for us to go in.

It measured 10’ deep in places.  We tried to go in but the turning circle was very tight and a strong wind blowing so then we tried the fuel dock but hit bottom.  We gave up and went back to anchor.  We went to immigration where we had to have finger prints done on BOTH hands!  not one like the USA.   Then the immigration officer, customs officer and our agent from the marina came out to Aqualuna.  I gave them all a cooling drink.  The customs officer, very young would not take his boots off…… had a quick look around below decks and that was it.  Our agent Victor was lovely and very helpful.  The police and marina kept saying we must not anchor where we were although in the cruising guide it is indicated as an anchorage, the authorities made the marina take away the buoys as well.  We just said we were fine, can’t get into the marina so stayed put, they keep telling us it is dangerous so we locked all our hatches before sleeping. Vitor our agent offered to organise a taxi and seafood restaurant for us to go to in the evening.  No walking at night, too dangerous.  Having driven to the beach side cafe/restaurant I could understand, loads of shacks, run down area very, very poor.  People on Boca Chica beach kept coming to our table trying to sell things and offering massages.  Food was very medico, the usual specialities of fish with tomato and onion sauce and plantains etc.  J  ordered a lobster, it was TINY with a ton of garlic I had linguini with tuna mushrooms very big.

The Marina Zatar is building and developing quite nicely a new restaurant and more facilities.