In this area you can only cross by bridge or by ferry. Customs will not let you dock at the ferry crossing and walk up. You have 'ride' the ferry across and check through. I'm not sure why, but I've tried this and they get pretty irate.

Definitely keep in touch, you're going to love this area.

All said and done, you could probably get away with not checking in, but the consequences aren't the best if you get caught.

So you are saying that if I were in a boat departing from a canadian port and crossing into US waters in the Lake St Clair area and looking to find the nearest Town or marina to land, I would not find a US customs office or video phone to check-in at.... Mike

I keep it on speed dial 1-313-393-3949 providing you had a valid I68 or Nexus card you can just call in before or once you land in the US & your done with it. in case you are approached by the US customs - no worries

There are customs offices in Algonac, Marine City, and Port Huron. Algonac and Marine City's offices are on the water but you can't just pull up to them by boat. They don't really have docking facilities short of where the ferry lands. Port Huron's office is at the base of the bridge, about a mile from any water.

Getting an I68 and a phone call is probably your best route. Like I said though, I think I68's are regional and the one you would get on the St. Lawerence might not be valid for the St. Clair and Detroit area.

Having a Nexus card is better but you probably don't have enough time to get it.

Just being proactive, you don't want Border Patrol to ruin your trip unnecessarily.

Hey guys thanks for the info so far, we are spoiled in the 1000 Islands US Customs being at Bodlt Castle. Lots of dockage and agents are friendly and efficent, never had a problem checking in at that location. I will speak to the Harbourmaster at Sarnia Bay Marina as well before heading down river. Hopefully we get a chance to say hi to you guys while we arein the area. Black hull, white topsides on a 89 272 Formula ...........Mike

I call US Customs at Bluewater bridge today and told the agent that wanted to cross the river and check in. He said the best thing is to cross the river and head up to River Street Marina. He said I am to tie up and call the office at the bridge 810-985-9541 and pick option from the message that asks for boat check in and inspection and agent will drive down and do the check in. He mentioned more than once that only the skipper can step out of the boat until they arrive............Mike

As long as they know you are there, and you can prove it if the border patrol comes along, you'll be fine.

At the end of the day it's not really that big of a deal but they do take the border here very seriously.

Keep in touch.

Just another reason to boat in the good old St. Lawerance:drink:

Hot Stepper
Sounds like you need a St Lawerance fix,
did you live in the area? If I can trailer there you should be able to trailer back down. Abay, Lake of the Isles, Picton Island, Pirate Days, Potters Beach, Rockport, do those names bring back good memories for you.
JoAnne and I will be in the T. I`s five times this summer, starting June 19 for the Abay Poker Run. Jo has family in Sarnia and we always wanted to attend Bayfest ( Rock or Country) weekend. We have boated all over Ontaio and Quebec, the port of Old Montreal is great, so is Ottawa. Thanks again for all the info, hope to catch up sometime....Mike

Names all sound familiar,, let me add one how about a proud member of the purple ghosts, ever heard of them? As for the fix, it's already scheduled weekend before the forth thru the fouth and then both weekends of pirates weekend. As for trailering, well I can honestly say my boats has been in all five of the great lakes. some short ventures others include west coast of Mi to Chiacago 70 miles one way as the crow flies:drink: