Los Cabos closes its port and warns against sailing over swell from tropical storm Marie

The Harbor Master of San José del Cabo and the Los Cabos municipal government urged a halt to navigation and closed the port starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, amid rising wind and swell tied to tropical storm Marie, which is moving northwest across the Pacific.

The advisory reports swell above 10 feet —more than three meters— with periods of 15 to 16 seconds, along with heavy rain and lightning over the tourist corridor. Because of these conditions, the maritime authority asked fishers, boaters and nautical tour operators to preventively suspend their activities.

The Harbor Master instructed operators to "secure vessels, equipment, lines and any elements liable to be affected, keep radio, navigation and geolocation equipment powered on," and to watch for updates on the port closure, which will be lifted only when the sea returns to safe conditions.

The closure directly affects the Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo waterfronts, home to the sportfishing fleet, whale-watching tours and commercial pangas, an activity central to the local economy. Going out despite the warning carries not only risk but possible penalties from the maritime authority.

What to do: owners of small boats should pull them from the water or reinforce their moorings ashore; tour operators should reschedule departures and notify clients. For reports and questions about reopening, the Harbor Master can be reached at (624) 146-7600. Beachgoers should heed the flags and stay out of the water while the high surf lasts.

Ground swell can persist even under clear skies, so authorities asked people not to let their guard down during breaks in the rain. The port's reopening will be announced through the official channels of the municipal government and the Harbor Master.