New Bacalar Lagoon Speed Zones & Rules

CHETUMAL, MX — Following a meeting with local service providers, the Port Captain of Chetumal and Bacalar, Román Bustos Gómez, announced the delineation of five specific navigable zones within the Laguna de Bacalar as part of the new General Navigation Rules. The measures are designed to establish minimum safety standards for vessels.

Bustos Gómez clarified that municipal, state, and federal institutions are responsible for addressing the environmental issues affecting the lagoon. He stated that the Port Authority's role is to collaborate within its jurisdiction based on any provisions or recommendations issued by environmental authorities.

“The Port Authority will join from the scope of its powers the provisions or recommendations that the environmental authorities issue, as it is our intention to assist and collaborate in caring for the environment,” Bustos Gómez said.

He insisted that local and federal authorities must take charge of environmental protection measures, which he described as being related to “comprehensive strategies that include the containment of water runoff from the mountains of Campeche, the control of agrochemicals, reforestation to reinforce natural containment barriers, drainage systems, wastewater treatment plants, and, mainly, greater citizen awareness.”

The new operational rules under the Port Captaincy’s purview seek to “establish minimum safety provisions for navigation aboard any type of motor-propelled vessel, as well as measures for the use of docks, ramps, and launch sites.”

The Five Designated Zones

The defined zones are as follows:

• Zone 1: Navigation with Caution – This area extends from the coastline to 50 meters toward the center of the lagoon. It is designated for swimmers and the docking and departure maneuvers of small recreational and sports vessels, with a speed limit not to exceed 7.4 km/h.
• Zone 2: Low-Speed Navigation – Vessels of all types may operate in this zone at a maximum speed of 18.52 km/h.
• Zone 3: Recreational Tow Navigation – This zone is for towed activities and water skiing. Circulation must be in a clockwise direction at a speed not exceeding 37 km/h.
• Zone 4: Personal Watercraft Navigation – This area permits the use of personal watercraft (jet skis). Circulation must be in a clockwise direction at a speed not exceeding 37 km/h.
• Zone 5: Navigation Restriction – This encompasses the area known as “Los Rápidos,” the channel connecting the Bacalar and Xul Há lagoons, and the area known as “El Canal de los Piratas.” Navigation is restricted for motor and sailboats in Los Rápidos. In the Canal de los Piratas, navigation for motor-propelled vessels is only permitted with authorization from the Port Captaincy.

Bustos Gómez explained that sensitive areas, which are marked with buoys, are completely off-limits. No type of vessel or swimmers are permitted access to these zones.

The meeting was held to update service providers who use the lagoon on the progress of implementing the new navigation rules. The report was filed by Rafael Briceño.