Ports Closed in Quintana Roo Due to Cold Front, Nautical Sector Loses

Cancún. The passage of cold front number 32 triggered a northern event this Saturday that is keeping various ports in Quintana Roo closed to navigation, affecting both large and small vessels, maritime authorities reported.

Up to $300,000 Daily in Economic Losses

According to the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo, these types of closures represent economic losses of up to $300,000 daily for the nautical tourism industry, impacting the entire value chain that depends on maritime activity, such as captains, tour operators, photographers, waiters, cooks, and instructors, among other service providers.

According to figures from Ricardo Muleiro López, as of January 20, the ports of Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Puerto Juárez had accumulated eight closed days, while Puerto Morelos had four days without operations, a situation that has been prolonged with the meteorological event recorded this weekend.

Port Status

This Saturday, for example, according to the notice issued by the Port Captaincy and the Integral Port Administration of Quintana Roo (Apiqroo) at 08:00 hours this Saturday, January 31, the port status is as follows:

• Puerto Juárez and Punta Sam: closed to small vessels since 22:00 hours on January 30; the Nichupté Lagoon remains open with caution.
• Isla Mujeres: closed to small and large vessels since 22:00 hours on January 30; only passenger and cargo route vessels are authorized for navigation.
• Puerto Morelos: closed to vessels under 500 tons since 20:00 hours on January 30.
• Playa del Carmen: closed to small vessels throughout the jurisdiction as of 10:00 hours this Saturday.
• Cozumel: closed to small vessels since 22:00 hours on January 30.
• Holbox: closed to vessels under 15 meters within the Conil Lagoon, north side, and Cabo Catoche.
• Chetumal and Mahahual: ports open to general navigation.

Authorities Urge Public to Stay Informed

The closure of the ports is maintained as a preventive measure against the wind gusts associated with the northern event, with the objective of safeguarding the safety of crews, tourists, and vessels. Therefore, authorities urged the public and the tourism sector to stay informed only through official channels.

The nautical sector hopes that weather conditions will improve in the coming hours to resume operations and reduce the economic impact these phenomena generate on one of the pillars of tourism in Cancún.