Laguna Nichupté to Serve as Hurricane Refuge for up to 600 Boats

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Laguna Nichupté, part of the Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancún and Punta Nizuc National Park, will serve as a refuge for up to 600 boats during the hurricane season, according to park director Arturo González González.

Speaking after a monthly meeting of the Nautical Associates of Quintana Roo (ANQ), González said the lagoon has historically been used as a shelter for vessels during severe weather. However, boat owners must follow strict protocols to protect the ecosystem.

Once a hurricane warning is issued, vessels should ideally be moved to a dry marina or use public ramps. But the public ramp is currently closed because the National Fund for Tourism Promotion (Fonatur) has not yet assigned an administrator, complicating operations.

The Nichupté Mangrove Management Program designates the area from kilometer 2 to 4 of the hotel zone as a refuge, with capacity for 600 boats. Nautical operators, fishermen, and cooperatives can secure their vessels there.

Rules include no cutting mangroves, vessels must be under 40 feet, respect draft limits, and no alcohol on board. The goal is responsible, coordinated use of the area.

González warned that violators could face penalties from the Port Captaincy and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa). He urged boaters to follow the protocol to avoid fines.