Ahead of the 2026 Holy Week holiday, the Congress of Baja California Sur approved a resolution urging federal and local authorities to strengthen surveillance and guarantee free access to the state’s beaches.
The proposal, presented by Representative Venustiano Pérez, calls on agencies such as SEMARNAT (the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources), PROFEPA (the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection), and the state’s five municipalities to increase inspections in the federal maritime-terrestrial zone.
According to statements made on the congressional floor, the 2026 Easter holiday period, from March 29 to April 5, is expected to be one of the busiest travel seasons for Baja California Sur’s beaches, drawing both residents and visitors from across the country.
Pérez noted that families frequently visit coastal areas for recreation, whether for extended stays or day trips, increasing demand for public access. He added that each year there are reports of tourist developments or private property owners restricting or blocking entry to beaches, which often generates public frustration.
“Every holiday season there are numerous complaints from the public. In some beach areas, access is restricted and in many cases completely blocked,” he said.
The legislator warned that such practices can force visitors to travel to more distant locations, affecting mobility and access.
During the presentation of the resolution, lawmakers reiterated that beach access is a legal right. Mexico’s General Law of National Assets states that access to beaches and the federal maritime-terrestrial zone cannot be restricted unless specifically allowed by law.
In addition, the state Penal Code establishes penalties of three to seven years in prison for anyone who obstructs or prevents public access to beaches.
Pérez also pointed out that public easements are considered matters of public utility under state law, obligating authorities to guarantee access routes when direct pathways are not available.
The approved resolution urges authorities to strengthen oversight and document violations by property owners, concessionaires, or permit holders whose land borders beaches.
If unjustified restrictions are identified, the measure recommends initiating administrative or criminal proceedings and, when appropriate, revoking concessions.
The resolution also highlights the need to balance tourism activity with the public’s right to beach access to prevent conflicts during the holiday period.
Finally, it calls on the municipalities of Mulegé, Loreto, Comondú, La Paz, and Los Cabos, responsible for administering the federal maritime-terrestrial zone, to increase monitoring within their jurisdictions.
The goal is to prevent incidents and ensure that residents and visitors can legally access and enjoy the beaches during Holy Week 2026.
