The Capitanía de Puerto closed Cabo San Lucas harbor to small-vessel navigation Tuesday morning, August 18, as heavy surf and strong winds rolled through Los Cabos. Red flags went up across nearly every beach in the municipality as a safety precaution.
The port closure, announced at 7:45 a.m., affects all vessels under 500 gross tons and remains in effect until further notice. Officials cited east-northeast winds of 15 knots with gusts to 20 knots, overcast skies and waves running three to five feet.
What Caused the Closure
A low-pressure system and cyclonic circulation over the Baja California Sur peninsula drove the surge. Francisco Cota Márquez, director of Civil Protection and Risk Management for the municipality of Los Cabos, said wind gusts hit 70 kilometers per hour Monday night, with rain and rising wave heights.
The port authority reported cloud buildup on the horizon with the possibility of sudden squalls, plus increased wind and surf that pose a risk to life and smaller craft.
Which Beaches Are Affected
Zofemat Los Cabos placed red flags at all beaches across the municipality as a preventive measure. The list includes Palmilla, Acapulquito, Costa Azul, Las Palmas, La Playa, La Ribera, El Surgidero, Spa Buena Vista, La Gaviota, El Corsario, El Médano, Hacienda, Santa María, El Chileno and El Tule, among others.
A red flag means no swimming. Conditions are not safe for entering the water or conducting water-based activities. Lifeguard crews remain on duty and are urging residents and tourists to stay out of the surf.
What Residents and Visitors Should Know
Civil Protection and the municipality of Los Cabos are monitoring weather conditions through the State Civil Protection Council. No timeline has been given for reopening the harbor, and beach conditions are being reassessed as the system moves.
Fishing charters, water taxis, dive boats and other harbor-based services are on hold until the port authority issues an all-clear. Travelers with scheduled activities should check with operators directly for cancellations and rebooking.
The municipality emphasized that the closures and flags are meant to protect public safety. Anyone visiting beaches during this period should follow lifeguard instructions, respect posted signage and avoid taking unnecessary risks near the water.
Officials will continue issuing updates as weather conditions change. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor local news and official municipal channels for the latest information on beach conditions and port status.
