NORTHERN QUINTANA ROO (CANCÚN, ISLA MUJERES, PUERTO MORELOS, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, COZUMEL)

Cancún / Riviera Maya: boating safety

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Cancún and the Riviera Maya on Mexico's Caribbean coast are a base for day charters, sport fishing and yacht cruising, with marinas in Cancún, Isla Mujeres, Puerto Aventuras and Cozumel. Coastal waters along the Mesoamerican Reef are largely protected.

LIFE IN DANGER AT SEA
Call 911
Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF 16, or DSC on channel 70.

Mexico: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →

Harbour and marinas

The state port authority, API Quintana Roo (APIQROO), runs the public ports and maritime terminals at Puerto Juárez (Cancún), Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and publishes operating rules for each.

Administración Portuaria Integral de Quintana Roo (APIQROO) ▾
apiqroo.com.mx (2026-10-14): “Puertos Puerto Juárez Chetumal Cozumel Isla Mujeres Playa del Carmen Puerto Morelos Bacalar”

Weather

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean: a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima · Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “Pronósticos Golfo de México y Mar Caribe Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs. Océano Pacífico Síntesis 05 hrs. Pronóstico 08 hrs. Pronóstico 12 hrs. Pronóstico 20 hrs.”
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): “La Secretaría de Marina a través de la Dirección de Meteorología Marítima, ha generado 18 regiones de pronóstico para el Pacífico Mexicano y 11 para el Golfo de México y Mar Caribe”

Hazards

The tropical cyclone (hurricane) season runs from 1 June to 30 November on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean. Watch SEMAR and official warnings closely during these months.

Secretaría de Marina (SEMAR), Dirección de Meteorología Marítima ▾
meteorologia.semar.gob.mx (2026-10-14): ““EL DÍA 15 DE MAYO INICIA LA TEMPORADA DE CICLONES TROPICALES EN EL LITORAL DEL OCÉANO PACÍFICO Y EL 1RO. DE JUNIO INICIA EN EL GOLFO DE MÉXICO Y MAR CARIBE, FINALIZANDO PARA AMBOS EL 30 DE NOVIEMBRE DEL PRESENTE AÑO””

Frequently asked

Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Cancún / Riviera Maya?

Call 911 and ask for the Navy (Marina). On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.

How do I contact the harbour in Cancún / Riviera Maya?

The state port authority, API Quintana Roo (APIQROO), runs the public ports and maritime terminals at Puerto Juárez (Cancún), Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel, and publishes operating rules for each.

Where do I get the marine forecast for Cancún / Riviera Maya?

The Mexican Navy (SEMAR) marine weather service publishes forecasts for the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean: a summary at 05:00 and forecasts at 08:00, 12:00 and 20:00, plus storm and swell warnings, split into regional forecast zones.

Read before you sail

Thunderstorms, lightning and squalls on the water: what to doCold water shock and hypothermia: what to doPerson overboard: what to doEngine failure: what to do when you lose power

Nearby destinations

Florida Keys 341 nmMiami and Biscayne Bay 453 nmNassau & the Exumas 571 nmSan Blas / Guna Yala 838 nmPuerto Vallarta MexicoAnnapolis and Chesapeake Bay United StatesFajardo St. Thomas and St. John

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