Nautical service providers in Cabo San Lucas are sounding the alarm over a proposed fee structure by the National Port System Administration (ASIPONA), warning that the drastic price hikes for dock access and ramp usage could devastate the local tourism economy.

The proposed tariffs, which target smaller vessels, include massive increases for basic maritime operations. According to industry representatives, these costs will force nautical companies to raise prices for the bay tours that define the region’s tourism appeal.

Drastic Fee Hikes

The proposed adjustments represent some of the most significant price surges in the region’s maritime history:

• Dock Access Fees: Expected to rise from 15 pesos to 38.79 pesos, a 158.6% increase.
• Ramp Usage Fees: Fees for moving vessels in and out of the marina are slated to jump from 30 pesos to 200 pesos—a staggering 566.7% increase.

Currently, a standard tourist excursion around the Cabo San Lucas bay costs between 150 and 180 pesos per person. However, providers warn that if the new quotas are implemented and costs are passed on to consumers, the price for the same tour could soar to nearly 400 pesos per person.

Threat of Bankruptcy for Small Businesses

Raúl Olivares, president of the Association of Water Service Providers of El Médano beach, characterized the proposal as a threat to the very survival of local businesses. He noted that the sector has been attempting to block these fees since ASIPONA assumed control of the marinas.

“If these tariffs are applied, it would shatter the economic model of Cabo San Lucas, leading to the bankruptcy of small nautical companies,” Olivares stated.

To illustrate the scale of the impact, Olivares shared estimates showing that the monthly payments for a yacht—which currently average around 3,000 pesos for various services and rights—could exceed 77,000 pesos under the new fee structure.

Scale of Impact

The maritime infrastructure in Cabo San Lucas is a cornerstone of the local economy. According to the Port Captaincy, approximately 1,400 vessels operate in the bay, with roughly 750 remaining docked at the marina.

The new pricing model is not limited to simple access; it also includes differentiated rates based on passenger count, duration of stay at the dock, vessel size, and specific time slots for morning and night operations. The nautical community maintains that these cumulative costs will create a prohibitive barrier for everything from small tour boats to large luxury yacht operators.