A Historic Commitment to the Protection of Loreto Bay

Mexico’s federal government has officially confirmed that there will be no cruise ships and no deep-sea commercial port in Loreto, Baja California Sur.Following instructions from President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s Secretary of Environment, Alicia Bárcena, announced that the future of navigation in Loreto will be developed through dialogue with the local community, scientists, and government agencies.“Loreto will have neither cruise ships nor a deep-sea port. Loreto Bay is a natural heritage site of great importance, and its regulation must be built by listening to the community.”

The announcement also confirms that: ( check the full announcement here)

• Loreto remains a cabotage port, meaning international cruise ships cannot currently call at the port.

• Cruise ship requests have been denied through 2030.

• A new regulatory framework will be developed using the best available scientific information while prioritizing the protection of Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

For decades, Loreto has been recognized as one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems in the Eastern Pacific. Home to blue whales, humpback whales, pilot whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, sperm whales, orca, sharks, dolphins, sea lions, mobula rays, and more than 900 marine species, the National Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Mexico’s greatest natural treasures.

This decision represents an important opportunity to ensure that tourism continues to support conservation, local communities, and future generations while preserving the extraordinary wildlife that makes Loreto unique.

At the same time, protecting Loreto’s waters requires a comprehensive approach. Alongside regulations for large commercial vessels, it is essential that all maritime activities, including recreational boating and yacht operations, follow strong environmental standards, responsible navigation practices, and science-based management to safeguard this fragile ecosystem.

The voices of nature, the Loreto community, and wildlife advocates have been heard.