Anchorage· Isla Mujeres· Mexico
Laguna Makax Hurricane Hole
21° 14.0′ N · 86° 44.3′ W · approximate
A 36-hectare mangrove-fringed lagoon tucked into the middle of Isla Mujeres, entered from the south end of the harbor - the island's traditional hurricane hole, once a pirate hideout.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: placed just south of Marina Puerto Isla Mujeres (OpenStreetMap shows the marina at 21.2363, -86.7385 on the lagoon side) inside the lagoon; check your chart. Por Esto (July 2021) reports the lagoon sheltered about 350 vessels during Hurricanes Delta and Zeta (2020), that the island's 250-plus local fishing and tour boats use it first, that it has more than 40 docks (many unregulated) and no carrying-capacity limit set by the Capitanía. Hazards: old engine blocks sunk as improvised moorings are unmarked and can hole a hull; the water is polluted. The port may be closed when a hurricane is imminent because of heavy seas over the shoals. Arrive early, with plenty of ground tackle and lines to the mangroves; check with the port captain on VHF 16. Puerto Isla Mujeres (Marina Puerto Isla Mujeres) and its yard sit on the lagoon.
Best for
Storm refuge when a tropical system threatens the Yucatán
Season
Jun–Nov hurricane refuge; crowded early
Nearby
- Atlantic Hurricane Season (Mexican Caribbean)Right here
- Isla Mujeres Chandlery and Marine Parts0.2 NM away
- Isla Mujeres Fuel Dock (Puerto Isla Mujeres)0.2 NM away
- Isla Mujeres Mercado and Supermarkets0.2 NM away
- Marina Puerto Isla Mujeres0.2 NM away
- Puerto Isla Mujeres Shipyard (Haul-Out)0.2 NM away
- Isla Mujeres Turtle Farm (Tortugranja)0.4 NM away
- Polo's Mango Cafe (Isla Mujeres)0.4 NM away