EntranceChannel
CABO SAN LUCAS
ENTRANCE CHANNEL
The Entrance to the Inner Harbor is charted as a range of 268° heading into the Harbor. The navigational range is comprised of two white diamonds set low on a pink hotel. However the USS Hurricane (PC 3) indicated in a February 2001 Ship Visit Report that the range is inaccurate and often obscured by yachts moored in the Inner Harbor.
Cerro Las Tetas Light (22°52.6'N 109°57.6'W), Figure V-9, and Punta Cabeza De Ballena Light (22°54.2'N 109°50.6'W), Figure V-8, provide excellent landmarks during the approach to the anchorages and the Inner Harbor. Las Tetas (The Paps) is a conical hill with a double summit. The hill is 695.6 ft (212 m) high and a conspicuous sand slide stands close east of it. The main light is shown from a tower, 19.7 ft (6m) high, standing on Las Tetas and has a range of about 60 nmi. If a cruise ship is not obscuring the Inner Harbor, the North Jetty Light (22°52.9'N 109°54.3'W) and Isla Cerro La Bufadora (22°52.6'N 109°53.4'W) may also be used during the approach. Two excellent navigation aids on land that are not provided on NIMA Chart # 21126 are the radio towers at approximately 22°56.3'N 109°52.3'W and 22°53'N 109°55.5'W. The southern most rock (Point Cabo) provides the best point for radar navigation.
There are no restrictions in the approach to the Inner Harbor. However, numerous small boats in the Inner Harbor limit maneuverability and a slow transit speed not to exceed 5 kt is recommended. The maximum draft permitted is 18 ft (5.5 m) and only a USN PC class ship can navigate safely in the Inner Harbor. Navy and Coast Guard ships normally anchor in the Outer Harbor. The Outer Harbor is open to the sea.
Ships entering or departing from the Port can expect an easterly set of 0.5 to 3 kt. Currents at the anchorage areas are from the east through southeast due to refraction and are independent of the wind.
Winds from the south and southeast have the greatest impact on the Port and the anchorage areas. Tropical cyclones passing to the west of Cabo San Lucas are the most dangerous while tropical cyclones passing to the east present less of a threat to the Port. Figure V-10, Figure V-11, and Figure V-12 include a portion of NIMA chart # 21126 and two other charts that show additional navigational information for the Port of Cabo San Lucas.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/mexico/cabosanl/text/sect3.htm
