How Did Hurricane Otis & Hurricane Norma Affect The Boat & Yacht Marinas That Stood In Their Path?

In October 2023, two intense hurricanes—Otis and Norma—battered Mexico's coastlines. We all know Mexico as a popular boating and fishing destination, but these hurricanes reminded everyone how wild and unpredictable the sea can be.

Let us show you the real impact of Hurricanes Otis and Norma on Mexico and why you must get Mexico boat insurance if you plan to sail these waters.

Hurricane Otis was a record-breaking disaster

When Hurricane Otis hit Acapulco as a Category 5, it became the strongest hurricane ever recorded in this region. Winds were blowing at an incredible 113.64 mph, with gusts even stronger at 204.90 mph! Otis completely devastated 480 tourist boats across the state of Guerrero and sank at least 33 in Acapulco Bay alone.

The marinas were devastated. Securely moored boats found their way to the bottom of the bay or shattered into pieces. The bay of Puerto Marqués and Playa Manzanillo turned into disaster zones, littered with capsized boats.

The financial impact was extreme as well. Enki Research estimated the damage at around USD 15 billion. That surpasses the damages caused by Hurricane Wilma, making Otis Mexico's most expensive weather disaster ever.

The disastrous Hurricane Norma

Hurricane Norma (initially a Category 4) made its way towards Mexico's west coast soon after. By the time it reached Baja California Sur as a Category 1, it still caused significant destruction. Streets flooded, and winds over 90 mph ravaged the coast—with the strongest gusts in Cabo San Lucas reaching 107 mph.

The marinas in La Paz got hit hard. Many sailboats and yachts moored along the coast suffered extensive damage or were completely destroyed. The situation got so bad that over 400 people were stranded on a ferry when the port had to shut down.

The financial damages in Baja California Sur and Sinaloa totaled USD 11.1 million and USD 12.2 million, respectively—amounting to over USD 23.3 million in infrastructural losses.

What's the big lesson?

The aftermath of Hurricanes Otis and Norma reminds everyone that sailing can be unpredictable, and one must always be prepared. Getting the right Mexico boat insurance should be a priority if you plan to sail to Mexico from the US or Canada.

When buying Mexico boat insurance, you are looking at two main coverage types—hull insurance and watercraft liability. Hull insurance protects your boat against physical damage. Whether the damage or loss comes from storms or collisions, it will cover the cost of repairs or replacements.

Watercraft liability is just as important. It provides coverage if your boat accidentally causes injury or property damage. For example, it will help cover the repair costs if your boat floats away during a storm and crashes into another.

Get your Mexico boat insurance quote today!

Despite the destruction Hurricanes Otis and Norma brought, the appeal of Mexico's waters has remained strong. But these events do show us the importance of being prepared with the right insurance.

If you are looking for a comprehensive Mexico boat insurance policy, reach out to West Coast Global Insurance Services. With over two decades of experience, they can offer guidance and help you find the best online Mexican insurance solutions from top-rated Mexican insurance carriers.

Click this link for a free Mexico boat insurance quote, or visit www.westcoastri.com to learn more!

West Coast Global Insurance Services is dedicated to continuously researching our industry for the most comprehensive, best-priced insurance policies available in Mexico.